After our tour at Heritage Poultry we were very excited to try sprouting for ourselves, the results are pictured above. The chickens weren't too sure when I first put the dish down, but were very quickly chowing down and really enjoying this new delight.
It is a really simple process. You just take your whole grains (we used wheat and barley)in a bowl or food grade bucket and cover with water till its about an inch above your grains.
Cover with a lid left slightly ajar
After 24hrs drain and cover again with the lid ajar
Leave for about 2 days (your sprouts should be about 10-15mmm long)
then they are ready to feed!
It has been suggested to use organic grains to ensure that they will sprout, but we didn't and it still works, I think the key is that your grains are fresh and not heat treated.
Grains soaking
And The Farmer brought me home a lovely treat from The Bay property, fresh organic figs!
We will be enjoying them fresh for dessert tonight and the rest?
Not sure, may make some fig jam.
And can you believe the chickens turn their noses (well, beaks) up at these!
Great tips! Where can one purchase the right types of grains? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I got my grains from our local Farming/Stock Feed supply store. I think as long as the grains are whole, non-heat or chemical treated and fresh, they should work, otherwise organic grains are a safe bet, but quite expensive. If you can, you could buy a small amount and test it before you buy a big bag. Hope that helps!
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