Can I store extra germinated seeds in the freezer

[star]

I want to do enough soaked seed at one time for a one to two week supply. Can I store extra soaked seeds in the freezer. I was sure someone said they did this but I want to make sure the seed would still be good and not lose nutritional value. And would it matter if it was in a plastic bag or a container?

[CandoAviary]

The freezer would kill the seed and probably turn it into an icicle. The whole point of sprouting is to increase the nutrition. Should be fed fresh as to not risk bacterial/fungus growth. I think even if you could freeze it it may spoil in the thawing process.
I would not recommend freezing.

[franny]

I work full time, and commute to work so spend 4 hours a day on the bus. For this reason I like to spend time watching and admiring my finches, and not so much time preparing/soaking seed or boiling eggs.

I freeze my soaked seed and my home made eggfood. I've been doing it for a long time, and I don't believe it's dangerous.

I only have 2 finches, and lost the one boy about a month ago (but I believe it was old age - not anything he ate - he did eat this soak seed prepared like this for over a year.) His mate is fine and I'm still feeding the same as always. As far as nutritional value, I don't really know for sure. But we humans eat frozen veggies all the time!

I soak, rinse, then let it drain really well - try to get it as dry as possible, then put in very small plastic containers, with screw on lids, that hold about 2 tablespoons of seed.

For my 2 birds I freeze 4 or 5 containers. I do the same with eggfood. I defrost in the fridge over night before feeding, but someone else here said they offer it (the seed) straight from the freezer.

IMO the main thing is to be sure you rinse it really, really well, and drain it well before freezing. And once defrosted, use it up quickly.

Candace, if drained quite well it doesn't get iced, and breaks apart easily. My finches love it.

[CandoAviary]

Makes sense. I had never tried to freeze... I was just speculating... I was thinking wet...ice. I have many birds and they eat whatever is sprouted.... and sorry to say they don't get it everyday too much work for so many. I target breeders, moulters, and anyone looking like they could use some.
Good to know that it can be done safely. Thanks Franny.

[B CAMP]

I have frozen mine for long time and haven't had any problems check out this link
http://www.birdsrus.com.au/?page=154

[L in Ontario]

I also freeze my 'soak seed'. You can read my (and others') posts on this thread from a couple of weeks ago...

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7243

[CandoAviary]

[quote="B CAMP"]I have frozen mine for long time and haven't had any problems check out this link
http://www.birdsrus.com.au/?page=154[/quote]


Bill,
I thought I had read just about everthing Mike Fiddler had written... missed that one though. What an eye opener about frozen soaked seed. I do use a viricide, bacterialcide and funguscide called vanodine that you can get in the states. Thanks for the post

Liz,
Missed that one too..... I'm slipping. Thanks

[Animal Quackers]

I do use a viricide, bacterialcide and funguscide called vanodine that you can get in the states.

This stuff is great - hard to find, but I swear by it!

Candace, where do you buy yours?

[CandoAviary]

Animal Quackers,
Great stuff. BunnyRabbit .com

[mickp]

I make enough to last for a couple of weeks and freeze it in containers that hold the amount required for a days feeding, saves making a new batch every couple of days. its great to give the birds straight from the freezer on those extra hot summer days as well

[star]

Thanks everyone for the great responses!! I am so glad to know that I can freeze the seed . It was getting to be so much work to soak seed so often!!

Bill , where do you get the vanodine?

[B CAMP]

I have had for a long time BunnyRabbit .com