It is well-known that sprouted seeds are nutrient-rich; you can find sprouts in health food stores, on menus in salads, and there are home-sprouting kits online. Sprouting has also become very popular for birds as well. An alternative to sprouting is to soak seeds to the point of germination where a tip just begins to emerge. Germination requires less time, decreases chance of mold growth, and is still very nutritious. Sprouting can also be done in the refrigerator, where the colder temperature inhibits mold growth, although the sprouting process takes longer.
| Good seeds to sprout for parrots | Good legumes to sprout for parrots |
| barley buckwheat chili/bell pepper seeds popcorn millet safflower sesame sunflower seeds quinoa wheat berries**Many other quality mixes can be purchased online. |
adzuki garbanzos mung beans whole lentils whole peas **Other large beans may contain toxic compounds and are not best for sprouting and should only be fed if thoroughly soaked and cooked. |
Disclaimer: Sprouts do have the potential to grow mold if not rinsed properly, or not grown in correct environments/temperatures. If your sprouts smell bad, they are likely spoiled and should be discarded.
The following directions are general steps for sprouting. Some seeds and legumes will vary in their time needed to soak and the time before sprouting occurs. There is plenty of additional information online regading sprouting specifically for birds.
| 1. | Using a mesh strainer, rinse 1/4 cup seeds/legumes. Put the mix into a glass container and fill with enough water to cover the mix 2-3 inches. Let soak overnight. |
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| 2. | Pour the soaked mix back into the strainer and rinse. Many people use glass Ball or Kerr mason jars for sprouting along with a special sprouting lid that makes rinsing and draining easy. You can also use cheesecloth or fine-mesh netting secured with a rubberband. Complete drainage and ventilation is important! | |
| 3. | Keep the sprout mix at room temperature and out of direct light. Repeat rinsing and straining/draining 2-4 times a day. It is best to drain at an angle, with the opening oriented between 4 and 5 o’ clock. | |
| 4. | After 2-4 days, the mixture will be sprouted and ready to serve. Check the odor- sprouts can smell “earthy” and sweet but should not smell foul or pungent. Always rinse and dry sprouts before feeding them to your birds. | |
| 5. | Sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for an additional 2-3 days. Drain well before storing as excess water can cause them to spoil. |