Sprouts

[girlybird]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to grow my own sprouts for my birds but have never done this before. Is this safe? What kind do you grow and what method do you use?

Thanks.

[Chicklet]

My opinion is this is that it is very risky. If the sprouts have ANY fungus on it this will be a risk to your parrots health. I have grown them myself but was to scared to give it to Rascal. However, this is my opinion only but I wouldn't risk it, maybe other members will have their own methods with less risk.

[Heather_Bird]

A lot of my breeder friends grow and feed sprouts on a daily basis and swear by them. I actually just started to sprout seed myself as there are so many people who think they're great for birds.

I think it's important to bear in mind that you shouldn't grow more than your birds can eat in a couple of days as they can be prone to going off quickly.

The way I do it is to soak the seeds I am sprouting in warm water with a dash of Aviclens for 6-12 hours. I then drain them and leave them in a mesh colander or bag to do their thing. You can put them straight into the fridge or leave them out for a further 12 - 24 hours. If they go in the fridge they will take longer to sprout but they only need to sprout a little to be beneficial (quarter inch sprouts are just about right). It is important to rinse them thoroughly 2 or 3 times a day with cold, fast running water to avoid the growth of any nasties. It's also important to use the right types of seed.

I have just fed out my third lot and the birds are really getting into them now. Have to admit that I steal quite a few while I am putting them out too! You do have to be careful but from talking to many breeders and owners, the effort is worth it. Good luck!

All the best,

Heather