My simple laundry sink fodder growing setup.

[ScottM]

A great science question I'd like to know is: does it matter how long to soak the seeds! 12 hours or 24 hours? Or, does watering 3x or 2x or just once per day affect growth?

Lots of thoughts but little scientific investigation.

 

[skitzkle]

I can't wait to try this! My husband is going to think I am crazy! Chickens, mealworms & sprouts!!!

 

[mamashomestead]

Would sprouting veggie seeds along with oats work?

 

[OHhappychicks]

Would sprouting veggie seeds along with oats work?

This is a good question. I would like to use veggie seed also, but aren't they treated with chemicals? I'm not sure if organic seed are treated or not. I use organic seed when I can in the garden, but to sprout and feed to the chickens, I'm not sure. Will be interested in replies of other more experienced.

 

[homeworkin]

Ask your seed supplier. Many are available untreated.

 

[wormrun]

Most seeds, to prevent a fungus are treated if they are intended to be put into the ground including organic ones (only organically). Here's the thing, seeds don't always keep well. I dried my own and left them in the pan for months. Placed them into an air tight container and voila, mold! Hence the use of a fungicide. Although the fungicide may be organic, it could still harm your livestock. You can roll the roulette wheel on this knowing chickens as we all know are very hardy, however other livestock may not fare so well. Keep in mind that chickens can eat fermented seeds whereas rabbits could die if given fermented seeds, both are organic, but one has a slight twist. This is why it is best to use grain intended for animal feed, people feed, and sprouting. If these are seeds you have saved then you will be good to go!

Hope this helps....

 

[Lee Nelson]

Great idea. I saw an article on Back Yard Chickens about raising mealworms for chickens, so of course, I had to run out and buy 50 at my local pet shop in May. The colony is now around 500 and they sit on top of the dryer in my laundry room, and I get to watch them while I am doing laundry. Although my husband and daughter find them disgusting, I am fascinated by them. I am almost getting as attached to them as my chickens, and they were meant for them as treats! I enjoy watching the colony getting bigger and bigger, and all I have to give them is a little veggie matter every few days, such as potato peelings, apple peelings, etc. When they get thirsty, they start twitching, and I know it's time for veggie matter! So now I have another animal(s) to feed. Inn't life wunnerful???

 

[Mama7]

I'm trying this system and I put the seed in the trays I was wondering if I was supposed to soak the seed first in a bowl or will just pouring water over the trays work? Also how often do you pour water over the trays and for how long? Just till its wet or for 5 minutes? Thanks.

 

[Sheli Dixon]

I am so ready to give this a try. My sister and I are gonna go in on the stuff to start it together. So excited .

 

[Mama7]

I decided to create my own system for growing fodder for our flock and all of the kids helped to see how we did it go here.