Easy Seed Sprouting for Parrots: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sprouting is a fun and easy way to add variety and nutrition to your parrot’s meals.

 

If you're new to sprouting, don’t worry! It’s simple, budget-friendly, and will quickly become a regular part of your bird’s balanced diet.

 

Sprouting involves soaking seeds, nuts, legumes or grains for several hours, then repeatedly rinsing them until they begin to grow. They are most nutritious when they develop little "tails".

The process of sprouting makes the nutrients in the seeds more available and makes them easier to digest. They are low in calories and rich in fiber, protein and other micronutrients, and are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your parrot's diet.

 

If you've been trying to get your seed eating bird to eat more fresh foods, sprouts are often a great way to start.  They tend to take to them pretty easily because they look so similar to the dry seeds they've already eating.

 

Wheat berries, sunflower and mung are easy first time sprouting seeds.

What You'll Need:

• Raw, untreated seeds (e.g., wheat berries, sunflower seeds and mung beans are easy first time sprouting seeds.  You can also use a trusted bird-safe sprouting mix)
• A clean jar or sprouting container
• A mesh lid or cheesecloth and rubber band
• Fresh, clean water
• A cool, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose Your Seeds Carefully
   Make sure the seeds are meant for sprouting and safe for parrots. Avoid anything treated or pre-cooked.
2. Rinse Thoroughly
   Rinse 1–2 tablespoons of seeds in cool water to remove dust or debris.
3. Soak the Seeds
   Place the rinsed seeds in a jar and cover with about three times as much water. Soak for 8–12 hours (overnight works great).
4. Drain and Rinse
   After soaking, drain the water using a mesh lid or cheesecloth. Rinse again with fresh water and drain thoroughly.
5. Sprout
   Store the jar upside down at an angle in a bowl or dish rack to allow airflow and drainage. Rinse and drain the seeds 2–3 times a day.
6. Ready to Serve
   Most seeds sprout in 1–3 days. Once you see small tails, give them one final rinse and serve! You can let them grow a little longer if your bird prefers them that way.  Then, store unused sprouts in the fridge and use within 4-5 days.

 

 Feeding Tips:

• Always rinse before feeding.
• Start small and see how your bird likes them.
• Mix with chop, add to foraging toys, or serve as a stand-alone treat.

 

Important Safety Notes:

• Cleanliness is key! Moldy sprouts are not safe to feed.  If they smell off or slimy—toss them.
• Keep sprouting jars out of direct sunlight as it can lead to spoilage.
• Don’t skip the rinsing steps—this keeps bacteria at bay.

Lastly, here's a list of 50 seeds you can sprout for your birds:

 

 

Amaranth

Arugula/Rocket

Barley

Basil

Beet (Beetroot)

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Buckwheat

Cabbage (All colors)

Cauliflower

Celery

Chard

Chia

Cilantro

Clover (Red)

Collard

Corn

Cress/Watercress

Dill

Endive

Fenugreek

Fennel

Kale

Kamut

Kohlrabi

Lentils (All colors)

Lettuces

Millet

Mint

Mustard

Mung Beans

Oats (whole)

Pak Choi

Parsley

Peas (All colors)

Popcorn (All colors)

Pumpkin

Quinoa

Radish

Rice (brown, wild)

Rye Berries

Sesame

Spelt

Squash

Sunflower

Tatsoi

Teff

Thyme

Triticale

Wheat berries/grain