Growing fodder for chickens

[CATRYNA]

Hi The only insect so far I have had are gnats, and they are really not much of a problem. If your set up is on a covered patio or deck, you should have no problem with critters. Mine is inside near a window.

i just use the regular H2O2 from the grocery store or pharmacy. I use it full strength in the spray bottle; on the bottom outside and entire inside of the tray and then give it a rinse before putting in the soaked seeds.

I have never soaked any seed for 24 hours. Most of my seeds are soaked from 8 to 12 hours.

As far as how long I allow the grains or seeds to grow, that kind of determines what animal is going to eat it. The ducks enjoy fodder (wheat, barley and rye) that has been growing for around 6 to 8 days or to 5 or 6 inches. Our chickens prefer the fodder around 2 inches. They especially like it if it's fermented. Lentils I like to grow until they are about 2 or 3 inches and leafed out. Mung beans pretty much the same as the lentils, except they don't grow straight and tall but remain pretty curled up. Buckwheat becomes very soft and mushy as it sprouts and has a tendency to ferment, as well as becoming slimey and messy compared to the the other grains, so it's very much a favorite. Hope this helps.

 

[mckeesbackyard]

Hi   The only insect so far I have had are gnats, and they are really not much of a problem. If your set up is on a covered patio or deck, you should have no problem with critters. Mine is inside near a window.

i just use the regular H2O2 from the grocery store or pharmacy. I use it full strength in the spray bottle; on the bottom outside and entire inside of the tray and then give it a rinse before putting in the soaked seeds.

I have never soaked any seed for 24 hours. Most of my seeds are soaked from 8 to 12 hours.

As far as how long I allow the grains or seeds to grow, that kind of determines what animal is going to eat it. The ducks enjoy fodder (wheat, barley and rye) that has been growing for around 6 to 8 days or to 5 or 6 inches. Our chickens prefer the fodder around 2 inches. They especially like it if it's fermented. Lentils I like to grow until they are about 2 or 3 inches and leafed out. Mung beans pretty much the same as the lentils, except they don't grow straight and tall but remain pretty curled up. Buckwheat becomes very soft and mushy as it sprouts and has a tendency to ferment, as well as becoming slimey and messy compared to the the other grains, so it's very much a favorite. Hope this helps.

Thanks! This information is very helpful. When you say, fermented, does that mean you added vinegar? Have you ever tried spraying with vinegar instead of peroxide?

 

[CATRYNA]

I have never used vinegar. Some grains are more prone to fermentation, and the process takes place on it's own. I only use the H2O2, in order to "sterilize" the fodder tray, in order to control any mold formation.

 

[mckeesbackyard]

I have never used vinegar. Some grains are more prone to fermentation, and the process takes place on it's own. I only use the H2O2, in order to "sterilize"  the fodder tray, in order to control any mold formation.

I will try your process since it 's successful with a lot of grains. Thanks again!

 

[CATRYNA]

You're welcome. Much success to you.

 

[brooks2873]

How old does your chicken have to be to eat fodder?

 

[Concerned01]

I would say adult, so they can digest properly. I use it only as a supplement.
They love it. Had to hand feed at first but no problem now.

 

[CATRYNA]

Ours have been eating fodder since they were a couple of weeks old. At that age we chopped it into tiny pieces. But, the fodder was also only about 2 inches long to begin with. We have never had a problem. By the time they are a month old they can handle fodder that is a couple of inches long. We start feeding them meal worms when they are only a few days old.

 

[Concerned01]

My girls are already spoiled lol 7 more spoiled I don't know. It probably will happen tho, no favorites

 

[Fancychooklady]

How old does your chicken have to be to eat fodder?

My chicks dive into it with mum. They only eat the softened grain.