Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 280, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1918 — SPROUTED OATS FOR POULTRY [ARTICLE]

SPROUTED OATS FOR POULTRY

Oats can be sprouted In shallow wooden boxes, with sides, about three to deep, such as are used by nurserymen for seedlings, the chief factors for their growth being sufficient but not too much moisture, together with light and warmth. In the summer there is no difficulty about the latter points, but in some sections farther north in winter either a greenhouse, corner of the. "kitchen, scullery, or warm outhouse are necessary for obtaining sufficient heat for rapid sprouting. The oats should be spread thickly over the bottom of the box, and at first watered freely, so that they become thoroughly soaked, and as sprouting progresses see that just sufficient moisture is supplied to keep them growing, but not to rot the roots. A little experience will soon tell the amount of oats which will yield the best results. To keep up continuity of supply, a fresh planting should be made about every three days, and the oats fed to the fowls when they are from four to six Inches high. A sod of these cut out is a rare treat to poultry when other green food Is scarce. If preferred, the oats, before •spreading in the boxes, can be thoroughly soaked in a tub of water, and this, where they are kept within doors, will do away With the attendant mess of at first watering the boxes