Why do you want to sprout?
When seeds are sprouted they offer some of the best nutritional value a wholesome natural food can offer. The parrot then eats one of the easiest plants there is to digest while receiving all of the benefits of the vital nutrients sprouts have to offer. Sprouts are also an excellent way to convert a bird from a seed diet to a pelleted diet using them as a transitional food during the conversion process.

Let's Begin!
Bobbi Brinker of the Parrot Talk Connection recommends sprouts as one of the highest nutritional sources for our parrots.

The easiest items for beginning sprouters are hulled sunflower seeds, mung beans, lentils and wheat berries. You can purchase these items from a health food store. We recommend you buy seeds that are grown organically and are free from harmful chemicals.

To begin sprouting you will need a sprouter, a colander or a large mouth glass jar. A sprouting jar or large mouth glass jar will need a mesh lid that either screws on or can be held in place with a rubber band.

Mix all of the sprouting seeds together and place 1/2 cup of the mixture in a straining container. Look over the mixture and remove any broken or damaged seeds. Rinse well until the water becomes clear. Then soak over night in pure water, and if you have any antibacterial solution (such as Citricidal or (GSE) Grapefruit Seed Extract) you can add this to the soaking water. The water level should be above the seeds. In the morning drain and rinse well. Spread the seeds out in an appropriate container and place in a dark area. Rinse several times during the day. Soon you will start seeing what appear to be little tails or sprouts on each of the seeds which tells you that these are ready to be fed and consumed. This is the best time to feed them! Make sure that they are drained until dry before offering them.

Seeds you can use for sprouting!
Mung, barley, oats, rice, rye, buckwheat, millet, pumpkin, alfalfa, garbanzo, adzuki, sunflower, lentils, corn. Use your imagination.

Please be aware that beans such as anasazi, lima, kidney, navy, soy beans and pinto beans contain an enzyme that needs to be deactivated by cooking or they will cause an upset stomach if eaten raw or uncooked.

Please refrigerate any unused or leftover sprouts which will keep for 1-2 days. Rinse daily until used.

Bobbi recommends that Greys be fed 50% of their diet using a high quality maintenance pellet, and 50% of their diet soft foods. Soft foods being beans/grains mix, birdie bread, sprouts and high betacarotene (vitamin A) veggies.