Growing fodder for chickens

[Bryanshantel]

I did it for a few months and I got the same amount of eggs once they got use to it. The problem was they lost weight and I now use the pellets as a supplement

 

[Bryanshantel]

Fodder does not replace hay from what I am told but it does cut it back

 

[jamesjr]

Ok so what im seeing is that people aren't having a success with only fodder? Ill just give them some as treats then. How young can they have some?

 

[lazy gardener]

IMO, I'd consider fodder to be a high quality (treat) addition to their normal feed regimen. Sprouts would actually be higher in nutrient than fodder. I like to give them their FF first, and later in the day, give them the sprouts. My girls are spoiled, and most often get frequent visits through the day for feeding, checking up on them, and egg gathering. So far, going into my second winter, I've not had a frozen egg. But, today would be the day. Was below 0*F when I got up.

 

[zarafa121]

IMO, I'd consider fodder to be a high quality (treat) addition to their normal feed regimen. Sprouts would actually be higher in nutrient than fodder. I like to give them their FF first, and later in the day, give them the sprouts. My girls are spoiled, and most often get frequent visits through the day for feeding, checking up on them, and egg gathering. So far, going into my second winter, I've not had a frozen egg. But, today would be the day. Was below 0*F when I got up.

Thank you! I am so relieved to hear that others have "spoiled" their chickens. I thought I might be a little weird. Right now my four are "cooped" up in a small run and coop because of the snow and wet weather, and I am feeling guilty. We had just enough heavy snow some days ago to bring the larger run down. Anyway, in the summer I was able to let them out under supervision (fox and hawks lurking) in the evenings, but it's been too cold and wet lately to do that. Feeling a little guilty, but I know they are still fat and sassy. Thanks again!

Ditto on the sprouts!

 

[Bryanshantel]

from what I understand is they can have sprouts from almost right away. And I don't know if I would say I am not having any luck with only fodder I just don't have the recipe down yet. I was getting eggs but my chickens were slowly losing weight. I think I just did not have enough protein for them. I am now growing meal worms and duckweed to add to my fodder.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm thinking that I need to grow some duck weed this spring. Could be set up using run off from my rain barrel. Have also started some comfrey and siberian pea trees. Grew some sorghum this summer. That was interesting. Will also have space for more sunflowers and millet, and perhaps some grain crops on a very small scale.

 

[ChristineR]

I'm thinking that I need to grow some duck weed this spring. Could be set up using run off from my rain barrel. Have also started some comfrey and siberian pea trees. Grew some sorghum this summer. That was interesting. Will also have space for more sunflowers and millet, and perhaps some grain crops on a very small scale.

Do you know where I can get duck weed? I want to grow it for my ducks and geese, but when I Google it to find somewhere to buy it, all I find are articles and links to noxious weed websites.

 

[CATRYNA]

Do you know where I can get duck weed? I want to grow it for my ducks and geese, but when I Google it to find somewhere to buy it, all I find are articles and links to noxious weed websites.

If you can find it locally or on some pond or lake, gather it up and take it home. We collected duck weed from a neighbor's pond for months until the pond dried up for the summer. Our chckens, guineas, turkeys and ducks were crazy over it.

We haven't tried growing it ourselves yet, but want to. Here are several links that I have found to be helpful:
http://portablefarms.com/2013/domesticating-duckweed-the-food-of-the-future_aquaponics/
http://duckweedgardening.com/2012/03/07/duckweed-growing-tips-and-tricks/
http://www.offthegridnews.com/2014/...r-family-with-prolific-fast-growing-duckweed/
http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/Duckweed_as_chicken_feed/

 

[lazy gardener]

If you can find it in the wild, go for it. If you don't have access to it growing in the wild, you can most likely buy a starter batch at a pet store. There are several varieties. The one most familiar to me has bright lime to slightly darker round smooth leaves that are about 1/8" in diameter, with a single root growing down from the center of the leaf. They multiply by sprouting new leaves from the sides of the original one, and will very quickly multiply to cover the whole surface of the container. There is an other variety which has a larger more oval, and hairy leaf. I think this variety grows in warmer climates.