Which seeds to sprout

[Laraine]

I want to start sprouting seeds for my birds and am wondering which are the best ones to use?

[AussieBirds]

Hi Laraine, here is a list of seed that was suggested some time ago by Frank.
Sprout Mix includes
50% Wheat
20% Grey Sunflower
15% Triticarle
15% Mung Bean
1=Mix all seeds and sieve in a fine mesh colander (preferably a stainless steel one
For 10 breeding pairs i use 1/2 to 3/4 ice cream container of seeds.
2=Rinse thoroughly in colander under fast running warm water(warmth is a key to sprouting quickly in winter)
3=Place cleaned seed in a stainless steel or similar bowl of warm water with a thimble full of Vetafarm Aviclens or similar this helps avoid a build up of yeast or fungi in the water
and leave to soak for 6-12 hrs no more or they will go bitter.
4=Then remove seed from bowl and place back into mesh colander and rinse thoroughly.
5=Leave seeds in colander and rinse every 6-12hrs until sprout appears on seed approx 5mm long.The key is to not let the sprouts dry out in the colander as long as there is some dampness in the seeds.

Usually sprouts are ready to feed to birds by 2nd morning if you commence procedure at evening, this works well for me as i soak overnight and rinse before i go to work in mornings and when i come home in late afternoon.This quantity i use allows me to feed breeding pairs a cup full morning and afternoons for 3 days. 2nd and 3rd days sprouts are kept in fridge which is ok for up to 5-6 days
cheers Frank

he also gives you some instructions on how to do it correctly, I use this method and have seed sprouting on a continual basis. I couldn't get some of the seed frank suggests here but what i did was I got my wife to buy a commercial brand of wild bird seed and I use that, the brand i use is "Morkul Wild Bird coarse Seed Mix" and she gets it at Roselands, I use the method Frank suggests and it works perfectly. My birds love it and all the birds get fed sprouted seed every morning if you need any help with it email or PM me and I will only be to glad to help you out.

John

[loriluver]

Hi Lorraine, this is what i am currently sprouting
Wheat
stripped sunflower
Mung bean
Whole red lentils
Bortolli beans

When i have run out of these i have also sprouted the normal parrot mix seed

[Laraine]

Thanks guys.