Welcome to the world of Sprouting Seed for Birds, a natural and nourishing choice that elevates your avian companion's well-being to new heights! Sprouting seeds offer a host of incredible benefits, making them a delightful and healthful addition to your feathered friend's diet.
As these seeds begin to sprout, their nutritional content significantly increases, providing a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. This enhanced nutrition promotes better digestion, supports a robust immune system, and contributes to overall vitality for your avian companions.
1. Choose a jar with a lid.
Any glass jar will do for sprouting, though one with a wide opening is most convenient for rinsing, draining, and removing sprouts. Choose a jar large enough to contain the seeds and sprouts.
2. Rinse Seeds.
Rinse seeds well with cool water and drain. Remove any debris, stones, or broken seeds. When sprouting smaller seeds, removing broken seeds is not practical, but do look for any non-seed material and remove at this point, if possible.
3. Soak Seeds.
Place rinsed seeds in a jar and fill about ¾ full with cool water, ensuring that the seeds are fully covered. Cover with a mesh lid or cloth, secured with a rubber band, to allow air flow. We recommend using Vetafarm Aviclens by simply adding a few drops when soaking. A general rule is to soak at least 8 hours. Some larger seeds may require a longer soak. Soak until the seeds have doubled in size. Keep in mind that temperature also affects soak time. In warmer temperatures, the soak time is shorter. In cooler temperatures, soak time is longer.
4. Drain Seeds Well.
It is important to drain the seeds well, for several hours, while allowing plenty of air circulation. Mesh lids work well for this step, as the jar may be inverted and propped at an angle to drain for long periods.
5. Rinse, Drain, and Repeat.
Rinse seeds with cool water and repeat draining. Rinse gently to avoid damaging tender new sprouts. Usually 2-3 days of rinsing and draining about 3 times per day is sufficient. In very warm temperatures, rinse more frequently. In cold weather, less frequent rinsing may be fine, but keep in mind that seeds may not sprout as well.
Note: If you notice mould, bacteria or a bad smell do NOT feed the sprouted seed to your birds. Sprouted seed should have a fresh earthy smell to them.