I've been sprouting wheatgrass seeds for the birds - they are of course a massive hit. I know that wheatgrass is really nutritious and i've read it should only be fed once or twice a week - does the same apply here with the sprouted seeds? At the moment i'm just sprouting them in a container using the soak for 12 hours then drain and leave them for a couple of days till they start to sprout (rinsing them several times daily of course). I would really like to actually grow some in a container of dirt - is there a particular way to do this? Would i still need to soak them first? I'm wanting to end up with something like Le Grass Cafe by Beak Appetit - for those who have used that product are the seeds planted in dirt or something else? Also, what are some other types of seed i could easily get from a health food shop that would be good for sprouting?

Edited October 13, 200618 yr by Bea

this was never answered? Anyone

Found this link about sprouted seeds

Birds online

:book:

Bea, my birds get sprouted or soaked seeds every day. They love them. They actually will choose them over dry seeds now, which is fine with me, as they are so much more nutritious. There are a lot of different seeds you can use. The mix I have now contains wheat, milo, oat groats, white millet, rice, and mung beans. You can also use lentils, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Usually I soak them for 24 hours, rinse well, and feed/refrigerate at that point. The little tails are barely beginning to sprout out. Occasionally I will keep rinsing for another day or two, but my birds don't have a preference as to how long the tails are, so for me simpler is better. Just make sure you get as much water out as possible through the strainer on your final rinse before you put them in the 'fridge - they last longer, seem to be fresher, and don't get mushy and moldy before your birds get a chance to eat them all.

 

The wheatgrass from LeGrass Cafe is actually grown in a non-toxic sprouting medium of some sort...I'm out or I'd check the container to see if it says. My birds have discovered that there are seeds underneath the soil, and whenever I give them the wheatgrass, they pull up the grass and eat the seeds, lol. So much for the actual green stuff! Whatever makes them happy... I think if you are going to use your own dirt, try to get something organic. If your parents have a garden and don't spray with pesticides, I'd use that. Just when the seeds get big enough for you to feed, pull them up and rinse them off before you give them to the birds. That way you don't have to worry as much about any nasties that might have gotten in the soil.