The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[jlynnet]

I've sprouted BOSS the way LM does it. I have an old colander I put the seeds in. I put the colander in a bowl and cover seeds with water over night. Drain. A couple of times a day toss the seeds around and let water run over the seeds. In a few days the seeds have sprouted and are ready to give to the birds. Reminds me I need to get a batch going.

 

[Kassaundra]

When you sprout grains, do you do it naturally or hydroponically? I have been reading up on "fodder" and like the idea of sprouted grains or fodder with the highest protein level being at this time? if what I have read is accurate?

I do not understand the question. I do not grow fodder at this time, I tried it but didn't like the fight w/ mold, so went back to my easy peasy sprouts. I will grow fodder when I get the meat buns, but do not think the difference in sprouts and fodder is important for the chickens. (jmo though) I sprout mostly through the winter when they have no green food available. As to if I sprout naturally, that is the part I don't understand, I place dry seeds in a burlap sac I sewed rinse w/ hot water, soak in hot water near 24 hrs, place in a cool dark location (between two plastic bin lids) stack each new one on top for a total of 4 days, then feed out the oldest 4 day old sprouts each day. I put a video on the sprouting thread.

 

[Kassaundra]

I found my video it shows exactly how I do it

 

[krcchickens]

I found my video it shows exactly how I do it

Where do u get the burlap bags

 

[Kassaundra]

Where do u get the burlap bags

I buy the burlap fabric at a local fabric store, 1.5 yards makes 4 sacs the size I use. I do not launder them every use, only when the chickens get messy w/ them or they need it. They last quite a long time, when my husband doesn't forget and leave them out overnight, when he does that the rodents eat holes in them. The chickens pick them very clean of any and all sprouts.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Flock Behavior
So last evening I took the chickens their dinner pail.

I love that story...good rooster!

 

[Leahs Mom]

I just do it in the colander because it's quick and easy for me with so few birds - AND I'M LAZY! If I had a larger flock I'd have to use either drilled buckets or the bags or some such.

Kassaundra - how many do you have?

 

[Leahs Mom]

Oh...and on that post there is a source to purchase sprouting bags ready-made. Don't know anything about them as I haven't tried them. Maybe you have an opinion on those, K?

 

[jlynnet]

I have about 30 chickens and the colander method works great. I don't have one going every day, just when I think about it.

 

[Kassaundra]

I just do it in the colander because it's quick and easy for me with so few birds - AND I'M LAZY! If I had a larger flock I'd have to use either drilled buckets or the bags or some such.

Kassaundra - how many do you have?

I have anywhere between 25-35 depending on if I am growing any out for the pot (ususally through the summer higher numbers and through the winter lower numbers)


I do the bags precisly b/c I am lazy and forgetful and want a constant supply of sprouts through the winter. With the bags I do not have to rinse several times a day, they are easy to store in a small space, and can keep a constant daily supply going.

I have never used any burlap sacs but the ones I have made. When I first got the idea I looked at several ready mades but they were pricey. My fabric costs about 3.50 per yard and 1.5 yard makes 4 sacs it only takes 2 straight seams to make one (4 if you count that you turn the sac inside out and sew one more on each side to prevent unravelling.)