Where to find gluten free fodder seed?

[Peppercorngal]

They do, but this would have to be custom milled. I can't remember what their minimum is, but I do remember that when I did look last time, it was way too much food for the number of chickens that we own. My husband asked today at the feed store, but the lady that does the ordering was not in. She's supposed to be there later today when they open, so we'll see if we can pick her brain.

Back to the subject, though. I'm looking for what can be used as fodder if not wheat or barley. Is there anyone here that does not just wheat or barley, and grows fodder with another type of seed? Where do you obtain the seed?

For bedding in your nests I suggest rice straw. You should be able to obtain it easily since rice is grown in your area. I don't know about the feed problem. Can't Husband feed them for you?

 

[classicsredone]

For bedding in your nests I suggest rice straw. You should be able to obtain it easily since rice is grown in your area. I don't know about the feed problem. Can't Husband feed them for you?

He could, but either way, the dust from the food still gets all over where the food is stored and in their enclosure. Due to some health issues, he ends up with the bulk of the chores as it is, so I really need to take the chores that I can handle. Feeding the chickens is one of them, so finding a safe food is important. One of our children is also genetically likely to develop Celiac at some point, so we try to limit his exposure as much as possible. I think that I need to ask the old timers what they used as fodder back in the day. I am working on a feed recipe and will try our local mill, but unless we find others or can sell off the extra, it probably won't be an affordable option. We'll need to find a pricey premade feed, or make one on our own. I can use the BOSS, but should find something like peas to balance out the fat in the BOSS with more protein.

 

[Little Jerry Seinfeld]

Milo...
http://www.modestomilling.com/poultry.html

I thought milo develops cyanide when sprouted? To the green stage, its safe before it gets leaves? Is this true because if not, it would be a great option for me as milo is cheap. I looked it up but am having trouble finding any real info.

 

[Kiki]

I thought milo develops cyanide when sprouted? To the green stage, its safe before it gets leaves? Is this true because if not, it would be a great option for me as milo is cheap. I looked it up but am having trouble finding any real info.

I have not heard this before.
I assume that milo was similar to millet, they are both called sorghum...
https://sproutpeople.org/growing-sprouts/seed-taxonomy/

I was posting that link because I think OP is thinking that 50 pound bags were not sold by Modesto but wanted to show that they were.
50 pounds of feed doesn't last but a month in my house (with 8 birds) so I am under the impression that 50 pound bags is not a lot.

 

[Peppercorngal]

He could, but either way, the dust from the food still gets all over where the food is stored and in their enclosure. Due to some health issues, he ends up with the bulk of the chores as it is, so I really need to take the chores that I can handle. Feeding the chickens is one of them, so finding a safe food is important. One of our children is also genetically likely to develop Celiac at some point, so we try to limit his exposure as much as possible. I think that I need to ask the old timers what they used as fodder back in the day. I am working on a feed recipe and will try our local mill, but unless we find others or can sell off the extra, it probably won't be an affordable option. We'll need to find a pricey premade feed, or make one on our own. I can use the BOSS, but should find something like peas to balance out the fat in the BOSS with more protein.

Check out this website for gluetin free chicken food recipes. This may work for you.
https://curtissannmatlock.com/2012/08/09/gluten-free-chicken-feed-ii/

 

[lazy gardener]

I'd be interested to hear WHO calls Millet Sorghum. They are very different plants with very different seeds. Milo, or Sorghum is often used as a cheap filler in bird seed. Most birds will not eat it. I grew it one year, and my birds did enjoy eating the seed heads. The stuff grew 8' tall. I also grew millet back in the day when I had parakeets.

 

[Kiki]

I'd be interested to hear WHO calls Millet Sorghum. They are very different plants with very different seeds. Milo, or Sorghum is often used as a cheap filler in bird seed. Most birds will not eat it. I grew it one year, and my birds did enjoy eating the seed heads. The stuff grew 8' tall. I also grew millet back in the day when I had parakeets.

Check out the last link I posted. They do.

 

[Kiki]

Give me a minute to get back on my computer...I see the link didn't post correctly. I'll fix it.


ETA:
https://sproutpeople.org/growing-sprouts/seed-taxonomy/

 

[happyfrenchman]

You might enjoy reading the works of Mr. Harvey Ussery. He has a website. (Google his name) and he does all kinds of fodders and alternative feeds....I believe it is called the "Modern Homestead" I have never done any of that myself but I use alot of his other techniques. He has all kinds of good ideas.

Most chicken feed is mostly corn anyway.... wheat is not particularly good for chickens or people.... There were studies that looked at mortality in meat birds that were raised on corn (most years) and a couple of years where corn was in short supply and wheat was substituted..... there were significantly higher losses to what they described as gastrointestinal causes.....in the flocks fed the wheat.

 

[lazy gardener]

I have this book:

and read it cover to cover before starting my current flock 6+ years ago. His is by far the most logical and comprehensive book on poultry management (for the back yard flockster) I've read. And, I've reviewed A LOT of books.