Coming Up

Welcome back to Gone Chicken. Just a little sneak peak at what's coming up. The next post is an update on my 2 baby chickens , and my misadventures with introducing them to the flock.
Well keep visiting.

Chickenman

Edit 8/28/2013 : Sorry for the delay , things have been busy around here.

The Fodder Project Day 7: Final Weigh In

If you haven't read a post in The Fodder Project series then please read these links first.
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-2-sequel.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1-and-half-forgot.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-3-sprouts.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fodder-project-part-4-day-3.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fodder-project-part-5-day-4.htmls
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fodder-project-day-6-1-day-left.html




Welcome back to The Fodder Project. This is Day 7 , the day I feed the fodder to my chickens.

here is the fodder , ready to feed to the chickens.

Today you don't have to rinse it , all you have to do is weigh it , dump it out in a bowl , and feed it to your chickens. I guess your wondering how much this weighed ? Well this batch of fodder weighed (drum roll) 5.3 lbs. That's right from one lb. of grain I got 4.3 lbs extra. I'm not guaranteeing that you will always get this. I don't , I have days when I get less than 5 lbs. ,  once I got a 5.5 lb. yield. It just depends on the seed , temp , airflow , and the rinsing.

This is the root mat from this batch. this isn't the greatest I have gotten better root mats.

Here is a root mat from a different batch. this one can be rolled up and it won't tear easily.

Now I have a few last bits of information. You can let the fodder grow up to 9 days , but after day 9 it starts losing nutrition , and will eventually require added nutrients.  The ideal time to feed this to your chickens is days 7-9. I haven't tried going all the way out to day 9 yet , I've only recently got enough space to experiment. Once I have tried going out to day 9 , I will do a post on it , and how it turned out.

Here is my shelf set up.

Well I hope you have enjoyed this series , The Fodder Project. Few more things. From what I have read 5 lbs. is the average yield for fodder ( from 1 lb. of grain ) but I sometimes have yields as low as 3 lbs. Also I have read of people getting 7 , 8 , and even 9 lb. yields but I have never gotten this high. The highest yield I've gotten is 5.5 lbs which is still very good. Your chickens may take a few days to adjust , but after a few days they should be eating it as good as feed ( may take them some convincing on the field peas, but the field peas are worth it).

Well keep visiting and good luck with the fodder.

Chickenman

Sorry for the delay.

The Fodder Project Day 6 : 1 day left

If you haven't read the other posts in The Fodder Project please read these links first.
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-2-sequel.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1-and-half-forgot.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-3-sprouts.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fodder-project-part-4-day-3.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fodder-project-part-5-day-4.html


Welcome back to The Fodder Project. I wasn't able get any pictures yesterday. Did a lot of traveling , but I'm back today. So here is the fodder on day 6 ( I changed a setting on my camera and got better pictures now ).

You can really see the green shoots on it now.

The fodder is growing good. There is just one more day left until we feed it to the chickens. Please remember to keep rinsing twice a day , and to start a new batch of fodder every day.
Come back next time for the final post in The Fodder Project.

Chickenman

The Fodder Project Part 5 : Day 4

If you haven't read the previous posts in The Fodder Project series then please read these posts first.
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1.html
 http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-2-sequel.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1-and-half-forgot.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-3-sprouts.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fodder-project-part-4-day-3.html



Welcome back to The Fodder Project. We are now on day 4 of growing the fodder. Thanks for keeping up with this series.

The sprouts are progressing nicely now

Remember to keep checking for mold , as mold is dangerous to chickens. To help prevent mold , make sure that you're getting plenty of air flow to the fodder.

I know it's hard to see but the barley has green shoots on it now.

It's growing good. Now you're probably wondering how this can feed your chickens. Well by sprouting the grain , it increases the nutritional value of the grain. Here is a rough chart for barley and peas.
                                                              Barley (unsprouted)
                                     Crude Protein  15.5%
                                     Calcium           1.5%
                                                             
                                                              Barley (sprouted)
                                     Crude Protein   21%-24%           
                                     Calcium            2.5%

                                                             Field Peas (unsprouted)
                                     Crude Protein  22.5%
                                     Calcium           3%

                                                              Field Peas (sprouted)
                                    Crude Protein   25%-27%
                                    Calcium            4%

Now this is only a rough chart , so feel free to do your own research on the protein content.
With this nutrition it gives the chickens enough nutrients to lay.

Well I hope you have enjoyed these posts ,  remember keep rinsing twice a day , and keep starting a new batch every day.
   

Chickenman 


For those who may not have read it here is a link to my Chicken Treat List.

http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/08/chicken-treat-list.html

Thanks and remember , if you have any questions , or anything else to say , feel free to comment.

The Fodder Project : Part 4 Day 3

If you haven't read my previous posts on fodder , then please read these first.
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-2-sequel.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1-and-half-forgot.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-3-sprouts.html


Welcome back to The Fodder Project.

You can really see the sprouts good now

By now you could start seeing some green shoots coming out of the seeds. The roots will be developing nicely , and if you look at the bottom , you might see the start of a root mat.
So far I haven't had a root mat develop on this batch , sometimes they don't develop , but if one forms I will post the picture.

This one is doing real good.

Please remember to start a new batch of fodder everyday , and to rinse it at least twice a day . If you have any questions just ask them in the comments. Keep visiting .

Chickenman

Fodder Project Part 3 : The Sprouts Day 2

 If you haven't read the other parts of The Fodder Project series then please click on these links below.

http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1-and-half-forgot.html
http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-2-sequel.html


Welcome back to The Fodder Project. Here is the fodder for Day 2

Notice the sprouts coming out of the fodder , these will be the roots of the plant.

Another Picture of the sprouts

Continue rinsing twice a day. Now I run a fan on this to help with the growth , but it depends on where you are , and the temperature in your house. It just takes trial and error. Remember to start a new batch every day. Keep checking for more updates on the fodder project.

Chickenman

Fodder Project Part 1 and a half : Forgot to add...

There's a couple of things I forgot to mention. You need to start a new batch of fodder soaking every day , that way you will have a batch ready for your chickens to eat every day. Also if your fodder gets dry , and you've already rinsed it twice , then you may have to rinse it again , or get a little spray bottle and give it a nice spritz of water ( I just give it the spritz of water with the spray bottle) . I will try to have the next update out by tonight or in the morning.

Chickenman

Sorry but it looks like I won't be able get the new post out tonight. Check back tomorrow.

Fodder Project Part 2 : The Sequel Day 1

Welcome back. If you haven't read the first post in this series please click on the link below.

http://gonechicken.blogspot.com/2013/10/fodder-project-part-1.html

So now I have let the grains soak for roughly 27 hours. You can't tell much difference in it except for a faint smell. Don't worry about the smell, it's just part of the process, there isn't anything wrong with it.

Here is the grain after soaking for 27 hours.

Now you need to set out the fodder. It's best to set it out in a plastic container ( roughly 13" long and 9" wide.  I found these cheap at the Dollar Tree ). I drilled roughly 25 holes in it ( you can adjust by the container you use )

This is roughly 13" long and 9" wide. It doesn't have to be perfect.

 So next you need a pan a little larger than the plastic pan, and put something like rocks to lift it slightly off the surface (so you fodder isn't sitting in water). Here's an example.

There doesn't have to be a ton of rocks just enough to lift the pan.

Now dump the water and fodder out in the plastic pans. It is best for this size batch to be divided into two 13"by 9" plastic pans ( It needs to be plastic. I have used both aluminum pans and plastic pans and got a higher yield from the plastic. )

Here is the fodder after pouring it in the pans. Remember it is best to divide between 2 pans.

Now rinse it with cool water from the sink.

Then let it drain ( you may have to tilt it carefully in one direction to get the water out ).

Make sure you get all the water out ( If water sits in it , the fodder will begin to rot)

Here it is after it has drained sitting in the aluminum pan.

Now you need something to put it on ( A shelf is ideal )  Here's my set-up, it's not the prettiest , but I'm looking for efficient.

Here is the fodder. If you have to stack it , like I do , then make sure that they are tilted to allow air for the fodder.

Now you may have to rinse it one more time today ( I rinse it twice a day , roughly 12 hours apart) . It depends on several things. Just remember this is something you can experiment with. It just takes trial and error.

The ideal temperature is 65 to 70 degrees so you may have to run a small fan on it to keep it cooler , plus it gives it plenty of air-flow , which in turn helps prevent mold.

Well good luck and check back soon for part 3 of the fodder project.

Chickenman

Fodder Project : Part 1: Day 0

When I first got chickens I assumed you had to have chicken feed for them right ? No. Feed is the most expensive part of raising chickens so imagine if you could grow your own chicken feed right from home . No I'm not talking about planting tons of acres of wheat, corn, and other grains. I'm talking about growing your own feed inside your own home, its called Fodder. Earlier this year we got a magazine and my mom saw an article on fodder. She had me research it some more on the internet. After a few weeks of researching and gathering supplies I started experimenting with the fodder.

Things you will need

Plastic Trays (13"by 9" and 3"tall)

Grain (preferably Barley)

3% Hydrogen Peroxide 

Metal Trash can with tight lid

Metal Trash Can (prevents rain and pests from getting in)

Barley (must be unhulled , not heat treated , and not pearled)

Field Peas ( I use these for extra calcium)

                                        




I weigh out a pound of the grains ( 1 half pound Barley, 1 half pound Field Peas ). After you weigh the grain pour about half a teaspoon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide on the grains. Mix with your hands so that the peroxide is on all the grain (the 3% hydrogen peroxide helps prevent mold which can be deadly to chickens) .  Then take the grain and rinse in a strainer in the sink with cool water , rinse it for at least 20 seconds.

This is the grain after rinsing 

Then put grain in a large bowl and cover with water.

Here is the grain soaking in the water.

Now cover the soaking grain with a towel or something ( I have found that soaking in the dark helps in the long run) and let it soak for at least about 27 hours.
I'm sure I have piqued your interest by now, but I will leave you hanging until tommorow when we do the next step on growing fodder. One more thing, I'm telling you how I have done my fodder, but I have found that growing fodder is a lot of trial and error. So it will require you to experiment for your self. I hope you have enjoyed this . Keep checking for more on the Fodder Project.

Chickenman

I will try and make sure I have a new post ready by tommorow.
Thanks and keep visiting

Coming Soon

Struggling with feed costs ? Need a way to save money without compromising on your chickens health? Well if you do then you will like the next few blog posts that are coming soon. Keep checking because I will show you what I'm  feeding to my chickens now. It has really helped cut down on the feed bill.

Chickenman