The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Sally8]

My son came home from work yesterday talking about Kefir Water. Have we talked about it and I missed it? It sounds beneficial and It was very interesting and I'm going to finish researching it today.
Edited to say, for my consumption not necessarily the chickens.

Also, I sprout BOSS all the time also. I've never had much luck going past the sprouting stage without it turning all brown and dying. The chickens love it.

 

[Shan30]

I did my own looking into fodder and while it does seem like a great way to feed/supplement, the temperature requirements seem difficult to achieve during the heat of summer and cold of winter.

So I wondered if simply sprouting and growing seeds in dirt filled planters in the greenhouse would pose any issue. I understand growing it hydroponically for large mammals etc. but since chickens dig things out of the dirt all day, would it matter? Sprouting in earth just deems so much easier since the dirt protects the seed from the temps. I already give them old planters that are full of dandelions. One could just plant a few a week and carry the whole planter outside to be cleaned out.

Just a thought

 

[Leahs Mom]

Water Kefir:

http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir/

This will give you an idea. You wouldn't have to buy their grains or cultures, but at least you can learn about how it is made.

 

[Kassaundra]

I did my own looking into fodder and while it does seem like a great way to feed/supplement, the temperature requirements seem difficult to achieve during the heat of summer and cold of winter.

So I wondered if simply sprouting and growing seeds in dirt filled planters in the greenhouse would pose any issue. I understand growing it hydroponically for large mammals etc. but since chickens dig things out of the dirt all day, would it matter? Sprouting in earth just deems so much easier since the dirt protects the seed from the temps. I already give them old planters that are full of dandelions. One could just plant a few a week and carry the whole planter outside to be cleaned out.

Just a thought

My next attempt at growing fodder was actually going to involve covering w/ some dirt (likely just free garden/yard dirt) b/c my main problem was keeping the seeds moist enough to sprout and live w/o mold. I don't have the ability or inclination to rinse them all day. Growing the fodder will just be for the rabbits for me though, b/c the chickens love the sprouts and I already have a great sprout growing system that works for me.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

... And I'm also staying on here one very rude person isn't enough to get me to leave!

Procedural question: There is that "Block User" feature ... does it hide posts from the blocked user, or just prevent messaging, etc?

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Quote:
For your display, it is as if the user is not on the board with the exception of another user quoting the blocked user.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

For your display, it is as if the user is not on the board with the exception of another user quoting the blocked user.

A handy feature, then.

 

[Sally8]

For your display, it is as if the user is not on the board with the exception of another user quoting the blocked user.

A handy feature, then.

x2

 

[delisha]

I do not sprout in summer.
Talking about sprouting now is a good plan ..winter is creeping up quickly.
I do like to sprout white and red wheat and a little BOSS.
I heard that some grow millet and feed out during the winter and also sprout them. I have never tried it.

 

[Sally8]

Water Kefir:

http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir/

This will give you an idea. You wouldn't have to use buy their grains or cultures, but at least you can learn about how it is made.

Have you or anyone tried this?