Can I Feed Chicks (Sprouted) Lentils?

So, as you may already know, WE HAVE BABY CHICKS AND DUCKLINGS!!!

I started them off with feed from Tractor Supply. I even bought a 20 pound bag, and realized they could potentially go through that very quickly. Maybe not the chicks, but add the ducklings to that, and my feed goes quite a bit more quickly.

I did some pantry browsing, and found myself wondering:

CAN I FEED MY CHICKS LENTILS?

So I started searching on what I could give them, and I found a LOT, including foods we already know we like. Sharing food with them feels like I don't spend anything extra to feed the little buggers.

So day one of introducing new food was not actually lentils.

I started with a blend of cabbage, kale, and brussel sprouts. They loved it! But I think they ate their veggies faster than their feed.

I also came across some articles that referenced making fermented feed. Fermenting the feed fills them up more, and gives them more vitamins.

Filling them up was definitely something that appealed to me, and a couple things that I had on hand were bulgur and sprouted lentils.

I started with just the bulgur, and after several successful feedings, I decided to mix a batch of half lentils and half bulgur.

What you want to do is simply mix equal parts solid with water. So I mixed 1 cup of bulgur, 1 cup of lentils, and 2 cups of water.

I leave them to sit in a bowl or tupperware, and stir intermittently. When I don't see any liquid in the dish, I spoon it into their dishes. You don't need to let it sit very long. Anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours - it probably also will depend on the humidity level of your home.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like when I give them the bulgur and or lentils, they are happier to see me. The ducklings certainly have nibbles waiting for me each time I visit.

Aside from the chicks and the ducklings loving their homemade feed, it's also great for them. Bulgur contains protein, magnesium, manganese, iron, and B6. Sprouted lentils contain vitamin C, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. These are all nutrients that are good for your chickens, and nutrients you want in your eggs!

Have you fed your chickens sprouted lentils or bulgur?

Do you use a different method?

I would love to hear from you!