I’ve been trying an experiment the past few weeks… I’m growing fodder for my chickens as a supplement this winter. My chickens free range all year round… of course, their pickings are not near as good this time of year.
I bought some plastic containers from the dollar store, and a 50# sack of barley. Grand investment… about $20.
I have a disgusting bathroom downstairs… with a drain in the floor (yes, I’ve wished for a remodel, but that remodel fairy just has a looooong list of things to do, evidently). Every morning, I put a fresh 1.5 cups of barley to soak in a plastic jug. The contents of the jug are poured into one container. Each container has holes drilled in the bottom for drainage. Every day they get watered well and moved down the order and I take the sixth container to feed to my chickens.
The growth should be bigger, but there is no light into that bathroom, so this is the growth I get with only one lightbulb for light and heat.
The sprouts do have pretty good root growth though.
The chickens are happy every morning… I have to rip the roots apart and throw them in different areas, because chickens will stand over the container and many won’t ever get a bite… pecking order, y’know?
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Loved your idea. Why did you choose barley? Sure hope wheat works equally as well. I have 50# to use up.
Good idea..chickens love any thing fresh.
You’re very resourceful, really in everything that you do. Thinking about a problem and coming up with a new solution is such an admirable trait, Carol. Happy holidays.
Looks like a successful experiment…and interesting to read about since I know next to nothing about chickens!!
Wow, Santa Claus came early for your chickens this year! What a great way to supplement their diet and give them a fresh treat in these frozen winter months.
Sounds like a success. I will have to let my friend know about this.