Growing fodder for chickens

[Mahlzeit]

Nobody has any input on how they deal with keeping the mold at bay?

 

[Clucksandgiggle]

Quote: Thanks! I would have thought more than a cup, glad I asked so my mat doesn't end up too thick!

 

[Clucksandgiggle]

Nobody has any input on how they deal with keeping the mold at bay?

Airflow is critical to keep mold at bay, no standing water, and good drainage.

Of course, I don't have my chickens yet so I've never grown fodder so my advise might not be right on, but I think it is. I have learned a lot from this thread about what to do/not do.

 

[NotAFarm]

Nobody has any input on how they deal with keeping the mold at bay?

Airflow is critical to keep mold at bay, no standing water, and good drainage.

Of course, I don't have my chickens yet so I've never grown fodder so my advise might not be right on, but I think it is. I have learned a lot from this thread about what to do/not do.

Key things for me were:

• sprouting a single kind of grain/seed, not mixtures of grain/seeds
• start with sterilized equipment and keep it that way between each use
• cleaning the seeds of debris that may hold moisture around the grain/seeds - I use a colander that has small slits/holes and shake the grain/seeds to sift out small particles - large stalk pieces and husks come to the top and I hand remove them
• rinse the grain/seed really well before soaking them
• when soaking lightweight debris floats and I remove it
• don't soak them too long - I soak wheat/barley/kamut for 4-5 hours and black oil sunflower seeds for 8 - rinsing when I think about it
• don't make the layer of grain/seeds too thick in your tray/container
• completely rinse the sprouts in the trays/container twice a day
• make sure you have lots of drainage in the bottom of whatever you are using for trays/containers
• I grow only during the winter in my house that has gas forced air heat so not a humid environment but if you have too much humidity that can be a problem
• we keep our temps inside at 65F at night and 68F when someone is home during the day but the sprouts are kept in the utility room with the furnace and hot water heater so probably around 70-72F most of the time

There are many people that sprout grain/seeds and you will probably find an equal amount of ways to accomplish the task. What works in one situation may or may not work somewhere else. Keep trying....eventually you will find what works for you!

 

[RoseMarie1]

I am using those square plastic pond baskets that you plant plants in for ponds. They have holes all over them so they water will drain out really well. I had two I'd bought for my goldfish pond and wasn't using them anymore. They have done very well. I have grown 3-4 batches so far and no mold. Although I didn't pay this price for the two I have. I found them at Lowes one fall on clearance for like 1.99 each. NOW I wish I'd bought more! Will keep my eyes peeled for more though.

http://www.amazon.com/Cobalt-Pond-P...qid=1425010947&sr=8-1&keywords=mesh+pond+pots

 

[tillyita]

Do you need to feed grit to chicks if you are feeding fodder? When do you start feedind to chicks?

Yes you need to feed grit if you're feeding fodder to chicks. I feed it to mine from about 3 days old. By the time they're a week old they mob you for it.

 

[callen0912]

S

Yes you need to feed grit if you're feeding fodder to chicks. I feed it to mine from about 3 days old. By the time they're a week old they mob you for it.

So glad to know this! My girls are around 2 weeks old and I've been wondering if I can give them fodder.

 

[JJSS89]

Yay! it is working! I can see little sprouts starting on my wheat today, I am so excited.

Tell us how you really feel

 

[tillyita]

S
Quote:
As a general rule the chicks can eat what ever mum eats (and they will given the opportunity) but if your feeding anything other than starter crumble you need to add grit.

 

[callen0912]

I

As a general rule the chicks can eat what ever mum eats (and they will given the opportunity) but if your feeding anything other than starter crumble you need to add grit.

I picked up grit, just need to decide what kind of grain to get. Is there anything that's better? Over something else? And how should the grit be offered? In a dish or a separate feeder? Sorry for all the questions, I'm new to it all