Sprouting

[rivx]

Hi again,

I want to start sprouting seeds for Gracie, but I have a few questions first: I've heard ACV is a part of the process, but never how it's used. What's it for?
Can we use her normal seed mix for the sprouts?

Any other tips / links are appreciated!

Also, just a vent about her diet, I may or may not be stressing over it. I've read about calcium overdose a lot and I'm really worried about it. I know her vet told us calcium on the food daily (and she's definitely not eating all of it or her veggies anyway) but it can be a bit stressful when you realize all the research you've done no longer applies to your bird! It's like relearning their care all over again. There's probably tons of owners out there who's birds also have more individual nutrition requirements, but I haven't met one yet, so it's been strange.

[Dragonlady2]

I sprout and give them to my birds daily. The acv is used when rinsing the sprouts to kill any bacteria, mold etc. Definitely use a good quality seed for sprouting. I get mine from MUM’s here in Canada. They sell organic seeds specifically meant for sprouting.
I think that your vet is being cautious regarding the calcium for Gracie. I don’t think cockatiels have a specific breeding period, so Gracie could lay an egg any time. He is probably just making sure that she doesn’t have any more issues with laying eggs. You could possibly ask your vet about giving it to her every other day after you discuss your concerns with him.

[rivx]

Thanks!!

Does this seem like the right way to do it? I'm looking forward to offering them, especially since she's just a smidge more curious about new food.

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She is still nesting on her eggs...or trying too, I guess. in the mornings and evenings she pushes them under her and tries sitting on them. She moves around a bit trying to get comfy and once she is, she sits there for a minute and then goes to go eat instead. :th_laughing8:

[Dragonlady2]

Yes, the video is showing you a pretty foolproof way to do it.
Good luck with this. I’ll be interested in seeing the results.

[rivx]

None of the health stores near me had a specific sprouting mix, but I did get some organic tricolor quinoa to try! I've heard it sprouts fast. They had some other seeds too, so if she likes it, I'll get some more.

Just realized the video doesn't use ACV though, so I thought I'd ask -- how much ACV do you use when rinsing? Any specific measurement? Thanks. :pinkgrin:

[Dragonlady2]

I don’t use any acv when sprouting. I just make sure that I rinse really well and drain really well. I sprout in a jar so I shake the sprouts in fresh rinse water and drain using a mesh lid. I will turn the jar regularly to ensure that the seeds don’t stick together. So far, knock on wood, I haven’t had any issues. The key is to have the seeds damp, not wet, after each rinse.

[Dragonlady2]

52815282528352845285The seeds in the jar with the green lid are ready to give to my bigger birds. The jar with the white lid was started yesterday. Note how they are loosely laying in the jar and not wet or clumped.

[rivx]

Thanks!! I haven't started yet (didn't have all the materials) but will be starting tomorrow. I looked into it and decided I'll use ACV for the last rinse and/or a few drops during the soak...just to be careful, we all know I'm a worrier by now, lol.

I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully she likes them, but we'll see. :th_smile:

[rivx]

Quinoa sprouts faster than I expected! There are already little tails on several. I wonder how it'll end up looking over night -- I imagine I'll be able to feed them tomorrow. Should I wait until it hits the 24 hour mark or will it be okay before then?

[Dragonlady2]

If they are already sprouting, you should be able to feed them to her.

[rivx]

Great! I've put some into her breakfast chop. I wasn't sure how to store them so I just put the jar and the bowl in the fridge, lol. Is that how it's done, or can you just pop them in a bag or something?

[Dragonlady2]

I just put my jars in the fridge. Just stir them around with a fork or something to keep them from clumping.

[rivx]

Great! So far, she likes them. :pinkgrin: We'll get different kinds of seeds for variety, but right now she's into it. I'm really glad she's interested in something healthy.

We just stuck the jar in there and rinse her daily serving, so the jar stays dry. They're still growing in there, though, lol. Some are getting quite long.

[rivx]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but does anyone know if there's a certain length mung beans must be sprouted to before they can be fed? I've heard there was but I can't find it again, lol.

[Dragonlady2]

I am not sure myself how long the sprout should be. I’ll have to check this out

[rivx]

The only length I could find was a YouTuber who said 1/4", but no explanation. Mine are already way past that (they sprouted early), so I think I'm good, lol. Others seem to say it only needs a soak. Let me know if you find anything else.