[Rosemary]

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.

[robert waddell]

the hens will grind the barley down themselves

[Fowlman]

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

[clydesdaleclopper]

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

[Oneeyedhen]

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

[Rosemary]

Excellent - I do like a free source of food lol