Sprouting vs fermenting feed

[Peep Nerd]

Which do you do and why? I can't decide between the two processes.
~PN

 

[carypeterson]

I guess it depends if you are starting with whole seeds or buying mash.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I do FF. I have not tried sprouting.

I do FF for factors which include...

Increased absorption of nutrients, More solid poos, Less waste, I like the process (its fun to stir and see bubbles), My birds like it.

So I can not comment on sprouting, other than saying when I try to garden sometimes it takes forever for things to sprout even indoors. We are on the coast and weather is always cool. I can say that I love doing FF and highly recommend it.

People have said it detoured their dogs from enjoying eating the droppings, didn't work for my dogs. But the chick poo changed dramatically. Now only every 10th or so is runny. I don't keep an inch of water on top, it's a pain to drain. I keep it oatmeal consistency. When I was drying it out better the chickens still picked through it looking for certain things. Now they just gobble it up. I can't comment to actual savings because my flock is way bigger than it used to be. But since there is definitely less waste it makes sense that there is savings. Some people have reported actual numbers that were quite impressive and I think it is probably real. What benefit do they gain from lying?

Probably depends on your flock size and willingness. It is a little more work than dry feed. But not a lot more. And since most people spend their time to earn $ it's essentially the same thing but with no income taxes and no work place drama.

One thing I know is everybody is different and if it's not working for YOU, it won't work long term.

Best wishes!

 

[carypeterson]

Here is how ferment the commercial mash. They gobble it up.

 

[nctoni]

I actually do both. Fermented feed in the morning and sprouts in the evening and chicken layer feed free choice. I like variety and I thought maybe they would too!

 

[Adb4090]

Ive been doing both for my chickies. I feed them once in the morning and evening. I give them ff with sprouts on top. I also leave dry chick starter out all day. They love them both.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Ive been doing both for my chickies. I feed them once in the morning and evening. I give them ff with sprouts on top. I also leave dry chick starter out all day. They love them both.

What is the cost of sprouting seeds, and what kind of seeds? Can you give me a brief explanation of the benefits of it? And is my original concern about insignificant temperatures for sprouting an actual reality?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KH911]

I'm new and would like to follow this, too.

 

[nctoni]

i sprout and ferment barley seed. I get a 50 pound bag for $7 and only use about one and one halfcups at a time.
i sprout barley with BOSS mixed in.
i ferment barley with their layer feed and boss mixed in it.

 

[Adb4090]

Egg sighted I am very new to this my chicks are only 3 weeks old. I can can give you my opinions but know that I would not considered myself a source of quality information just yet.

I buy my sprouting seed from Mountain Rose Herbs. I believe them to be a source of quality, organic products. This may add to the price but it's worth it to me. I buy the Leafy Sprouting seed blend and for $15 per pound and red lentils for $6 per pound. I had been been sprouting 2 tbsp per week for myself, which makes about a quart of sprouts that I am now sharing with my chickies. They have been eating a handful of sprouts twice a day with their fermented feed. I'm unsure of the proper amount to feed them. I've also order some BOSS to add to the blend.

I grow and eat the sprouts personally because I believe they are a great source of nutrients with added flavor and crunch. "The protein content levels of lentil seeds range from 22-35%, making it the third highest plant based food after soy and hemp. They have high levels of several amino acids, and are one of the best plant based sources for iron."alfalfa provides beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and K" "As a food or nutritional supplement, crimson clover sprouts are delightfully nutritious, providing Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as numerous B vitamins. They are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, and selenium while also providing protein and fiber. Medicinally, crimson clover sprouts are traditionally used as a blood purifier."

I sprout my seeds in the kitchen and temperature isn't a concern. I soak them in water over night then rinse them twice a day until they are ready. Leaving them tilted in a bowl to strain out any excess water. I've heard from old gardeners that they usually soak most of their seeds overnight before planting them in the garden. Maybe that will help with your germination rate.

If anyone has any information on the amount that I should be feeding them that would be greatly appreciated!