Stop me before it is too late

[Sitting Duck]

I am trying to learn to make sprouts. I am a little paniced because my birds have not really learned to use the feed hoppers yet and I know millet spray should be a treat, not a main course.

I watched a video and did some reading and noticed people are disinfecting their seed to prevent fungus and bacterial growth. I do not have any Vicron S or Aviclean. I heard some people use dilute bleach. I don't have that either.

I do have some Enviroclens, purchased to clean and disinfect my aviary. It's active ingrediant is Halogenated Tertiary Amines pH7 - 7.5.

If I dilute the heck out of it and then rinse the seeds really, really well, would it be safe?

I would not soak the seeds in the disinfecting solution, just give the seeds an initial 30 second soak to kill what ever it could then start rinsing it off before I actually start the initial 1 1/2 hour soak.

[Martie]

I am not familiar with Enviroclens so can't help there. If no one else here can help, I would call the company for their recommendation.

With the seed hoppers, have you put seed in the outer tray to get the birds used to the idea that this is where the seed is? You really want them to be taking as much seed as they like and not be deprived during a transition. With new birds, I have always included an open dish on the floor of the flight. They do find and use the hoppers eventually. If they really don't seem to be getting it, I remove the dish for a few hours at a time and this gives the extra nudge they seem to need occasionally.

With that taken care of, you can decide which way you'd like to approach sprouting seed and have time to bring in whatever supplies you would like.

I personally love Mike Fidler's method (Likely the video you watched?). I think they all probably work well enough, but this one is very easy - and doesn't require multiple rinsing as the other methods do.

Your birds will absolutely love the sprouts - and they are so good for them. Let us know which method you choose and how you like it!

[Ginene]

I have sprouted seed many times for my finches and never used a cleanser. I sprout about 2 tbsp. of seed at a time and rinse VERY well, each time I feed them to my birds. I store them in the fridge, but am sure to use them within 2-3 days. Always give them a good sniffing...you can tell when they start to get "moofa." I am sure others will have better advice for you...but I just wanted to let you know my experience so far .

[cindy]

I would not use bleach...you can soak them for a bit in ACV before rinsing. Sprouts are are their most nutritious state when just chitted.

I love the site http://www.sproutpeople.com/ they tell you how to soak, length of time to soak, etc for each bean, seed.

They even sell kits for pets/birds.

[cindy]

This is Tiffany's (nixity) website on sprouting, very helpful http://www.gouldiansgalore.com/sprouting.html

[mayble]

I think it's one of those things that can be as complicated or as simple as you want to make it.
I've only sprouted seeds using plain tap water; I just rinse, soak overnight, drain and rinse again and put the container on top of the refrigerator until evening. By then the seeds have started to sprout and I put them in the fridge. I just do enough for a few days at a time (I feed it daily).
Like Ginene said, you can tell when they aren't right. Good fresh soaked seed has a nice subtle aroma - it reminds me of baking bread.
I've never had any go bad. The only problem I've ever had was when I didn't realize there were very small pellets in the mix I was using. It got goopy and I pitched it.

[jonvill]

I never used anything but tap water for the soak. I think it's more important to rinse the seed after the inital soak every twelve hours until the seeds start to sprout. I agree with the previous post about smelling the sprouts before serving. They should have a clean, fresh earthy scent.

[Sally]

I use the Mike Fidler method using Virkon-S. For me, it has been the best method. I make up a large batch at once using large shoe boxes (like in the Fidler video), and then I freeze the excess. The birds eat the sprouted seed that comes out of the freezer just as readily as the freshly sprouted seed. Since I have a large number of birds, I 'mass-produce' food as much as possible, as a time-saver.

[debbie276]

I also use the Mike Fidler method, very easy and a time saver for sure.

[Smurf]

I'm also using Mike Fidler method with virkon-s, I'm only new to finches with only 6 birds so far and find it great having a batch of pre-chitted seed in freezer as i can remove a small amount daily for birds.


I get the Virkon-s in a 50g sachet from local animal pharmacy and it only costs around 3 or 4 euros per sachet. 1 sachet would probably last me about a year if it was only used for chitting seeds ( also useful for disinfecting cages, baths, drinkers, feeders etc ).


Padraic