13 reasons to sprout grains for your backyard chickens
Author: Esther Donohue
My backyard flock (more like front yard flock!) are not allowed to roam freely due to the number of predators near our homestead. So we have started supplementing sprouted grains as a quick nutritional snack for our hens.
They love it! Sprouted grains provide a more varied diet (which is extremely important in winter), helps prevent boredom, boosts their immune system, and helps with egg production.
So how do you get started adding sprouted grains or fodder to your chicken’s diet? It’s fairly simple and I will guide you through our step-by-step process, plus answer any questions you may have about sprouting grains.
Sprouting vs. Fodder. How to choose what’s right for your flock.
Both Fodder and sprouted grains can be fed to your backyard chickens, horses, cows, goats, sheep, and all types of poultry. But what are the main differences between the two?
Sprouting – This is when dried grains are soaked in fresh water, laid out in a tray, and rinsed daily until they start to grow sprouts (germination), which is a fast process and we prefer this method. Sprouts are grains that have germinated and have less than 4 inches of growth.
Fodder- Is when sprouted grains or seeds have grown over 4 inches of greenery, fodder takes longer to grow. You will have more of a root mat, the grain/seeds will have turned into roots and leaves, and no grains will be visible, within the root mat. The process of growing fodder requires a sanitation method to prevent the growth of mold.
The benefits of sprouted grains and fodder
When grain is soaked and sprouted it breaks down and becomes easier to digest, which helps provide your chickens with some much-needed nutrition.
This is especially beneficial in the winter months, but since our chickens are enclosed in a run, we like to supplement feed sprouts all year. It’s a tasty treat for the chickens they just love it.
13 Reasons to use sprouted grains or seeds.
- Easier to digest – the sprouting process breaks down complex compounds, making it easier for chickens to digest and absorb nutrients.
2. Great nutritional benefits- Sprouting grains increases their vitamin and mineral content, providing chickens with essential nutrients
3. Boosts immune system, additional supplement to commercial feed.
4. Fresh grass all year round, no matter the weather or growing conditions.
5. Prevents boredom, great for enclosed chickens or during the winter.
6. Healthy treats, sprouted grains, and fodder are great treats for your backyard chickens.
7. Higher protein content – sprouted grains have increased protein levels, supporting muscle development and egg production
8. Creates darker egg yolks due to the increase in chlorophyll and beta-carotene.
9. A natural source of enzymes, which aids in digestion and overall health.
10. Good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, Vitamin E and B vitamins.
11. Breaks down phytic acid- which inhibits the absorption of nutrients.
12. Provides essential amino acids– certain types of grain when sprouted provide amino acids.
13. Cuts down on feed costs -when fed as a supplemental feed source.
Depending on what grains or seeds you are sprouting, there are many more nutrients and vitamins that may be present. Sprouted grains are also extremely healthy for you! (human consumption)
Sprouting grains & seeds step-by-step
How to Sprout Grains for your chicken flock It’s easier than you think! Rinse grains, soak overnight, rinse, drain well, and repeat rinsing every day.
*No need for direct sunlight or any special lighting either!
Special Equipment needed (or not)
- Container with holes, I have seen people use gallon buckets with small holes (drainage holes) drilled in the bottom for soaking large amounts of grain. But any small container will work.
- Shallow tray for spreading soaked grain in.
- Strainer (if you don’t have a container with holes)
- Fresh water -I have seen people create a filtration system with self-watering and rinsing! pretty cool. Head to youtube to see some nice fodder systems, which are designed for larger scale operations.
Don’t have a container with holes? no problem! you can simply soak the grains in any container (quart mason jar) and strain them over a fine-mesh strainer. I toss the water into my house plants or straight into the flower bed during the summer.
Step-by-step when using the mason jar method: Simple soak your grains, rinse, strain, and flip the jar upside down a 2 times per day.
Steps
- Selecting Quality Grains – Choose good quality, mold-free, and chemical-free (if you’re organic) whole grains or seeds.
- Soaking– Take the grain, Rinse in fresh water and soak them in clean water overnight or 8-10 hours to initiate the germination process. Fodder requires you to rinse the grains in bleach to prevent the development of mold during the growing stage since it takes longer to reach maturity. So for fodder add a tablespoon of bleach to the water.
- Draining and Rinsing (the next day)– Take the soaked grain, drain the water, and rinse the grains to prevent mold growth, drain well and spread out evenly in a tray 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch deep.
- Repeat daily – Repeat the rinsing every day (some people say twice daily) with clean fresh water, until the sprouts have reached optimal nutritional value, usually 6 days after starting. Fodder will continue to grow after day 6.
- Harvesting/feeding– Sprouts are ready to feed to your chickens when they reach approximately 3-4 inches in length, typically after 6 days. fodder will take a bit longer, 6 plus inches.
Types of Grain for Sprouting & Fodder
Choosing the type of seed or grains to sprout is fairly simple unless you are looking for certain nutritional benefits that your current feed is lacking.
- Wheat Berries
- wheat grains are commonly used and readily available; sprout quickly and make great wheat grass.
- Barley
- Barley sprouts are Known for their high enzyme content which enhances digestibility.
- Oats
- Provides a good source of fiber.
- Mung Beans
- High in protein; sprouts quickly and helps with egg production.
- Sunflower seeds
- Are high in Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Alfalfa seed
- High in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Lentils
- Very high in protein, vitamins, and fiber
- Soybeans
- High in protein and fiber. Many commercial feed mixes use soybeans, because of cost and protein content.
- Clover
- Vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber
- Broccoli seed (Broccoli Sprouts)
- High in vitamins and super healthy for you too!
Important!
Sprouts and fodder are never a replacement for regular chicken feed. They are to be fed solely as a supplemental feed, in addition to a balanced poultry feed.
Potential Issues and Solutions
- Grains not sprouting after day 2- Depending on the type of grain or seed you chose, some may take longer to sprout and grow.
- Grains are growing slowly- This may be your room temperature, like growing anything else room temp plays a major role in growth. The optimal room temp for sprouting is between 50-69*F degrees.
- Mold Growth-Prevent mold by ensuring proper drainage and regular rinsing and placing your trays of grain in a well-ventilated area. Also, start with sanitized and cleaned trays.
- Forgot to feed the sprouts and they have grown longer! – Monitor sprout length to avoid overgrowth, which can reduce nutritional value. Remember 4 inches and less are considered sprouts and anything longer is considered fodder. Chickens will still eat it no matter if it overgrew. Just try to feed it before it starts to die.
I hope this post sparks your interest in adding sprouted grains or fodder to your chicken’s diet! Your hens will love you for the extra nutritional boost.
