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How do you all sprout your seeds? I'm interested to see if there's a quicker, more efficient, easier(?) way of sprouting seeds.

Dayna wrote:How do you all sprout your seeds? I'm interested to see if there's a quicker, more efficient, easier(?) way of sprouting seeds.

Hi Dayna,

I learned the process from the lady I got my gouldians from. It's really easy and mess free. Here is the link: http://www.finchroom.com/articles/seeds.html

I do it the way Mike Fidler explains.

Here's a link explaining how (video version):
http://www.fabulousfinch.com/cart/pages ... ideos.html

Here's a link to written directions:
http://www.fabulousfinch.com/how-to-spr ... birds.html

I use my normal finch seed mix. You can use any anti-bacterial agent instead of the virkon S too. It's a simple 1 1/2 to 2 hour soak. Once the seeds are dry enough you can freeze them and use as you need.
Good luck

I also use the Mike Fidler method, so easy. I can soak a really large amount and put it in the freezer, then take out just what I need each time. No more multiple jars sitting around in my kitchen, plus no more rinsing and rinsing and rinsing. I happen to use Virkon S, because I have it on hand for multiple uses.

Thanks for the replies!

Debbie - I didn't realize you can use the same seed you feed your birds! I have been buying seed that's labeled soaked/sprouting seed mix

Sally - It's good to know you can freeze the seed. When you take it out to feed your birds do you wait for it to unthaw and warm up first or do you feed it to them straight out of the freezer?

Dayna, since the soaked seed is fairly dry when it goes in the freezer, it stays loose. The occasional lump is easily crumbled. I keep it in gallon freezer containers. I do scoop out the amount I want and then let it sit on the counter to warm up--not necessary at all, just something I like to do. Just as I take eggfood out of the freezer, thaw in the microwave, then let it warm a bit--just a personal thing for me.

You can soak/sprout any seed mixture you buy or make up, except the ones with colored/uncolored pellets added. Those are not live seed, and so they will never sprout, but will dissolve and/or mold.

Thanks Sally that is great to know!!!

I also use virkon s with birds r us regular, premium finch blend seeds. I use a small glass old honey jar and only put as much seed as I plan on using over the course of 3 days. I let the seed soak for 2-4 hours in virkon s 1% dilution. Then I attach tulle and a rubber band and flip the jar upside down above a plastic container to let the seed drain. I wait about 20-24 hours and then rinse again with virkon s, then flip the jar again to allow remaining solution to drain, except this time, in the fridge over night. Then I serve the seeds in the morning and keep the jar in the fridge. I use the seed over the course of 3 days. I didn't like the idea of freezing it.

I use ABBA soak seed and soak according to their method explained on the website: http://www.abbaseed.com/Seed_Products/SOAK/soak.html

Although, usually I don't soak for 8+18 hours, but more like 12+24 hours. And I put a few drops of Sparkle in the water for soaking. I use a glass bottle (Snapple, with the wide opening) for soaking, and store the chitted seeds in the fridge in a plastic container. I make just enough to last for about 5 days or so, I don't freeze it either.

I never had any mold or spoiled seeds with that method, works well for me.

I wash my seed first then I soak it overnight,The next day I wash it again and place it in trays inside a foam box that has a heater in the base of it.The next day the seed has sprouted,I wash again and add a little beach then wash again then I mix with vegies and chick starter then I freeze in small portions.