FINCHforum

Okay, so I've had the worst luck sprouting seeds. I've wasted numerous bags trying, so I figured buying sprouts from the store would be easier.

Well, I just read in a couple locations that store ones are bad for birds. Anyone know if this is true? I just made my vegetable mix for the next week, and the sprouts are all in there. I've offered them before without issue, but this new information has me a bit spooked.

I have offered alfalfa sprouts to my birds in the past without problem. I just don't do it now because with as many birds as I am feeding, it isn't cost effective. I use the Mike Fidler method of sprouting seed, using Virkon-S, and I've never had sprouts go bad. A friend does her sprouts using only plain water, but she rinses them several times a day. Are you having problems with the sprouts going bad, or is the seed simply not sprouting?

Sally wrote: I have offered alfalfa sprouts to my birds in the past without problem. I just don't do it now because with as many birds as I am feeding, it isn't cost effective. I use the Mike Fidler method of sprouting seed, using Virkon-S, and I've never had sprouts go bad. A friend does her sprouts using only plain water, but she rinses them several times a day. Are you having problems with the sprouts going bad, or is the seed simply not sprouting?

They just don't sprout. I really think it's my water here. My water's hard, even though I use the Brita filters.

I bought the brocco sprouts and chopped them into my mix, but I'm really hesitant to serve them now.

I think the reason they say store bought are no good is because you only want the seed to chit and not really sprout. Once you can see the sprout well its past the most nutrious point.
Also as the sprout gets long like store bought you have to be extra careful of bacteria growth.

debbie276 wrote: I think the reason they say store bought are no good is because you only want the seed to chit and not really sprout. Once you can see the sprout well its past the most nutrious point.
Also as the sprout gets long like store bought you have to be extra careful of bacteria growth.

Alright, thanks. I don't know, it might just be safer to throw it all away and start over.