DIY Chicken Fodder - Experiment with Wheat

9 day Red Wheat Fodder System.
Sprouting Trays - amzn.to/3ZsiFqn
Red Wheat Berries - amzn.to/341GYys
I'm not a fan of red wheat but I couldn't find a local source of Barley. Here's what 9 days looks like from the start.
I found soaking roots in MaxiGro solution on day 4 really jump starts the growth.
Day 5 -7 I too spray 2x a day and let drain dry.
Day 8 and 9 the grass mat is too thick to top spray so I go back to bottom feeding.

[@Stephenzaffarano]

While it does add more nutrients to the product, the miracle grow isn't necessary for continued growth. Sprouts/microgreens contain 4 to 6 times the nutritional density of the whole plant in most cases! You're feeding your chickens SUPERFOOD!! Good job and nice video!

[@vinniez2188]

I've heard plant biologists say most seeds have 14 days of nutrition contained inside themselves.

[@allyraven7586]

I have been searching the internet for a well done video on wheatgrass without soil and this is the best one, hands down. I've literally copied this down to keep on my fridge! And to make sure, it's only covered on day 3 by other trays or until the sprouts get too big to be covered? THANK YOU!

[@skee6706]

You are so cute. "Little white things YEAH ! ! ! " Great video Thank you for all the info.

[@saltysnoopy]

Thanks for sharing ... My first try is on day 8 and really thick. I started a new batch yesterday. I do mine a little different as I'm not set up like you are. Two days in water, the day three into the tray submerged in water until I see sprouts, then just enough for the roots. My first tray looks so great, I can't wait to show them to the chickens. Thanks again. I only used water, no magic grow.

[@lynnwood9836]

Are you setting them in the sun to sprout or shade?

[@saltysnoopy]

@@lynnwood9836 I keep them inside until the sprouts are about 1" tall. My first tray did great :-) ... my second tray didn't do so well. I don't think I followed her procedure close enough. Today, Friday, I'm starting my 3rd tray. ... I think I was putting water in the tray too soon. I had to take a couple spots of mold out. This tray I'm going to follow her procedure absolutely.

[@ruslanbekn]

This is so short and concise. Thank you.

[@lindacrawford5029]

Thanks for the screen idea, I’m new at this and the $ count up!

[@georgeadams1955]

Thanks for the video. How about a follow-up video now that you have mastered the process, with quantities and more tips?😊😊

[@DutchHollow]

Not a bad idea I'll work on one

[@debbiemiller8018]

You could also use plastic needlepoint sheets

[@gregoryvandermeer3870]

I have the same trays from Amazon they come with the paper and the sprayer. We grow barley, wheat and barley pea mix. We do massive amounts 5 lbs at a time will go into 12 trays. We soak only for 8 to 10 hours and then spread them out on metal trays to start drying and put paper towels on top. Then they go immediately into the plastic Amazon trays. They're washed in the white tray under the faucet 2 times a day for only 2 days. Then the paper that came with the plastic trays is put on top and sprayed down with water. Finally the seed and the paper gets sprayed until the Sprouts reach about 1 to 2 inches. The paper is removed the seeds continue to be sprayed and the bottom green tray full of water for the roots this eliminates a lot of processes I see in the beginning of your video.

[@DutchHollow]

Thants for sharing your method!

[@lindanoga3363]

Thank you even though your post is from 5 years ago. I learned a lot thanks for sharing.

[@DutchHollow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jen.and.Ben.]

Thank you this helped a lot!

[@DutchHollow]

Glad it helped!

[@frederikcaillou3669]

Wowww MANY MANY THANKS for this great vidéo. I am starting the process because of your video and... IT WORKS. Many thanks.

[@DutchHollow]

Only change I made was do a quick short soak in Peroxide and clean the trays with Peroxide. Helps keep mold down.

[@luvdpugs]

I saw another guy spray the empty tray with bleach water, let dry.

[@stevenreeves4766]

nice job but I think you need to find a way where the roots do not grow through the bottom. would make is easier to feed. thanks for all the steps on how to do each step very helpful.

[@TamaraClark-dv3zy]

I used a coffee filter instead of a screen and it works well too.

[@alarcon99]

Hi 🖐 just came across your video because I’m getting these trays from Amazon. For even better germination you might want to put some weight on the seeded tray as they germinate

[@robertwilkinson8115]

I think that will help the sad germination rate I saw in this video.

[@oliverkan2318]

what do you mean

[@gissie391]

I just accidently sprouted check peas but I didnt leave them in jar I covered them in water they soaked water up then because I left them I came back to see them sprouted in the bowl. it was check peas though.

[@jesidillon4593]

Thanks for the vid. Great trays

[@XRKGX]

Y don’t you just cut the top layer and then let it regrow again that works too

[@229dave46]

Great video. Thank You for sharing it!!!

[@ManInTheBigHat]

Even though they are more expensive I went with stainless trays.

[@DIY-Sally]

Thanks so much for your video! I'm wondering...Would you be able to simply start the seeds out in the trays - skip the jar step completely? So - soak and rinse the seeds in the trays and leave them in there to germinate?

[@DutchHollow]

They really need a good soak for the shell of the seed to soften up. You may be able to get away with the step if you water more frequently the first day. But test it and see what your germination rate is

[@syedhasan6548]

Very Nice 👍

[@bennicols6357]

I've read that if you let fodder grow over 4 inches it can cause crop impaction. Have you had any issues with this? I follow a very similar system using wheat as well but on the 8th morning (7 full 24 hours of growth) in the tray it goes to the birds. They don't split into 2 spires am I selling myself short for the nutrient content?

[@DutchHollow]

I haven’t had any crop,issues with the girls

[@ronwalters9183]

A short clip of feeding and how they like it..

[@mathildewittock7625]

Many thanks for sharing your process! I have been using those trays for 4 months now, but suddenly I am having big mould issues... Do you have any recommendations? UV light? Heat mat? air conditioning maybe? Also, can I ask you how much Maxigrow do you use on day 4? Thank you very much and looking forward to you reply!

[@DutchHollow]

Moisture is getting trapped. Try adding a fan and cutting down on watering as you may have too much. As for the Maxigrow I follow the directions on it and make a big gallon that I draw off of.

[@davidschroeder4985]

Great video. Can you tell me how many chickens your system feeds? It's been about a year since this post, are you still using this feeding system?

[@DutchHollow]

Yup I still use it. Only change I made was do a quick short soak in Peroxide and clean the trays with Peroxide. Helps keep mold down. It's not 100% of their feed but I have 35ish chickens?

[@jornoel7034]

@@DutchHollow please, what percent of peroxide do you use?

[@DutchHollow]

Jornoel 3% peroxide

[@nancyarchibald9095]

We have nine (9) large Orpington chickens. We live in a city neighborhood that prevents large flocks and absolutely NO roosters allowed. 😮 They love fresh greens, veggies and would demolish one of these trays, I'm thinking. I'm wondering if my 27 yr old wheat is too old to sprout well. I'd like to rotate through my food storage wheat. We'll see. I like your system and these trays seem perfectly suited.

[@truthseeker3967]

Thank you.

[@go-wycowboys5018]

You should do dry mass measurements, let us know what day the dehydrated final mass weighs more than the cup of wheat.. Studies I have read say it takes more than 8 days and that requires fertilization like you are doing. Chickens make such efficient use of grain fodder has no advantage unless you can exceed initial dry mass. In bovines etc the advantage comes from better utilization of the feed via digestion. I could see this being very beneficial in winter for chickens when they seek out the green as a nutrient but, I feed meat, fat and greens to keep them gaining weight and laying nutritionally packed eggs all winter.

[@danhammond8406]

Your over thinking it, if you want to grow some additional feed then great. This will help show you how.

[@jean-baptiste9230]

I thought you are only supposed to soak them for 8 hours, anyway great video helped me with my automatic hydro system, thx!

[@DutchHollow]

I now do 10 min soak in a diluted peroxide, rinse and then plain water overnight. Probably is a 10-12 hr soak now.

[@Essam_Taha]

I liked your video very much,,, greetings from Egypt ❤

[@joshbutcher8944]

Do you use grow lights?

[@reinslon5318]

Can you recycle fodder can you buy one bag and put the bag in a container have it grow get seeds from that and use it to make another container

[@Mikael-jt1hk]

thats how farming works yes 😂

[@klhanna]

This video was great! My house does not get a lot of sun inside.....can I do this outside or use grow lights inside? If I can use lights how long would you suggest leaving lights on at a time? Thanks!

[@robertwilkinson8115]

You don't need lights. When a plant gets to the point they need light and nutrients, they will die without them. Harvest before they get to that point.

[@danhammond8406]

Grow lights are cheap and easy option from online sources

[@ForeverEverlasting.]

Can this be a feed replacement? My chicken roam on grass several hours a day

[@rebelbeest]

Hi 😊 I recently bought a sprouting tray and I have been having a lot of fun with it. It is awesome to see these seeds grow and they are healthy and delicious! However, one thing I am struggling with is that some seeds such as broccoli seeds are too small. Because of this, they fall through the holes and they cannot grow.. I tried to put paper above the holes, but then the roots do not grow through it.. Do you have any tips for me on how to solve this problem? Thanks a lot 😊

[@marthalanham2617]

Maybe try putting a sheet of plastic canvas from a craft store over the big holes. They come in different hole sizes.

[@DutchHollow]

for very tiny seeds place a piece of window screen down.

[@danhammond8406]

Cheese cloth works great

[@andrewstephan505]

Where do you buy your seeds?

[@mrscindymp]

So...how do you get the grass out of the trays if the roots are weaved through the bottom?

[@FreezeDryLady]

She said she goes out with a large knife and cuts the roots off right into the feed bowl and then the grass comes off too.

[@hillarywright7965]

I have this system and that's the part I dont like...

[@cinnamonone4759]

I have these trays and I am going to try to put paper towel in the bottom to eliminate the weaving.

[@tariqashraf5855]

so how much to feed per chicken?

[@robertwilkinson8115]

You can probably replace up to 2/3 of what you are feeding now. Buy in bulk if you want to save money. Buying by the pound can break the bank. Online 1 lb of barley seed can sell for as much as $20, while you can get a 48 lb bag for as little as $24.

[@kondaveetichinnarao5170]

Good information!

[@sventinker5383]

does this increase the protein content?

[@basement1908]

awesome. thank you

[@poochyface1]

Hi, I've bought the same trays and doing everything you said and still I'm getting mold. I'm beginning to think that it needs a fan and their is to much moisture in-between the two pans. I was thinking of making small holes in the trays for the fan to be able to stop the mold. I've not let the roots sit in water because it would be worst I think.

[@DutchHollow]

Air movement can help. I don’t think you need to get it to a try. Movement over the greens will make the greens draw up more water drying out the bottom faster.

[@poochyface1]

Update to what I've been doing . Since my last note, this is what I've done differently. I'm using a spray bottle with water and very little javex to clean the trays every time I water my seeds ( I've been using oats seeds ) because it was free from my neighbor. Sometimes I do spray the top ( but not every day) and I'm getting better results what what I'm doing. I can only go to as far as 7 days, then I saw a little mold on top , but not much. Thank you for your video, it's been the only one so far that has help me get somewhere with my fodder. Last year I gave up on it because I could not get rid of the mold. But with those trays, it's been allot better. THANK YOU

[@BriesBunnyBarn]

I tried this a few years ago but sounds that only one tray had matured and the tray that did mature ended up getting mold and maggots in it. What did I do wrong? I believe I just had a batch of old seed. I'm willing to try again with new seed but I no longer have the setup that I used

[@DutchHollow]

Rinse the seeds in a 1:10 bleach solution and spray down with Hydrogen peroxide

[@facttv2608]

@@DutchHollow use of any chemical is dangerous because life cycle of this kind of feed is very short.

[@DutchHollow]

@@facttv2608 Bleach is rinsed off and is only used in first seed soak. Hydrogen Peroxide is not a harmful chemical and is safe to use.

[@danhammond8406]

@@facttv2608 bleach is sodium hyperclorite which breaks down in a day in uv or normal sunlight and becomes safe. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down to water when exposed to light as well.

[@jkimo1178]

Thanks for the video. What is the temperature in the room? And are you able to grow these in the winter months?

[@fredfrond6148]

bradahj I grow microgreens in the Canadian winter for my own consumption. Nor problem as long as I keep the house above 68 to 70 degrees f. 72 or higher would be better. But obviously if it is cold outside there is no need to spend extra money heating so 72 should be fine. I have grown barley grass for juicing and broccoli microgreens. Broccoli microgreens fight cancer in fact in addition to the other nutrient benefits.

[@jkimo1178]

@@fredfrond6148 Thanks for the reply. We've had good luck growing our wheat berry grass and alfalfa sprouts. The chickens love them. I even have a colleague who is going to buy a set of the trays. ***** I would be interested in learning how you grow the broccoli microgreens. Do you have a video on this?

[@fredfrond6148]

bradahj if you are already growing wheat it is real easy. This guy has a great video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKGkp6ykZph7eLM. Instead of soil I buy coconut coir (ground up coconut husks) and grow them in that. Once I harvest the tops, I after 2 weeks usually, I bring the roots and coconut coir and give them to a lady who feeds the, to her chickens I am in the City and have no chickens. You can feed them to your chickens since you keep them. So nothing is put in the garbage. Another video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJyvZ3SAZdial7c. Where are you from.

[@poochyface3696]

I've tried many times before only to get mold , but it was not done your way. is the rinsing of the seeds twice in a day helpful against mold. Mine was getting moldy shortly after it was put in the tray to sprout.

[@jeng1395]

Hydrogen peroxide

[@FreezeDryLady]

This is explained so well! I’m curious, do you still use this system?

[@DutchHollow]

Only change I made was do a quick short soak in Peroxide and clean the trays with Peroxide. Helps keep mold down.

[@TheMeldamine]

@@DutchHollow What percentage of peroxide do you use with the water? I've read 3% dilution. I'm having a huge problem with white fuzzy mold growing on some African grass that I grow for my Sulcata tortoises, no matter what soil I use. I'm hoping this soiless method will help. Thanks!!

[@Baby_Singh_ani]

How do you do seed disinfection to prevent fungus?

[@Colorofmysoul]

How do you prevent molding from occurring? I have the same trays you have. By day 5-6 mold starts. What am I doing wrong?

[@DutchHollow]

You might not need as much water. Mold means too much

[@noreenlinton3121]

Can I do the same thing with Barley?

[@DutchHollow]

Yes, that's what I'm currently growing in it

[@johnford3761]

How much daylight do they need?

[@DutchHollow]

If you want them to grow faster have at least 12hrs of light. I do mine via. window light and we only get 8-9 hrs a day this time of year. usually adds an ever 1-2 days of grow time but zero added electricity.

[@MrSaidi57]

Thank you for your informativ video

[@sshultz8121]

This video on diy chicken fodder is a year old. Did you decide to stop using that as a food resource?

[@PamelaPiana-p5w]

I always have mold… what can I do???

[@DutchHollow]

@@PamelaPiana-p5w less water and more airflow. Use a fan if needed

[@donnakoepke7273]

Do you have a problem with knats around your fodder and if so what can you do to get rid of them?

[@DutchHollow]

I haven't had an issue. Sorry

[@danhammond8406]

The hanging fly strips work great for fruit flies and knats

[@ryanbeard1119]

How many cups of grain do use use a day ?

[@DutchHollow]

That is my entire set up. Just 1 tray a day as a treat. So that’s 1 cup a day.

[@vishchikare9635]

Respect mem plz tell me how many times u soke seeds

[@DutchHollow]

No more than 20 Min. Barley likes to mold if soaked too long.

[@BobManoj9]

How will I get the trays... Please link or address...?

[@wildlyrootedhomestead5437]

Do you think this will still work with oats?

[@DutchHollow]

Yes, I've done wheat, oats and barley. All work. Germination times are different, oats usually take another 1-3 days to get to the same height/density

[@wildlyrootedhomestead5437]

@@DutchHollow great thank you! 😊

[@Janu-butt]

Hi Ma'm . i am from Pakistan . and want to build my own Hydro System . Can you explain me please in your green tray is any whole in it ?

[@hillarywright7965]

No holes in green tray.

[@christinehaslam9480]

Hi.. I tried this a different way - as I just found your video. When the whites of my sprouts got longer they appeared furry. They had white furry looking stuff on them. I didn't use it because I was afraid it had gotton moldy? I wasn't sure if this is how they were supposed to look? What does mold look like on the sprouts? Thanks

[@DutchHollow]

Sometimes furry is just the roots! Easy way to tell is spray it with water. Roots will seemingly disappear. Mold will usually have a greyish tinge

[@christinehaslam9480]

@@DutchHollow thank you. I'm going to try again and if I see white stuff, I will spray it...🌱

[@ABDUL_RAHMAN_OSMAN]

Hi

[@metoo1486]

Hi can I do this with corn?

[@abubatoure]

Yes... Almost all are the same procedures

[@maqeelqureshi]

Can I grow the seed from this process?

[@GreaterBayArea]

No

[@A.B.D.555]

Yup u can

[@GreaterBayArea]

@@A.B.D.555 no

[@donnagaudette6502]

Where do you put the Maxie Grow? In the water or with the seeds.

[@DutchHollow]

It's mixed with water

[@sdawg58]

Great video, I smashed the like and commented to help you out! Subscribed

[@luvdpugs]

Where did you order the trays?

[@DutchHollow]

Good morning I got them off Amazon. Here's the links Sprouting Trays - amzn.to/2KPud5K Red Wheat Berries - amzn.to/341GYys

[@ronallens6204]

So the question remains, how many chickens will a tray at a given weight feed ?

[@nyamasyosila3742]

130g per day for 1 grown chicken

[@ronallens6204]

@@nyamasyosila3742 that is all well and good... but i am sure a banty eats a whole lot less than a jersy giant.

[@elysianbridgetownaccommodation]

Mine keep moulding, 😢

[@DutchHollow]

mold usually means too wet. Water less or add a fan to keep air moving

[@18corazoncito]

Did you put down any soil?

[@DutchHollow]

This is done by hydroponics. No soil needed

[@hippopotamusanonymous1580]

Where do you get the seeds?

[@tylerdavies3038]

Any feed store sells bulk..I got a 50 lb bag of wheat for $12.99 the other day

[@ironleatherwood1357]

How many chickens does this feed?

[@DutchHollow]

It’s not a feed replacement but I toss out 1 tray to about 30 for a snack

[@johannparedes8359]

How much trays per chicken

[@DutchHollow]

I have 26 chickens and use 1 tray as a treat.

[@melissiam6242]

Are you still doing the fodder?

[@DutchHollow]

Only in the winter months

[@KINGKRS1]

Thank you. Can one use maize instead of wheat?

[@DutchHollow]

You can use any seed but your yield and time to harvest won't be as good as barley or wheat

[@clearahenderson9339]

How you fed the Seeds

[@robertwilkinson8115]

If you mean after they have sprouted, just feed the entire mat to the animals. They will eat all of it.

[@68868s]

Why aren't you consuming healthy, life-saving wheatgrass?

[@DutchHollow]

It's not for me but chickens. Barley grows faster and has more nutrients for livestock use

[@bill200262]

sterilization of the seed first

[@lounospencer6537]

Would be nice of you if you can write down the steps for slow learner's. 🙏

[@dfusa4869]

Looks like only 50% grew

[@MIARACING]

I’ve watched 3 videos the first one said soak 5 hours next one said 8-12 hours and now you’re saying 24-48 hours. I’m stopping right here before someone tells me to soak for 7 days

[@tahmeedhussen3535]

This depends on climate,if you are from dry colder region you have to soak longer,and if you are from hot humid region you need less time,but my question is should grocery store brought wheat will work or I should buy wheat from seed store?

[@mr.mikesart7111]

How many chickens will one tray feed

[@DutchHollow]

I use it as a snack not a feed replacement. I have 30 hens

[@mr.mikesart7111]

@@DutchHollow I'm only looking to pick up 8. Plan on feeding duckweed and store bought but want alternatives to buying feed.

[@DutchHollow]

@@mr.mikesart7111 Always have feed available to them. Think of it as their multivitamin so you know they have a balanced ration available.

[@prithvi8371]

Use some nice bgm. thats make better feel for the video mam.

[@tylermaag5441]

Wheat I have wheat!!!!!!!!!!!! At home

[@dorianmccarthy7602]

Water sprinkling does not equal crap. You just felt nervous about trying to validate your argument.

[@hirenvdesai]

,,👍👍👍

[@fxeacademy9356]

i dislike because u did'nt show the chickens eating the fodder....

[@DutchHollow]

I dislike you randomly too.

[@mariatrevino7467]

Dutch Hollow Acres they told you the reason for their dislike, you should fix it/take it into consideration next time instead of being rude.

[@TheMeldamine]

@@mariatrevino7467 Extremely idiotic reason. This video is about growing fodder, not feeding chickens.

[@66gtb]

You should self ban yourself from like/dislike and commenting for at least a year. OR, post your own video and let us see how much better you can do. I’m sure you will please EVERYONE.

[@Wsquared43]

No matter what i do, it always molds. I have the exact same containers

[@DutchHollow]

Less water, more air flow. Might need a fan