FINCHforum

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!

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.

Paul

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.

They are definitely sprouted and can be fed at anytime.

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.

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 .

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

Thanks for letting me know I just love amazon they have everything

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?

Yes, bad seed.

Or low temperature. Seed needs some warmth to sprout - anywhere from comfortable room temperature up to a hot Summer's day.

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.

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?

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