SPROUTED
SEED - Soaked and Sprouted Seed
By Dr Colin Walker BSc, BVSc, MRCVS, MACVSc
(Avian health)
WHAT IS SPROUTED SEED?
What we are attempting to achieve is to turn the normal dry seed into a fresh
vegetable, and by this process, greatly increase the overall food value.
The highest food value is obtained when the sprouts are up to 5mm in length.
Be careful not to allow sprouts to become too long as they become bitter to the
taste and their food value decreases.
WHAT ITEMS WILL WE REQUIRE
First off, a container in which to soak the seed. The most common one in use
being an old ice-cream container.
Next, a sieve or kitchen strainer. Size will be dependent on the amount of
dried seed you intend soaking, as the seed will swell during the sprouting
process.
Good quality seed. Most problems encountered in not being able to produce sprouted
seed are caused by either over soaking the seed, or the use of poor quality
seed.
HOW WILL I GO ABOUT IT?
Take your ice-cream container and place in it the required amount of seed.
A half full 4-litre container will produce enough sprouts for around 50 pairs
of cockatiels, depending on whether the birds are accustomed to it, and the
number of babies in the nest. It really is a matter of trial and error.
(Best to start with smallish quantities).
Next, cover the seed with water. (I suggest warm water in winter as this softens
the harder seed more quickly). Allow to soak for a minimum of 4 to 5 hours,
but no more than 12 hours as this may lead you to producing sour seed.
After soaking for the required time, tip the seed into your strainer and rinse
thoroughly with clean water until the water runs clear. (Do not short cut this
step). Next place the strainer suspended across the ice-cream container, which
will allow air to circulate through the seed. Continue to rinse the seed in
the same manner every 12 hours until the desired length of sprout is attained.
Under no circumstances should the seed be rinsed just prior to feeding to the
birds. The seed should be allowed to stand (drying) for at least 12 hours before
feeding. If you have followed this procedure the seed should now have a nice
nutty smell, and be sweet to the taste.
If the seed smells at all sour at the completion of the procedure, this may
indicate contamination with either bacteria or fungi and the seed is best discarded.
Some seed varieties will sprout within 4-5 hours from the first rinse and
soak, so adapt the quantities and time to suit. Usually sprouts will keep for
3-4 days if refrigerated. Try using sprout mix, mung beans, wheat etc. Your
birds will thank you. |