How to germinate grain for chickens: what is better to give and the composition of the mixture, feeding rules

In order for domestic chickens to stay he althy and lay well, they need a complete and balanced diet. The basis of the diet of birds is cereals. Experienced poultry farmers advise using sprouted grain for feeding birds. This product contains many nutrients that are required for the development of chickens. So, how can you germinate chicken grain yourself?

What are the benefits and harms of sprouted grains?

Sprouting grains improves the nutritional characteristics of the product. Through this procedure, the following results can be achieved:

• soften food and make it easier to digest;
• stimulate bird weight gain;
• improve egg quality;
• increase egg production parameters;
• strengthen the immune system of birds.

With the wrong dosage or an excess amount of sprouted grains in the diet of chickens, there is a risk of various problems. An increased amount of the product provokes a glut of the body with minerals - primarily iron. This disrupts important organs.

Problems also arise in the absence of other important elements in the diet. Even with a high nutritional value, sprouted grain is considered a dietary product that is quickly absorbed and does not lead to full saturation. Therefore, the body of birds can be weakened due to a deficiency of carbohydrates.

In the long term, excessive consumption of the product can cause digestive problems in birds.

Which grain is best for chickens to germinate?

Sprouted grains can be used to prepare special blends. They are used whole or crushed. For this, wheat, oats, millet are used. You can also give chickens sunflower, barley, corn, buckwheat.

The introduction of grains into the diet of chickens has a positive effect on the parameters of their egg production, supplying the body with valuable substances and trace elements. Each culture has certain advantages:

1. Sunflower - provides birds with energy and helps to increase egg production parameters. Experienced experts advise using these grains in the winter. They provide a boost to the immune system.
2. Barley - primarily used for feeding meat breeds of chickens. The product can be used throughout the year. It should be borne in mind that the grains have sharp tips that can provoke damage to the digestive organs. Because barley is mixed with other feeds.
3. Millet - it contains a large amount of fiber. Therefore, the product is suitable for young birds. Millet chicken is given in combination with a boiled egg. Grown up chicks require a composition based on millet, greens and eggs.
4. Wheat is considered a very high-calorie cereal. It contains proteins that are easily digestible. Experienced experts advise giving wheat bran to birds. In summer, they should make up a maximum of 80% of the diet. In winter, this figure is reduced to 40%.
5. Oats - this product includes many vitamins that are required for the full development and increase in egg production of birds. Also in the cereal there is a large amount of fiber. It takes a lot of energy to digest oats. Therefore, its volume should not exceed 10% of all food.

Dietary variety

In order for chickens to develop normally, gain weight and give a lot of eggs, it is necessary to provide them with a varied diet.

Grain mixes

In winter, birds need a lot of energy. The fat layer will help prevent freezing of birds. Therefore, it is recommended to feed the birds with grain mixtures. They are sold ready-made.

You can also make the composition yourself. It is important that it be balanced. To do this, you should focus on the optimal ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. To prepare 30 kilograms of classic food, use the following ingredients:

• 11 kilograms of crushed wheat;
• 3 kilos of oats;
• 3 kilos of barley;
• 3 kilos of crushed corn;
• 1 kilogram of shale sand;
• 600 grams of sunflower oil sludge;
• 10 grams granular flavor;
• 2 kilograms of crushed pea kernels;
• 3 kilos of bone meal;
• 3.5 kilograms of cake.

All components should be mixed well. The finished composition is used to feed chickens twice a day.

The composition of the grain mixture directly depends on the goal pursued by the owner of the chickens. In any case, they all help increase egg production, improve bird he alth and improve meat quality.

Meshanka

Mash must be present in the diet of chickens. It is very important when formulating a diet for chickens that cannot eat grains. The composition of the mixer contains the following ingredients:

• crushed;
• vegetables;
• food waste;
• greens;
• bone meal.

A portion of this product is selected so that the chickens immediately eat it. The remaining mash must be disposed of, and the feeders must be washed.

It is permissible to feed the chicks with a stirrer on the 4th-5th day of life. For adult chickens, yeast ingredients should be added to the composition. They provide the body with protein, B vitamins and enzymes. Yeast improves the digestive process and facilitates the decomposition of ingredients.

How to germinate grain for chickens?

To germinate grains for chickens, you should follow these steps:

1. Choose quality raw materials. It should not be rotten or old.
2. Choose a container for soaking grain. Glass or ceramic dishes are suitable for this.
3. Place cereals in a container and pour warm water. Its temperature should be + 35-40 degrees. The liquid should cover the grains by 2-3 centimeters.
4. After the end of the specified time, the excess liquid should be drained, and the grain should be scattered over a clean oilcloth. Germination of cereals should be carried out in a room with low humidity and no drafts.
5. Cover the grain with a damp cloth. As it dries, it must be moistened.
6. After 2-3 days strong sprouts will appear.

Don't germinate many grains at once. The finished product has a short shelf life. If mold appears on the surface, cereals will have to be thrown away.

How to make a cereal mix at home?

To make 1 kilogram of cereal-based composition, it is worth mixing the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of wheat;
• 150 grams of corn;
• 100 grams of barley;
• 100 grams of meal;
• 140 grams meat and bone meal;
• 50 grams of hay flour;
• 50 grams of yeast;
• 40 grams of peas;
• 15 grams vitamin complex;
• 3 grams of s alt.

Feeding chickens with grain in winter and summer

The diet of birds may vary slightly depending on the season. In summer, the birds are free-range, so they have the opportunity to find food on their own. Therefore, experts do not include barley and corn in the feathered menu.

Signs of overfeeding wheat germ

Grain sprouts contain a lot of iron. An excess amount of the substance accumulates in the body and can provoke poisoning. An increased amount of iron prevents the normal absorption of important elements - zinc, calcium, vitamin E, manganese.

Sprouted grains are highly nutritious and beneficial to chickens.

To achieve good results in the preparation of the diet, it is important to choose the right ingredients and follow the technology of germinating cereals.

Recommended