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Feather Fanatic
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In a recent post, I stated how after thinking about it long enough I was going to order a sprouter. Here are my initial experiences with sprouting.
I ordered the Middle Size Bird Mix Sprout Kit from the Sprout People (http://www.sproutpeople.com/seed/kit/birdkit.html). Delivered to me the sprouter and two-pounds of seed was just over $33.00. The entire process has been quick, easy and best of all, Pepper’s eating the sprouts and seems to enjoy them.
The sprouter is a cup of about 1 quart in size. Fitted inside this cup is a slightly smaller cup, with its entire bottom slotted to drip water . There is a flat top with holes in it for ventilation. When in use, the inner cup is positioned and held slightly higher than the outer cup, so any water on the seeds will drip away and there is proper ventilation. Here’s the cup as I’ve described it:
I started the process by washing all the sprouter parts. I then measured 1/2 cup of the sprouting mix. I poured these seeds into the inner cup and rinsed them with cold water. Then I placed the inner cup into the outer cup and filled the cup with cold water. I put the vented top on the cups and let the seeds soak for 12 hours. After the soaking I rinsed the seeds, drained them well and took a look at the seeds. Here’s an image from after the 12-hour soaking:
In the above image you can see that some of the seeds have already germinated (broken open and begun to grow). By what I’ve researched, just after germination the seeds are at their nutritional peak. Numerous sources said that this is the best time to feed the seeds. For the sake of experimenting, I wanted to continue the process.
After 12 more hours of dry growth, I rinsed and drained the seeds and observed more germination of seeds and increased growth. There was a great smell coming from the seeds at this time. It was very earthy, nutty and appetite stimulating. Yes, I tried some of these great smelling, germinating seeds. Some I liked, others smelled better than they tasted to me. Here’s an image of the seeds:
After another rinsing and 12 hours of dry growth, I observed this:
After the final rinsing and 12 hours of dry growth, I observed this:
Now I’m letting the seeds dry for 12 hours, then I’ll remove them from the sprouter and store them in the refrigerator for a few days while they’re used up.
What did I learn about this process? It’s simple, easy and quick. In the future I’ll only sprout for 36 hours, then refrigerate the germinated seeds. Each step took me about five minutes or a total of twenty-five minutes spread over three days. Most of the time is trying to shake as much water off the seeds as possible. I added one step to my process that wasn’t in the directions (though I did read it on several web sites on sprouting). To attempt to prevent any possible problems with mold or bacteria, I added GSE (Grape Seed Extract) to the initial soak and each rinse’s water.
I look forward to seeing how the sprouts store in the refrigerator and if Pepper will continue to eat them. I’ve been giving him a heaping teaspoon each morning and evening with his other fresh and prepared foods. 
http://www.senegalparrot.net
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Feather Fanatic
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Well, Pepper's Pa, you have had much more success that i have with sprouting. I used to try it about 30 yrs ago and then 20 and 10 and maybe I should start again. each time in the past, they got sort of yucky or I let them get dried out. I am sure the sprouter ( not the old canning jar I was told to use in my more serious back to the earth days) and the grape seed helped save you from my fate.
I'll give it another go. I like sprouts and my husband does and the dog does, so I am sure at least one of my birds will.
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Feather Fanatic
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I've got 1 pint jars with mesh lids (1 wire mesh lid, 4 plastic mesh lids). I put the sprouts in, rinse until water runs clear, then allow them to soak for 8-24 hours (there are two different sprout mixes that I have). Then, after soaking, I rinse again until the water runs clear. I rinse the sprouts 3 times a day, in the morning, at noon, and again at night. Right after rinsing and letting it to drain most of the water out, I set the jar on it's side in a semi-dark area (although I have placed them in front of windows, too). By the third day they are sprouted quite a bit.
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Fully Fledged
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Really good info!! We tried to sprout a batch of seeds for our cockatiels a few weeks ago, and they were duds or we did it wrong (haha probably the latter) but I followed the directions on the bag. I didn't use any sort of contraption though, just a sheet pan with a paper towel. Those special sprouting devices look pretty nice though!
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Fledgling
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| Okay, I know that this post is a little older, but I have to add my opinion. I LOVE THESE SPROUTS!!! My first experience with sprouting turned into a fruit fly disaster. I then ordered the small bird kit for my tiel and was surpirsed at how easy they were to grow, the quality of the sprouting mix, and to my delight, my tiel loved them. I didn't have to force him to eat them like his veggies. In fact, now I mix some sprouts in with his morning veggie mix to get him to eat more. Love them. Do not hesitate to get these. The mixes are great and worth the price. I tried to sprout some TOP seeds and ended up with fungus just two days later. These never seem to grow anything aweful and they sprout really fast (where I live). I dumped the TOP seed because they wouldn't eat it anyways and didn't have an interest in growing any more fungus. Let's just say the wild birds and jackrabbits will have a lot to pick through the next couple of days. Just bought a Meyers and will be ordering the med bird kit for him as soon as he comes home.
Come visit my flock, pack, and herd at www.starattractiononline.comCanyon, Cinnamon Pied Cockatiel  Drover, Meyer's Parrot 
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Feather Fanatic
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Fully Fledged
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mine did fine until after that first 12 hour picture-- then poof, something went wrong, from now on, I think I'll just buy nice sprouts from my friend that owns our local pet store. he's an expert, and the price is really good- I trust him completely. thanks for all the info on the sprouter though, I might get one and try it again sometime. 
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Just Hatched
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If I recall correctly, it was the article in the July 2008 issue of Bird Talk magazine that inspired me to start sprouting in earnest. Up until then I only sprouted sporadically using the jar method. To make sprouting a habit I knew I would need to find a different sprouting method and like you I went with the Sprout Peoples endorsement of the Sproutamo. It has made sprouting a pleasure and my birds now eat sprouts almost every day.
Avescritor
http://birdshaven.blogspot.com
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Fully Fledged
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| I have a commercial jar sprouter which does a good job, but in hot weather the seeds do seem to go off sooner despite rinsing well (3o secs of running water), so after the initial soak I sprout in a plastic collander, the sort of thing you use for draining pasta or boiled potatoes. I have three of these so I can have three "ages "of sprouts on the go at once. To clean them (a must after finishing every batch) I use stinking hot water, ordinary dishwashing detergent and a boiled water rinse to finish.
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