Sprouted Seeds

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:37 am

willieP.....haha! I think HJ and I would get along just fine in one "cage"...as long as I get the top perch!

Does anybody use GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) to disinfect the sprouted seeds? I have used it as a cage cleaner and sprayed it on vegetables and I also use it to disinfect my wood cutting board. But there are two schools of thought on using it.

Some say it is a safe alternative to bleach. Others say it kills the bad AND good bacteria which would be bad for the birds as it would kill the good bacteria in their digestive system. I don't put it in the drinking water anymore for fear of upsetting my birds systems.

So it is hard to know what the right thing to do is.

Here is a link to GSE information and use in case you want to find out more about it:

GSE Information

jonvill · Post by **jonvill** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:49 pm

I purchased a bottle of GSE but I don't give it to my birds because it does kill both good and bad bacteria. It is an antiseptic so I think it's best to use to clean perches, cages and water/food dishes.

I don't use bleach or GSE on my sprouts. I always make sure to rinse them morning and night and always smell them to make sure they smell good. The sprouted seeds should smell nutty.

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:51 pm

Willie P,

I run an animal rescue so fo rme time is a HUGE issue, as I also train horses to ride and that in itself is a full time job. so fo rme to make egg food was just not feasable so I am NEW to the dry egg food, I learned about it and folks seemed here to like it so I am trying it.

They did NOT did right in but I have been sprinkling small amounts on there feed and hopefully they will take to it.

FH you are indeed correct every site i go to tells you something opposite of the last so we all need to make our own decisions and hope for the best,, We dont definately want o cause harm to our babies.
Ill be interested if anyone answers you rquestion as id much rather use a natural ingredient to clean over bleach, HATE the smell

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:10 pm

I to have been looking into gse went to land of vos first ( they seem to really like and recomend it )

A lot of info there.Another link from there
http://www.nutriteam.com/faq.htm#flora
bcamp

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:35 pm

B Camp.....thanks for posting that link! It answers my question about GSE destroying bacteria in the birds intestines...which it DOESN'T. That is a great relief to know.

TammyS · Post by **TammyS** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:13 am

A friend of mine was just singing the praises of GSE at our local bird club meeting. He stated it does stop the growth of bacteria when added to water and he adds it to all of his handfeeding formula as well (he handfeeds exotics such as Toucanets). He does a lot of research before he uses or recommends any type of supplement and he is very much into using natural supplements. The other items he gave on handouts on were Coconut Oil, Quinoa and Green Calcium (Hydrilla Verticillata). He gave us some great information on the benefits...for yourself and your birds!
.

TammyS · Post by **TammyS** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:11 pm

Found the article on GSE from my breeder friend:

http://www.landofvos.com/articles/kitchen7.html

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:30 pm

That was another nice interesting article on GSE....lots of good information.....and I loved the "Bird Doctor" picture at the beginning of the article...cute!

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:23 pm

What about Dr. Rob Marshall's KD water cleanser, or Morning Bird's Sparkle? I think the sprouted seeds helps to stimulate the birds to breed.

birdgranna · Post by **birdgranna** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:16 pm

Is the cat grass plant you can buy in the grocery store ok for finches>
Also, about the sprouted seeds..where do you keep them until they have sprouted...in fridge or not?

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:20 am

Seeds require humidity to sprout so I cover mine with Cling Wrap and leave them in the kitchen. Once sprouted I wash and refrigerate them.