Sprouting Mix and other grains/beans?

[tenderkat]

I have been feeding my birds 16% Ranch-Way Poultry Layer Complete, and they have been doing really well. I also supplement with ground egg shells, oyster shell, oatmeal, hardboiled/scrambled eggs, applesauce, yogurt, and misc veggies and fruits. When weather has permitted, they have been out in the yard to forage whatever greens and bugs are available, although we have entered our hard winter so probably not much of that for awhile. I know their feed is complete, but I enjoy giving them extras, as do they.

I am considering sprouting some legumes and greens. What I have available to sprout are organic alfalfa seeds, and a sprouting mix which contains adzuki beans, red lentils, green lentils, wheatberries, triticale berries, fenugreek seeds, and sweet split peas. I am wondering if anybody else sprouts for their chickens, and if you have any advice on the pros and cons, techniques, how often, etc. Thanks!!

 

[jojo54]

I haven't done it but I bet the girls would love it. Just think fresh greens in the winter!! Yum! Yum!!

 

[txchickie]

I sprout lentils, I get 1lb for 50 cents at the grocery store and that 1lb makes quite a bit of sprouts! I've done wheat in the past, too.

I have a 3 year old daughter and she loves to help me rinse them, we do it in the kitchen in a big colander and a tea towel. It's not something that I do often, as that 1lb makes quite a bit and mine free-range anyway. I just think it's a good treat for them.

 

[StupidBird]

txchickie, where do you shop? Lentils are over a dollar a pound at our grocery stores in Atlanta.
I have read elsewhere that sprouted has more nutrients than dormant.

 

[dawny2u2]

I had some mung beans I wasn't using, and gave it a try. They LOVED em, and the mung beans tripled in volume! I think you will be pleased with this idea.

 

[oberhaslikid]

I go to the feed store and get Wheat Untreated and whole oats to sprout for winter greens.I got some serving trays at a local thrift shop and use them to sprout on.I spray every day for 5 days with a spray bottle with 1 tsp. of Peroxide in it to help keep from molding.

 

[PAJerry]

I sprout a mix of 1/3 BOSS amd 2/3 wheat. I have four trays I keep in rotation so I have sprouts every day. I sprout 3 cups of the mix at a time, which seems about right for my 12 birds. I rinse them only twice a day - before I leave for work and when I get home- and they do fine. The girls love them and seem to wait for me to give them when I get home. BOSS is gone in a few minutes and the rest is gone within an hour or so. Birds appear very healthy and the eggs taste great. I paid $9.00 for a bushel of wheat at a local mill and it will last most of the winter.

 

[GardenWeasel]

I was the sprout lady a couple years ago at a farmers market. Let me just say, another failed scheme. But of course I wouldn't fail so bought lbs from The Sprout People. I have been using them sporatically for us but I think I need to use these up. My fave is a mix of arugala,cress, radish and dill. Kind of afraid to sprout right now as I'm battling a ton of icky mice and I would hate to find a present in my sprouts Ewww

 

[bantybev]

ok....I really hate to sound dumb...but here goes

Could some please post instructions on growing sprouts? This sounds like a wonderful idea for my chickens and indoor caged birds for the winter (my turtle would probably love them, too)
I imagine you just place them on a tray and spray them twice a day? When do you know they are "done"? Please excuse my ignorance, but I have never known anyone that grows their own sprouts and would love to try.

 

[Sc00ter4900]

Quote:
Wow this sounds really cool. Where can I get more info on how to do this. Sound fairly cheap too

Thanks Scotty