Growing fodder/sprouts

[millersuchey]

Considering growing some sprouts. Best kind to grow? Best/cheapest place to buy?

 

[lazy gardener]

How big a flock? How much volume of sprouts would you grow in a week? For your flock and YOUR use, or simply for the flock's use?

cheapest: whole grain from the feed store. Be sure it's not heat treated (if you buy feed grain) and be sure it's not meant for planting b/c that's often treated with fungicide and possibly pesticide. I've seen a 50# bag priced any where from $26 to $13. My favorites are barley and wheat. You can always use what you don't sprout for scratch, or plant it to give the flock more fresh greens in the summer.

Other options: whole oats, lentils (you can even sprout the ones you buy at the grocery store. I love to use lentil sprouts in my stir fries or soups.) Warning: pearl barley WILL NOT SPROUT!!!

Deer fodder: Look for a product similar to this: http://www.deercreekseed.com/wildli...9Kvip3vIEUBKK9psycutn3qAubCPuzsjV4aAnQT8P8HAQ Be very sure that it has not been treated with any fungicide before buying it to sprout. It is pricey, but the bags with a nice mix of grains and brassicas are a great choice. I will not buy it unless I find it drastically marked down at end of the season.

BOSS, other bird seeds. If you buy a mix, be sure it is made up completely of WHOLE seeds. No sunflower chips or cracked corn.






http://morningchores.com/cheap-chicken-feed/

 

[millersuchey]

Thank you for the info. My flock is small...only 8. I had chickens years ago but just getting back into it for my daughter's 4h project (she fell in love).

 

[lazy gardener]

I also had flocks back in the 70's - 80's. Just got back into it about 4 years ago, and loving the educational aspect of it.

 

[millersuchey]

Day 1 on bottom...day 6 on top. I am using deer seed from local co-op. It is 80% wheat with clover and a few others.