Sprouting Scratch Grains-We'll See What Happens.... : )

[MsBagawkbagawk]

So, I got the idea that I should sprout some grains for my chickens this spring. I wanted to do a test run, but didn't want to buy a bunch of seeds in case it wouldn't work for me. So I decided to try and sprout some Purina Scratch Grains, since I buy it anyways.
I started it yesterday afternoon, and it seems to be working. Here's what I've done:

1. I grabbed a red solo cup (I fill you up! anybody as nerdy as me?) and filled it up with scratch. I got two more bowls, and separated out the cracked corn (because of course that won't sprout). Then I had about 3/4 milo and 1/4 oats. I had about enough to make one layer in a small jar.

2. I rinsed the seed once.

3. I filled the jar up with water. Then I put a paper towel or cheesecloth on top (I changed over because I realized I didn't have any more paper towels) and screwed on the outer band. You are supposed to use a special lid, but because this was kind of impromptu, I didn't have one.

4. I drained it 3 or 4 times a day up until now.

I'm starting to see some sprouts on the milo, but nothing on the oats yet. I'll keep you guys updated on what happens.

 

[stoopid]

I can tell you that I have a few portable pens that I keep birds outside in on my lawn.
I move it around so the grass doesn't get destroyed, and there is some "other" type of something green coming up everywhere the scratch has been.
So far It looks like the lawn, I just hope I won't regret it later on.
It does grow a little quicker.
I thought it was wheat?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Yeah, wheat will sprout pretty easy, and is actually what I want to grow. It might be scratch though if you feed that, it'll take hold pretty easy.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Ok, day 3 and seeing lots of little sprouts on the milo, nothing on the oats....

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Ok, now I'm just rinsing them twice a day. I'm seeing lots of long sprouts and some are turning green. Still nothing on the oats, I'm going to take them out so it doesn't mold.

 

[Caribear]

Thanks for posting this, it's very helpful. I've thought about doing this for my birds too.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Sure, I've really been wanting to do it, and this was a good practice.

Plus, it's a good experiment for kids

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Ok, so I'm seeing two obvious sprouts from each seed now. One is white (root) and one is green (grass). I saw GREAT growth overnight! Now I put just a little Miracle Gro potting mix (only thing I had) in the jar, so that the roots have somewhere to take hold. I'm not sure if I should be doing this, but will see if it works. So now it is sitting in the windowsill, and the cheesecloth is covering it, so that it doesn't get too much light.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

GREAT growth over night! NOw almost every sprout has grass (a little tube shaped sprout), just a few more days and I'll feed it!

BTW, I am sprinkling it with water everyday.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Ok, meticulously separating out the milo, from a new bag of scratch now....