Sprouted Seed

[ppg5tu]

We are newer to gouldian breeding. I am a cancer geneticist so I understand the ins and outs of the head, back, and chest colors very well. However, we have been perplexed by the amount of information out there that says different things from other places. I am curious if people feed their gouldians sprouted seeds and if so how often, when, and what types of seeds do you use? We want to make sure our birds are as healthy as can be. We feed them a basic finch seed mix, millet, cuttle bone, egg food, egg shells, veggies, grit, and charcoal currently. Any information would be great. Thanks

[debbie276]

Many sprout the bird seed that they are feeding their finches as long as there are not those colored bits and pieces in the mix. Other seeds such as wheat, broccoli, lettuce, clover, alfalfa, oats etc are also good. Not sure what genetics have to do with that though

[Ursula]

I feed ABBA soak seed to my birds daily and all of them love it. I am soaking the seed as per instructions on the website, and it always works well. I store the soaked seed in the fridge and feed a small amount on a plate with the other fresh foods (greens, veggies, egg) daily. Leftovers are removed in the evening.

http://www.abbaseed.com/SEED_PRODUCTS/s ... ducts.html

[ppg5tu]

debbie276 I was just saying that we understand the genetics side of breeding, we are just not as sure with the needed supplements/food for breeding.

[debbie276]

debbie276 I was just saying that we understand the genetics side of breeding, we are just not as sure with the needed supplements/food for breeding.

Gotcha
Any sprouted seed given will add variety to their diet which in turn will add needed minerals and vitamins.
To get finches into breeding mode I personally think upping the protein with things such as hard boiled eggs will help more then sprouts.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I don't do gouldians but have bred canaries for several years in the past. Sprouted seeds have always been an integral part in conditioning adults prior to breeding and in the rearing of baby birds. Sprouted seeds contain nearly double the nutrition of of dry seeds and may help trigger the breeding response by simulating "springtime".
Any bird seed that is fresh and contains only seed can usually be sprouted and offered successfully. I've used both ABBA soak seed and a mixture made by Higgins called "soak and sprout". Don't worry about the size of the seeds - once they sprout, it is just like the birds eating various veggies. Bob

[elepaio4]

Just to add a little to what others have said-

You'll read that sprouted seed results in an "x-times" increase in nutrients, but I often wonder what those nutrients are. So far, from my research, its seems sprouted seeds are a more complete protein source (both in total protein as well as the array of constituent amino acids) than dry/ripe seeds, as germinating seeds convert carbohydrates into protein. However, I'm not sure about other essential nutrients (though one would presume that vegetable/leafy green vitamins become more abundant).

Also, stage of germination matters. Apparently, "chitted" seeds (when the sprouts are around 1/8 of an inch) are ideal.

Unripe green seeds are another seed stage worth considering as well, as they are generally regarded as more nutritious. Personally, I have never offered sprouted seeds, but I do give unripe, green seeds that I collect quite extensively. The birds love them, and use them as rearing food along with egg and live foods.