The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Rosemary on June 03, 2012, 09:37:15 am

Title: Whole barley
Post by: Rosemary on June 03, 2012, 09:37:15 am

The chap I buy my hay from was down last week and we were having a wander round. He said that when they prepare the barley for sowing, they put it through a riddle and use the big seeds for sowing and the little 'uns just go in a bag. He asked if I wanted them for the chooks.

We feed mixed corn in the afternoon, but it's wheat and maize (I think). Can I safely feed whole barley instead? The barley hasn't been treated with anything.

Title: Re: Whole barley
Post by: robert waddell on June 03, 2012, 09:52:17 am

the hens will grind the barley down themselves :farmer:

Title: Re: Whole barley
Post by: Fowlman on June 03, 2012, 10:38:22 am

Mine are on just wheat this time of year but in winter they get wheat, maize and barley.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Whole barley
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 03, 2012, 07:44:30 pm

If you want to increase the feed value of the barley you could sprout the grains first before feeding them

Title: Re: Whole barley
Post by: Oneeyedhen on June 03, 2012, 07:47:07 pm

My Husband is an arable farmer and my hens get whatever wheat or barley is going.  Its doesnt seem to make any difference to them :)

Title: Re: Whole barley
Post by: Rosemary on June 03, 2012, 08:07:19 pm

Excellent - I do like a free source of food lol