The Superfood Secret: Sprouting Herbs and Legumes for Our Happy Hens!
Hey there, Bloom & Barn family! Kelley here, and today I'm sharing another one of our "secret ingredients" for keeping our chickens exceptionally healthy and vibrant: sprouting herbs and legumes for their feed!
You might already know how much we prioritize the well-being of our flock. Happy hens lay amazing eggs, and a big part of that happiness comes from their diet. While they free-range and enjoy fermented feed, we also supplement their meals with nutrient-dense sprouts.
Why Sprouting is a Game-Changer for Chickens:
- Nutrient Powerhouse: When you sprout seeds, grains, herbs, or legumes, their nutritional content explodes! Vitamins (like B vitamins, Vitamin C, and K), minerals, and enzymes become more bioavailable, meaning the chickens can absorb them more easily. It's like turning regular feed into a superfood smoothie for them!
- Increased Digestibility: The sprouting process breaks down anti-nutrients and makes complex carbohydrates and proteins easier to digest. This reduces the workload on their digestive systems and ensures they're getting maximum benefit from their food.
- Natural & Fresh Greens: Even in winter, sprouting allows us to provide fresh, living greens. Chickens absolutely love pecking at the tender sprouts, which mimics their natural foraging behavior and provides vital chlorophyll.
- Boosted Immune System: The increased nutrient intake and natural enzymes from sprouts help bolster their immune systems, making them more resilient to common ailments.
- Mental Stimulation: Watching them eagerly devour the sprouts is proof that they enjoy the process! It's a form of enrichment that keeps them engaged and happy.
We typically sprout a variety of things like lentils, chickpeas, alfalfa, and various herb seeds. The process is simple: soak, rinse, and let them grow for a few days until those little green tails appear. It's a low-cost, high-impact way to provide a fantastic nutritional boost.
It's just one more way we go the extra mile to ensure our chickens are thriving, naturally. Because at Kelley's Bloom & Barn, healthy, happy chickens truly make for the best eggs and the brightest farm life!
Cluckingly yours,
Kelley Chief Chicken Wrangler & Sprouting Advocate Kelley's Bloom & Barn