What is fodder? Fodder is nutrient-dense grains used to supplement the feed for your animals. Sprouting and growing fodder for your chickens is a simple and efficient way to not only feed your animals a more natural and fresh diet but is also a nice way to save a little bit of money along the way.
The most commonly used grains for fodder are wheat, oats, barley, and rye. These grains become approximately 40% or more digestible when soaked, sprouted, and turned into fodder. When the seeds sprouts, the dense natural proteins, vitamins, minerals, omega 3’s, amino acids that Mother Nature has instilled into the seeds becomes amplified to provide a very healthy additive to your chicken’s feed schedule.
Sprouting fodder takes approximately 7 to 10 days. The hardest thing about this is picking up the seeds from your local grain store. You do not need any special equipment to grow fodder; you do not even need a grow light as you can use ambient lighting but using grow lights or sunlight will benefit your fodder.
If you choose to utilize this as a daily part of feeding your animals you will need to repeat these steps for however many days you wish to provide the fodder, I.E daily, weekly.
- 1 – Large bucket (I use a 5-gallon pail)
- 2 – large trays (Here are the ones I use: Growing Trays)
- 3 – furring strips (you do not need to buy the wood this is just something to use to keep the two tray separate.)
- Water
- Optional – Storage rack (here is what I use: Shelving Unit) but this is not necessary
- Combine your seeds (if you are using different kinds) and pour into your large bucket
- Fill the bucket with water till it is approximately two inches above the seeds overnight
- Take one tray and drill a bunch of drain holes.
- After the seeds have soaked, drain the water and place in the tray that you have drilled your holes in. Make sure that you spread the seeds out. Your seeds should never exceed ½ in-depth, or you will risk mold. Air circulation is key.
- Place the tray with the seeds into the 2nd tray on-top of the furring strips.
- Water the seeds 2 to 3 times a day. Make sure that you are emptying the 2nd tray of water as needed.
- Repeat the watering for approximately 7 to 10 days. Ideally, you want about six inches of growth before you harvest.
- Harvest! You should have a good matt of fodder that you can pull out of your tray. You can cut this into pieces or feed as a whole.
- Remember to wash and sanitize your trays periodically to help prevent mold.
That is, it folks, it is really that simple to provide a very nutrient-dense meal to your animals.
I’d love to hear how this turned out for you, please be sure to like and share… I’d greatly appreciate it.
Until Next Time,
Live Your Best Life.
Below are some photos for reference:
Soak your seeds for 24 hours. Remember to add more water than the height of seeds as they will expand.
You want your seeds to be spread out evenly; no more than 2-3 inch thick or you will risk mold.
Place your seed tray with holes over another tray. I use during furring strips to keep it elevated to allow water flow.
Your seeds will sprout after a day or two. Be sure to water 2-3 times a day.
Keep this up for approximately 7-10 days or until you have 6″ of green fodder.
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