Guess what season it is in the Northern Hemisphere?! - Its FODDER Season! 🍀

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Here in the uk raising my little flock of 7 girlies
I’ve not heard of fodder but will give Chia a try today!!!
fingers

Chia seeds suck! They turn into a pudding that will block from draining away.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Barley is boss. I spout ALOT of it. I also sell tons of seed for those who are interested. My flock eats it up! Here a little clip of one of the biscuits.

Where are you located? I'd be interested in good Barley seeds.

 

[Wormhunter]

@Wormhunter, the chia was a total bust. It turned into a gooey mess. You can use chia to make pudding, as a thickener, or an egg replacement in a recipe. I thought if I spread the seeds out on a terra cotta dish, they would just make a flat mat chia pet. But they got gooey and then molded.

I did not use any bleach in the rinse/watering water to inhibit the mold. So maybe keep that in mind, and let us know how it goes! Good luck.

I'm trying to make rice fodder now. I read up on amaranth, and it isn't a good thing for the chickens to eat.

 

[Sally PB]

Where are you located? I'd be interested in good Barley seeds.

I might be as well.

 

[Wormhunter]

Ooh thanks for the heads up about the chia. I’ve already down some so it might need to go on the bird table for the sparrows!!!
Is the corn I buy for ‘scratch’ any good or I have some sunflower seeds( with shells on)

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Ooh thanks for the heads up about the chia. I’ve already down some so it might need to go on the bird table for the sparrows!!!
Is the corn I buy for ‘scratch’ any good or I have some sunflower seeds( with shells on)

I have tried bird feed mix with sunflower seeds, the result wasn't too impressive as the millet did not sprout at all and my ducks didn't like them. It was, however, a really good day for the smaller wild birds…

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

@Wormhunter, the chia was a total bust. It turned into a gooey mess. You can use chia to make pudding, as a thickener, or an egg replacement in a recipe. I thought if I spread the seeds out on a terra cotta dish, they would just make a flat mat chia pet. But they got gooey and then molded.
...

My Chia looked like frog-eggs before it started to rot. Chia is really good to prevent your soil from erosion after you dug up or excavated something, it drives roots within 3-5 days and my ducks loved to eat it once it got larger.

 

[thelittlegraybarn]

That's a really nice looking mat of barley fodder. I know my chickens would peck and scratch that fodder apart in no time.

Ducks have flat bills and webbed feet. Do you find your ducks are able to tear apart the nice thick root mat of your fodder? I ask because some people with ducks have stated they prefer a thin root mat because the ducks have an easier time tearing it apart.

The ducks will take it down to the roots and the chickens take it from there. It's a win for all parties involved. If you want you can pull it early before the roots get to thick and the ducks can handle it all.

 

[thelittlegraybarn]

Where are you located? I'd be interested in good Barley seeds.

PM sent.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

The ducks will take it down to the roots and the chickens take it from there. It's a win for all parties involved. If you want you can pull it early before the roots get to thick and the ducks can handle it all.

My ducks eat the greens, the root mat and the remaining seeds that haven't sprouted - and my fingers too if i don't retract my hands quick enough. There is almost nothing green left outside here and they are like vegetarian-pirañhas…