Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

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jebediah
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Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by jebediah » Sun Apr 10, 2016 10:28 pm

So yesterday was the first time I tried sprouting seed. I used the Mike Fidler method. I soaked them for an hour and a half and then let them sit for 12 hours before removing the lid to let them dry. Its been 12 hours since that time and barely any have "chitted". I'm actually not sure if they chitted or just...grew something. I included pictures of the bag as well as what they look like. Is it still too early to tell, or have I done something wrong? They smell nutty which I've heard is correct.

Help!
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Paul's Amazing Birds » Mon Apr 11, 2016 12:23 am

Yes you're doing it right. Those are ready to feed.

I usually buy the larger safflower seed in bulk and soak a few cups at a time overnight in a mixing bowl. Then transfer to a calendar, rinsing every day for a few days until they sprout. Sprouted seed has the best nutritional value when art the early stage like yours.

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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Sally » Mon Apr 11, 2016 12:52 am

Agree completely, those are ready to serve. You can actually serve them when they are just chitted, which is when that little tail first starts showing. That is supposed to be the most nutritious stage.
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by debbie276 » Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:52 am

They are definitely sprouted and can be fed at anytime. :)
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Stephanie » Mon Apr 11, 2016 7:27 am

Wow, that's some good fresh seed you have there! Fast sprouting indeed.

So yes, you are doing it right.

The method I like for slightly older, less sprouty seed, is the Tea Strainer Method: https://youtu.be/0VUJI_qcG2A.
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Barbara » Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:43 am

Can I ask you where you get your seeds ? I use the tea strainer but they just expand birds love them,may-be not waiting long enough .
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jebediah
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by jebediah » Mon Apr 11, 2016 11:44 am

Yay! I'm glad I'm doing it right. When I went to bed last night, only about 1% had done anything. I didn't have any time to check them this morning before I went to work but hopefully more will be chitted when I return.

@Barbara

I got the seeds from amazon. I looked for organic millet or sprouting seed.

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Whole-Int ... ge_o04_s00

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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Barbara » Mon Apr 11, 2016 12:05 pm

Thanks for letting me know I just love amazon they have everything
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by jebediah » Mon Apr 11, 2016 11:07 pm

Im too impatient for this seed sprouting thing. Its now been 36 hours and still only 1% has actually sprouted.

What do you guys think? Bad seed?

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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Stephanie » Mon Apr 11, 2016 11:12 pm

Yes, bad seed.

Or low temperature. Seed needs some warmth to sprout - anywhere from comfortable room temperature up to a hot Summer's day.
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by slwatson » Tue Apr 12, 2016 12:27 pm

jebediah

I haven't had a ton of luck sprouting seed, which is why I'm trying out Perle Morbide now, but I had better luck when I warmed up the water that I added to the seed first.
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jebediah
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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by jebediah » Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:35 pm

Definitely could be low temp and possibly mixed with low humidity. Maybe I'll give it another try. Anyone know of a good seed mix to use for sprouting seed?

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Re: Sprouting Seed: Am I doing it right?

Post by Sally » Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:13 pm

jebediah I used to love Herman Bros. soak seed, but then shipping got to be just too much. Since they are in Michigan, maybe your shipping costs would not be outrageous. But any good seed mix that is fresh and doesn't have the little colored pellets in it would work.

http://www.hermanbros-seed.com/canary_s ... OAK%20SEED
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