Sprouting lentils is an easy and cost-effective way to provide your flock with nutritious food sources, full of essential proteins, minerals, and vitamins that will support growth and egg production. Plus, this project makes an engaging learning experience for kids of all ages!
Chickens enjoy eating a wide range of foods. Supplementing their diet with cooked lentils can add protein, fiber and other vital nutrients that will keep them happy and healthy. It’s important to remember that lentils should only be used as a supplementary feed source and shouldn’t replace all other sources; too much protein could strain their kidneys and liver as well as cause nutritional imbalances in their manure.
Lentils offer more protein per cup than most legumes and grains combined, yet contain just under one gram of fat. Furthermore, lentils provide plenty of dietary fiber which aids digestion as well as iron folate potassium and zinc – essential minerals that contribute to bird health.
To make lentils easier for your chicks to consume, boil and then mash them until soft – this makes them easier for your chicks to digest, helping avoid any potential bloat. Mash by hand or use a blender until desired texture has been reached.
Lentils can be added to any poultry feed, but for maximum benefits it’s essential that they’re mixed in with other ingredients in an even fashion. Chickens should ideally consume about 10%-10% of their diet from lentils; beyond protein they provide additional essential vitamins and minerals like copper, manganese, phosphorus, iron and folate and possess several antioxidant properties which may benefit their overall health.
To prepare lentils for your flock, start by thoroughly rinsing and soaking the lentils to remove dirt or debris. Soaking helps soften up and speed up the cooking process, before draining and placing in a saucepan for further use. Add enough water to cover your lentils and bring to a boil. Once they’re tender enough to be mashed with a fork, your lentils are ready for serving! Be sure to rinse the lentils again before giving them to your flock. Keep them away from bacteria and mold that may inflict illness in their feathered friends by keeping the lentils in an airtight container in a cool, dark location like a pantry or cabinet; you can also place them in the fridge/freezer for three months of storage.