The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Russpig on January 18, 2024, 01:55:43 pm

Title: Soaking whole barley
Post by: Russpig on January 18, 2024, 01:55:43 pm

I usually feed a mix of soaked rolled barley and pig nuts.

Today I accidentally bought whole barley and didn’t realise until I got home and opened the bag.

Will the pigs still be able to digest it if I soak overnight? Any other easy ideas to make it digestible as do t want it going to waste 🤣

Title: Re: Soaking whole barley
Post by: Richmond on January 18, 2024, 03:10:45 pm

Is it possible to return it and exchange it?

Title: Re: Soaking whole barley
Post by: Russpig on January 18, 2024, 06:30:59 pm

Unfortunately can’t return and we’re a fair bit away from the place.

 Been reading online that a lot of Americans feed it soaked for a few days.

Title: Re: Soaking whole barley
Post by: Penninehillbilly on January 20, 2024, 01:03:07 pm

We soak it a bit to give to geese (and wild pheasants to help them over winter).
I think there are systems where it's soaked to sprouting and then fed green?
When I gave goats unsoaked grain I noticed some was coming through whole, so if they get whole grain, I always soak it, boiling water, soaked overnight.
Maybe just small amounts to start with?

Title: Re: Soaking whole barley
Post by: harmony on February 10, 2024, 08:55:20 am

Boil or crush. How big a bag did you get?

Title: Re: Soaking whole barley
Post by: Rupert the bear on February 10, 2024, 04:53:21 pm

cook it up they will love you for it  especially  given still warm