Build Tray Expandable Fodder System Half Pint Homestead Plans And Instructions: How to Create a Sustainable Solution for Animal Feed

Are you looking for a cost-effective and sustainable way to provide nutritious animal feed on your homestead? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the plans and instructions to build a tray expandable fodder system for your Half Pint Homestead. By the end, you will have all the knowledge required to create a self-sufficient solution for your animals' nutritional needs.

What is a Fodder System?

A fodder system refers to the cultivation of sprouting grains to feed livestock, such as chickens, rabbits, or goats. The system involves growing fodder from seeds, allowing them to sprout, and then feeding the young sprouts to animals as a highly nutritious source of food. This method is not only cost-effective but also an environmentally friendly solution.

Build a 6 tray Expandable Fodder System (Half-Pint Homestead Plans and Instructions Series Book 2)

by Bruce Bassett ([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5854 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	290 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Benefits of a Tray Expandable Fodder System

1. Nutrient-Rich Feed: Sprouted grains are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that enhance the overall health and productivity of your animals.

2. Cost-Effective: Growing your own fodder is an economical alternative to commercial feed. You can save significantly on feed costs, especially if you have a large number of animals to feed.

3. Sustainability: By reducing your reliance on store-bought feed, you contribute to a more sustainable and self-sufficient homestead. You have complete control over what your animals eat and can reduce your environmental impact.

4. Healthier Animals: Fodder is easier to digest for animals, leading to improved gut health, increased energy levels, and better weight gain.

Materials Required

• Tray System: Wooden trays or shallow containers with drainage holes for growing the fodder.
• Seeds: High-quality, untreated seeds such as barley, wheat, or oats.
• Water Source: A reliable water supply is crucial for consistent growth.
• Shelving or Racks: Sturdy structures to hold the trays vertically.
• Light Source: Fodder requires indirect sunlight to grow. If natural light is insufficient, you can use artificial lighting systems.
• Timer: A timer for automated watering to ensure consistent moisture levels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Building the Tray System

1. Measure and cut the wooden boards to create trays of equal size. Each tray should have drainage holes drilled into the bottom.

2. Assemble the trays by connecting the boards securely with screws or nails.

3. Place the completed trays into the shelving or racks, ensuring they are stable and can be stacked vertically without any risk of falling.

Step 2: Preparing the Seeds

1. Select high-quality, untreated seeds such as barley, wheat, or oats. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.

2. Allow the seeds to soak in water for about 6-12 hours to initiate the sprouting process.

Step 3: Seeding and Sprouting

1. Spread a thin layer of soaked seeds evenly across the bottom of each tray, ensuring that the seeds are not overcrowded.

2. Place the trays under indirect sunlight or artificial lighting, maintaining a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C).

3. Moisten the seeds by misting them with water using a spray bottle two to three times a day.

4. Within 2-3 days, you'll start to see tiny sprouts emerging from the seeds. Continue the misting process to keep the sprouts moist.

5. On the fifth day, the sprouts should be around 2-3 inches tall, indicating they are ready to be fed to your animals.

Step 4: Feeding the Animals

1. Gently remove the trays from the shelving or racks and cut the sprouts just above the soil line.

2. Feed the freshly cut sprouts to your animals. It is advisable to gradually introduce the fodder into their diet.

3. Return the trays to the shelving or racks and repeat the seeding and sprouting process to ensure a continuous supply of fresh feed.

By following these plans and instructions, you can build a tray expandable fodder system for your Half Pint Homestead. Providing nutrient-rich and sustainable animal feed is crucial for the overall well-being of your livestock. With this system in place, you can significantly reduce feed costs, improve animal health, and promote a more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly homestead. Start building your own fodder system today and witness the positive impact it can have on your farm!

Build a 6 tray Expandable Fodder System (Half-Pint Homestead Plans and Instructions Series Book 2)

by Bruce Bassett ([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5854 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	290 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Don’t let the high cost of feed get you down. Growing your own wheat Fodder right in your home can help you save money and provide highly nutritious feed with superior protein and vitamin levels at the same time. Skin is healthy, coats stay glossy, fertility is high, and milk and eggs keep that rich spring pasture color and flavor all year.

Our Fodder system plans help you build a complete system to grow wheat or barley Fodder for your livestock in your living space, taking advantage of the existing climate control. You can care for your system in only 10 minutes a day. We provide unlimited tech support in both building the system and growing Fodder. Just a few simple tools are required to build this system and our plans take you through it step-by-step.
The finished 6-tray Expandable Fodder system produces up to 15 pounds of Fodder and will feed up to 40 chickens, 30 meat rabbits, 1 horse, 4 full sized milking goats, or 7 mini milking goats. This system is designed to expand up to an 18 tray system as your homestead grows.

We also have instructions to build other Fodder systems and unique homesteading products:

The Micro and Mini systems are tabletop models feed up to 5 and 10 hens respectively.
The 12-tray system produces up to 30 pounds of Fodder and feeds up to 80 chickens, 60 meat rabbits, 2 horses, 8 full sized milking goats, or 14 mini milking goats.
Our 18-tray system produces up to 45 pounds of green nutritious Fodder and feeds up to 120 chickens, 90 meat rabbits, 3 horses, 12 full sized milking goats, or 21 mini milking goats.
The GunniGarden grows up to 40 pounds of potatoes in just 4 square feet
Our RoundTop Rabbit cages are strong, use less wire than conventional cages, and provide a built in divider and hay feeder.
The PVC mini milk goat stand is lightweight and easy to use.