How to Grow Sprouts for Your Flock in a Mason Jar

Looking for a quick treat to make for your chickens? Growing sprouts for your flock is very simple. You can sprout seeds such as alfalfa, grains, clover, oats, sunflower and pumpkin seeds just to name a few. Sprouting seeds can be purchased online, at your local garden center as well as your local health food store. Meyer Hatchery also offers a couple of organic blends you can sprout for your chickens. Your chickens will love a green treat, especially during the colder months.

Keep in mind that some beans such as Lima and kidney beans are not good for sprouting. They can be toxic to your chickens, especially in an uncooked form.  

Materials needed: 1 quart sized mason jar, 1 piece of plastic canvas cut to the size of a mason jar lid (fine mesh is best), 1-2 tablespoons of sprouting seeds. This recipe is for about 8-10 chickens.  

1. Make sure your jar is clean and sterilized. You can sterilize the jar in boiling water, or even wash your jar in the dishwasher. You want to make sure the jar is clean and as germ-free as possible.
2. Next, take your sprouting seeds and put them into the jar. Fill the jar half full with water and allow your sprouts to soak for 12 hours or overnight.
3. After the sprouts soak, drain the water off of the sprouts. Put the sprout jar somewhere where the sprouts can get light. A windowsill works great!  
4. Rinse your sprouts twice a day, morning and evening are ideal. Drain off all of the water after you rinse your sprouts. They should be damp but not sitting in water.
5. Continue with the twice-a-day rinse-and-drain procedure for 4-5 days. You will see your jar fill up with green sprouts.  
6. After your sprouts are fully grown, feed your chickens their special treat.

If you want to continually have sprouts for your flock, start a second jar 2 or 3 days after you start the first jar. This way, as one jar is emptied, you can start a new batch and you will always have sprouts ready.