Whole barley ok for chickens?

[vjbakke]

Is this ok to mix i up with other grains for a scratch mix? I read somewhere that barley is not good for chickens? I want to know before I order some feed barley.

Thanks

 

[vjbakke]

anyone?

 

[paoniapoultry]

i feed my chickens mostly whole barley. i soak it for 24 hours in water, then let it sit a few days in a bucket with holes on the bottom so it doesn't get too wet and start to mold. this is essentially a lazy version of sprouting. the barley begins to break open with a little sprout and root tendrils, that is when i feed it. my chickens are incredibly healthy; barley is their main "scratch" but they also get clabbered goats milk (i raise goats too, and have an excess), and i add minerals and kelp to their barley. smetimes i throw in a little oats or triticale. they free range and eat loads of greens and worms and bugs. my eggs are highly sought after and people who buy them say they are the best eggs they have ever had (even compared to other local farms who feed organic soy/corn feeds).

so go for it! barley works for me!