Wheat grass

[Wynette]

I've read several posts about folks growing wheat grass for their chickens, so I went to my local grain elevator and asked for "winter wheat" - I thought winter wheat was the variety mentioned on BYC. They didn't have winter wheat, but the did have "soft wheat" and said that's what they use in their scratch feed blend, so I figured it would be safe to use.

I started a small batch a week ago in a small, plastic container that I bought mushrooms in. It's sprouted up VERY quickly (it's probably at least 6" tall now), but now I'm having second thoughts on feeding it, since it isn't "winter wheat" - I feel like it must be okay, but thought I'd post in on here and see what opinions I get. Thanks!

 

[Katy]

We grow winter wheat, but I think basically the only difference between that and spring (soft) wheat is when you plant it and the milling qualities of them. I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be as ok as winter wheat.

 

[1acrefarm]

I doubt any variety of wheat is bad for chickens. If I recall correctly Durum has the highest protein content.

 

[jenichick]

I think it would be fine. We've used two different kinds so far with no issues.

 

[Wynette]

Okay, thanks so much for your responses! Sometimes I feel so silly asking such questions...but then I remember reading a post where someone said not to feed potato peels because they're not digestible, and JUST that morning, I'd put potato peels in the chicken run, not knowing I shouldn't! I was panicked all day about it, sitting here at work. It turned out okay, they ignored them, but what if they hadn't? Could have been disaster!