What you will need: A jar or container for sprouting

Optional: bird-safe water disinfectant like Aviclens

Growing sprouts in a jar I myself find is the most simple of methods, and the easiest path, to a highly nutritious food source for your feathered friends.

Place around a third of the jar or containers volume of seeds (note seeds will expand) in a kitchen sieve and rinse them under running water. Then place the seeds in the sprouting jar or container and cover with water. It is optional but I myself use a few drops of Aviclens at this point to help prevent mould becoming present.

Soak the seeds this way with jar or container upright, for about 12 hours. After soaking, pour the water out and remove any non-swollen seeds. It’s at this point the seeds can be fed as a soaked seed mix. Please continue as follows to feed as a sprout mix Turn over jar, ideally on top of a wire rack placed over container or tray to catch any access water.

Soaking Container simply lift of lid remove top seed tray pour out access water in base of container and replace lid again after rinsing.

To create ideal germination conditions, place your sprouting jar/container near a window but without direct sunlight.(seeds do not need sunlight to sprout) and allow good airflow around jar/container.

How to properly care for your sprouting jar/container

One very important care measure to take to ensure that sprouting is a complete success is daily rinsing. Rinse your sprouts in the jar/container with fresh water in the morning and evening as well as the wire rack & container being used to catch access water, then place the jar back in position to drain again – this prevents bacteria and mould from growing.

While rinsing, take a quick look at your sprouts in the sprouting jar/container. If you find mould or a musty odour, you must restart the germination process from the beginning.

It’s best to keep the sprouting seeds out of direct sunlight and at room temperature for optimal growth & until ready to feed. You can continue to rinse and allow the seeds to grow until little white tails appear as they start to sprout. Once these little white tails appear the seed is at an exceptionally higher nutritional value. Give as is or mixed with eggfood or fruits.

Usually after 4 days, the sprouts will begin to have a bitter taste and will be less palatable for birds, so aim to feed before this. You will know if your sprouts have gone off as there will either be visible mould, or they will have an acidic, earthy smell.

It can take a few goes to get it right, but it’s worth it for optimal Parrot nutrition.

Please note – the above information should be used for guidance only – you know your bird best!