How to Grow Fodder for Chickens This Winter
The winter landscape can look bleak for a flock of chickens. The lush green grass and tasty bugs they spent months foraging for are gone, buried under frost or snow. While a quality layer feed provides the essential nutrition they need, the absence of fresh greens can leave a noticeable gap in their diet and daily routine. Your birds might seem a little less energetic, a little more bored.
There is a simple, cost-effective way to bring a burst of vibrant green nutrition back into their lives, even in the coldest months. By growing fodder, you can provide your flock with a living salad bar right inside your home. This process transforms hard grains into a dense mat of sprouted, nutrient-rich grass that chickens absolutely love.
This guide will walk you through the many benefits of adding fodder to your chickens’ winter diet. We’ll also provide a straightforward, step-by-step process for growing your own using common grains like wheat and oats.
Why Feed Fodder in the Winter?
Fodder is more than just a treat; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. The process of sprouting unlocks and multiplies the nutrients stored within the grain, making them more accessible and digestible for your flock.
1. Boosted Nutrition
When a seed sprouts, it converts starches into simpler sugars, which are easier for chickens to digest. The sprouting process also increases the availability of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Your flock gets a significant boost in nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and B vitamins, which support immune health and overall vitality during the stressful winter season.
2. A Source of Fresh Greens
Chickens are natural foragers. They are happiest when they can peck and tear at fresh vegetation. In winter, this instinct is often frustrated by frozen ground. Fodder provides a perfect outlet for this natural behavior. Serving a mat of sprouted grains gives them something to do, helping to prevent boredom-related issues like feather picking and coop aggression.
3. Improved Hydration
Sprouted fodder is packed with water. While it doesn’t replace their primary water source, it does contribute to their overall hydration. This is especially helpful during deep freezes when keeping waterers from icing over can be a constant battle. The high moisture content makes the fodder easier for them to consume and digest.
4. Cost-Effective Supplement
A small amount of grain can produce a surprisingly large amount of fodder. A single pound of dry seed can yield six to eight pounds of fresh, green feed. This makes it an incredibly economical way to supplement your flock’s diet and stretch your feed budget further, all while providing superior nutrition.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Fodder
Growing fodder sounds technical, but it’s a simple process that requires minimal equipment. You don’t need a green thumb to succeed. Wheat and oats are excellent choices for beginners, as they sprout quickly and reliably.
Here is what you will need:
- Whole, untreated grains (wheat or oats)
- A container for soaking (a bucket or large bowl)
- Shallow trays with drainage holes (specialized fodder trays or DIY alternatives work well)
- A location with sunlight or a simple grow light
Step 1: Soak the Seeds
Measure out the amount of seed you wish to sprout. As a general rule, about two pounds of dry seed will fill a standard 10×20 inch tray. Place the seeds in your soaking container and cover them with cool water. The water level should be a few inches above the seeds, as they will expand.
Let the seeds soak for 12 to 24 hours. This initial soak softens the outer shell of the seed and signals to the embryo that it is time to start growing.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain
After soaking, pour the seeds into a colander and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. The goal is to wash away any inhibitors on the seed coat that might prevent germination. Good drainage is key—you want the seeds to be damp, not sitting in standing water, which can lead to mold.
Step 3: Spread Seeds in Trays
Spread the rinsed seeds evenly across the bottom of your drainage trays. You are aiming for a dense layer about a half-inch deep. Don’t worry about giving them space; a packed layer will grow into a thick mat of sprouts that is easy to handle and serve.
Step 4: Provide Light and Water
Place your trays in a location where they will receive indirect sunlight, like a windowsill, or place them under a grow light. Direct, intense sunlight can dry out the seeds too quickly.
Your main job now is to keep the seeds moist. Water them lightly two to three times a day. A spray bottle works perfectly for this. You just want to keep the seeds damp. Overwatering can lead to mold, so always ensure your trays are draining freely. Within 24-48 hours, you should see tiny white rootlets emerging from the seeds.
Step 5: Watch it Grow
Over the next few days, you will see green shoots begin to emerge and grow skyward. The roots will weave together below, forming a solid mat. Continue your watering routine, and be amazed at how quickly the fodder develops.
Step 6: Harvest and Feed
Your fodder is ready to harvest when the green shoots are about 4 to 6 inches tall. This usually takes between 7 and 10 days. At this stage, the fodder has reached its peak nutritional value for poultry.
To harvest, simply pull the entire mat of sprouts and roots from the tray. It should come out in one solid piece. There is no need to chop it up. Take the mat out to the coop and place it on the ground or in a shallow feeder for your flock. Then, stand back and watch the excitement. They will tear it apart with enthusiasm.
Start Growing for Your Flock Today
Growing fodder is a rewarding and simple way to enhance your chickens’ well-being during the long winter months. It breaks up the monotony of their daily routine, provides a powerful nutritional punch, and satisfies their innate desire to forage.
Ready to give it a try? We have everything you need to get started.
Visit Johnson Feed Company today to pick up high-quality wheat and oat seeds, durable trays, and any other supplies you need. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you set up your own successful fodder system. Give your girls the gift of fresh greens this winter
