To sprout seed, simply cover with a mixture of bleach and water and keep in a warm place for 24 hours. Then pour it into a flour sieve and rinse under the tap. Finish the rinse with warm water and place back in a warm area for a further 24 hours. At the end of this period the seed will just be beginning to "chit". Put the soaked seed in a container which will hold at least two-thirds more volume. Add at least twice the volume of water as there is of seed and add enough bleach to make a very strong solution. Using a mixing spoon, stir the seed into the chlorine (bleach) mixture ensuring that every seed comes into contact with the chlorine solution. Chlorine (bleach) is a contact bactericide and fungicide, i.e. it kills immediately on contact and does not need any dwell time. But you do need to mix thoroughly to ensure "contact" has been effected. Once you are satisfied that the seed is well chlorinated, tip it into the flour sieve and rinse thoroughly under a hot or cold tap, allow to drain and then use. Now let us cover the bits that worry people which I have never explained well.

 

The bleach to use is the common cheap bleach, not the thickened variety. Bleach is just a solution of salt and water through which chlorine gas has been passed. As soon as it comes into contact with air the gas evaporates leaving behind just salt. Inadequate rinsing just leaves behind more salt, that is all. Many people do not chlorinate adequately because they believe that the bleach may harm the seed or the birds. You may as well not bother at all if you do not use a strong bleach solution. The bleach cannot penetrate the seed as the molecules of bleach are bigger than the pores in the husk of the seed. Seeds have pores in the husk the same as our skin. Because the pores in our skin are smaller than the molecules of your blood, your blood does not leak out. Similarly you do not wash away or become bloated when you get caught in a shower of rain. Seed is a little different in that the water molecules are small enough to pass through the pores and provide the trigger and means of germination while filtering out the large bleach molecules. This means that you could soak the seed in neat bleach without it being able to penetrate the seed and maybe harm the birds. All you would be doing is using more bleach than necessary and wasting it.

 

From Cage & Aviary: Dec. 9, 1995

just a question. Where do you buy the bleach, in a drug store?

anywhere you can buy food, laundry detergents etc.

Wow, I never knew that about bleach! Thankyou, I'll have to give it a try

I've never used bleach before, but haven't had any trouble sprouting seeds. Why does it say you may as well not even bother if you don't use bleach?? I don't like to use bleach on anything of the birds, let alone something they'll eat.

Bea, you don't have to use bleach. It is just one method. As the article said, it is used as an antibacterial. You can also rinse the seeds with a mixture of water and ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) or water and a few drops of GSE (Grape Seed Extract) as both have antibacterial properties. Whatever method you use, just make sure to rinse well afterwards with plain water.

 

I haven't used anything except regular water either with no trouble, but am starting to use the ACV. You can also put a drop or two in the drinking water to ********* bacterial growth - good if your budgie likes to make birdie soup - and you aren't always home to change the water immediately. I wouldn't rely on it in place of frequent water changes, but as a preventative I've read helps.

added Kaz post to FAQ under sprouting seed, there are 2 Daz's and Kaz's information.

That's good to know about belach... i assume then that using it for cleaning cages and toys etc is fine as long as it is well rinsed too... any residue just evaporates and leaves salt behind.

 

I will feel much more at ease when doing the "big clean" these days. I was always in two minds as bleach is such a good cleaner that it was the best option in that regard, but I was SO paranoid about getting all the bleach etc rinsed off as I thought any residue might harm the birdies!