Question on wheat grass

Ntriece · Post by **Ntriece** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 10:26 am

I grow wheat grass as a fund raiser for a local cat rescue group and have now grown a couple containers for my birds and they love playing in it in addition to at least chewing on it. Should I be concerned with any possibility of them eating too much of it? Thanks!

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:23 am

I haven't heard anything bad about giving birds wheat grass yet so I would say let them enjoy it.

Ntriece · Post by **Ntriece** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:38 am

Thanks Debbie. The green singer loves bouncing around on it and I've seen everyone else at least chewing on it!

Martie · Post by **Martie** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 12:15 pm

I actually grow little pots of wheat grass for my birds and have done so for a long time. They love it - some for playing - some for snuggling in - some for eating - and some love digging in the dirt. I use organic potting soil, order wheat from Herman Brothers, and have never had problems.

I also have just grown my seed mix and chicory and am currently experimenting with growing chickweed for the winter.

I say, if it gives them something to enjoy during their long days in confinement, and doesn't hurt them, it's all good.

Pukasand · Post by **Pukasand** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 2:06 pm

Funny you should bring it up. I just bought an organic pot of this at my local pet store. My birds have had a ball with it. I agree that they need all the variety and stimulating things they can enjoy.

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:32 pm

I have always given mine wheat grass. It won't hurt them and they love it. Actually I am pretty sure it is good for them.

nelloyello11 · Post by **nelloyello11** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:41 pm

I grow wheat grass for mine too! Mostly they tug at it and play with it, sometimes digging around in the soil. Sometimes I sprinkle some seed in too, and they forage a bit. It never lasts very long as they trample all over it, but they have a lot of fun while it lasts!
Just make sure it is organic seed and organic soil, with no chemical fertilizers, etc.

Ntriece · Post by **Ntriece** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 6:22 pm

Thanks all. I buy the wheat berries at a health food store and do use potting soil with nothing added to it. Good to know!

h2olilee · Post by **h2olilee** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 11:14 pm

Should the soil also be sterilized by microwaving or baking to kill any bacteria or other pathogens?

nelloyello11 · Post by **nelloyello11** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 11:15 pm

h2olilee wrote: Should the soil also be sterilized by microwaving or baking to kill any bacteria or other pathogens?

I've never done this. I just buy the miracle grow organic stuff with no chemicals and I've never had a problem.

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:33 am

nelloyello11 wrote:
h2olilee wrote: Should the soil also be sterilized by microwaving or baking to kill any bacteria or other pathogens?
I've never done this. I just buy the miracle grow organic stuff with no chemicals and I've never had a problem.

I agree, any brand of organic with no chemicals will do

h2olilee · Post by **h2olilee** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 10:03 am

nelloyello11 wrote: I just buy the miracle grow organic stuff with no chemicals and I've never had a problem.

But Miracle Grow IS a synthetic chemical....
I think I would still sterilize it with heat. Organic doesn't necessarily mean safe. Bacteria and pathogens are after all "natural", but not in a good way.

nelloyello11 · Post by **nelloyello11** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 10:47 am

h2olilee wrote:
nelloyello11 wrote: I just buy the miracle grow organic stuff with no chemicals and I've never had a problem.
But Miracle Grow IS a synthetic chemical....
I think I would still sterilize it with heat. Organic doesn't necessarily mean safe. Bacteria and pathogens are after all "natural", but not in a good way.

Miracle grow, in this case, is just the BRAND of potting mix. There are NO chemicals in the organic mix. The components of the mix are composted bark, sphagnum moss, pasteurized poultry litter, and an organic wetting agent.
If you feel more comfortable sterilizing it, by all means, do so. I'm just saying I've never had a problem not doing so.

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