To cook or not to cook... that is the question

[shibatimes3]

In reading over my parrot resources, most of them say to soak bean mixtures, not to cook them....

In reading an article this evening on the net, it says that raw beans have a toxin in them and they should be cooked ... always.

What is the answer? What is the right way to offer this food to our fids? Please help!

[VictoriaRose]

I was always under the impression that both should be done. That is the way most recipes suggest to prepare lentils anyway...

Soak overnight, then simmer for a time depending on the recipe.

I'm soaking some beaks for a recipe I'll make tomorrow, and I still intend to simmer for at least an hour, perhaps 2 depending on how firm/soft they are after the first hour.

[alarmingparrots]

Yes, cook them definately, soak them if needed.
This toxin can easily be picked up by our fids and harm them.

[Lori~D]

Now wait a minute. I sprout them (just barely) . Are you telling me they lose the toxin somehow? I dont cook my sprouted beans. certain ones you cannot sprout but many are OK raw.

toxins in Dried Beans

Sprouting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think AVI makes a "safe sprout" powder??