Grow sprouted fodder from whole grains

Sprouting whole barley, wheat, or oats in trays for 7 days turns $0.50 of dry grain into 3-4 lbs of fresh green fodder. The sprouting process increases protein content, creates vitamins, and chickens devour it.

Steps

1. Soak 1 cup of whole barley or wheat berries in water for 8-12 hours.
2. Spread in a shallow tray (10x20 nursery flats work well) with drainage holes. Layer 1/4 inch thick.
3. Rinse twice daily by flooding the tray and draining. Keep in indirect light at 60-75°F.
4. Harvest at day 6-7 when the mat is 4-6 inches tall with a thick root mass. Tear off sections and feed to the flock.

Cost Comparison

• 50 lbs whole barley: ~$15-20 from a feed store
• Yields roughly 200 lbs of fodder
• Equivalent commercial feed cost: ~$60-80
• Savings: 65-75% on the supplemented portion of the diet

Tips

• Fodder is a supplement (20-30% of diet), not a complete feed — hens still need layer feed for calcium and complete amino acids
• Mold is the biggest risk; ensure good airflow and rinse consistently
• In winter, a grow rack near a window or under a cheap shop light works well