Sprouting Basics and Choosing the Right Grain for Chickens

If you’ve ever wondered how to sprout seeds for chickens or what the best grain is to sprout… this guide breaks it down. Most people think hydroponics is only for pot growers… but the truth is, anyone can use these strategies to raise a healthier flock. I borrowed a method from hydroponics and adapted it for chickens… and the results are incredible.

Thanks to my grandma, I learned the basics of gardening early on. She taught me how to select seeds, prepare soil, and carefully plant them. I remember filling small black trays that looked like ice cube trays, one seed per cell… and waiting as little green shoots popped through the soil. Sprouting for chickens is even simpler. You don’t need soil, large trays, or weeks of waiting. All you need is a handful of seeds, a jar, water, and a few minutes each day.

Here’s the simple bucket method to get started:

1. Measure: Use 1 ounce (1/8 cup) of dry seed per chicken per day of feed

2. Soak: Cover seeds with water and let them sit for a few hours.

3. Rinse Daily: Drain and rinse seeds each day to keep them fresh.

4. Harvest: In less than a week, your sprouts are ready to feed your flock.

When it comes to grains, barley, oats, and wheat all work… but barley sprouts quickly and is easy for beginners. Oats are hearty… and wheat is nutrient-dense. By sprouting your own feed, you can improve egg quality and reduce the amount of commercial feed your chickens consume. And save money compared to neighbors who don’t sprout.

It takes just a few minutes a day… and in the time it takes to brew your morning coffee, you can grow fresh, nutritious sprouts that your flock will love. Sprouting isn’t just easy…it’s transformative for your chickens and your farm routine.