How to Feed Sprouts to Ducks and Chickens

Sprouts are an excellent fresh source of nutrition for poultry, including ducks and chickens. The birds relish the sprouted grains, usually oat, wheat, grass or barley. The sprouts supply grazing time in winter months plus needed vitamins, proteins and amino acids. These nutrients are particularly beneficial to chickens in lay. Growing your own sprouts is not difficult and there are a few methods to feeding them to the birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Grain sprouts
  • Shallow dish
  • Sprouting tray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the chosen seeds to be sprouted for the birds. Place them in a shallow tray, cover with water and set in a dark room or area. Change the water daily. Only sprout edible seeds such as bean, grass, barley, vetch or wheat.

    • 2

      Move the sprouted seeds to an area with sunlight and let the tiny plants begin to grow and turn green. Rinse the plants daily.

    • 3

      Feed the ducks and chickens the sprouts when they reach a few inches in length and are green. Rinse the sprouts thoroughly and place them in a feeding bowl for the ducks and chickens. Do not feed moldy, rotten, or sour smelling sprouts as these will sicken or kill the birds.

    • 4

      Fill a tray with potting soil and plant wheat grass, lettuce or alfalfa. Water the seeds and put the tray in a sunlit area.

    • 5

      Cut the green sprouts when they have reached three or more inches in height. Feed these to the ducks and chickens. Empty the tray after a few cuttings (grain seeds will bolt after a few cuttings), and reseed.