Feeding Sprouted Seeds to Your Parrot

Overview

Providing a nutritionally balanced and diverse diet for your parrot can be challenging. The general recommendation is to feed 80% pelleted (formulated) diet, with the remaining 20% of the diet comprising fruits, vegetables, nuts, and a very small amount (1-2%) of high-quality seeds as treats or training rewards. Sprouted seeds can offer a high-quality protein source and add variety to your parrot’s diet.

Benefits of Sprouted Seeds

Sprouted seeds are rich in nutrients and can be a healthy addition to your bird’s diet. They provide a good source of protein and other essential nutrients, which help keep your bird healthy and active. Introducing sprouted seeds can make mealtime more interesting for your parrot and offer additional nutritional benefits.

Types of Seeds to Sprout

Almost any raw seed can be sprouted. Some examples include:

• Grains/Cereals: Oats, rice, and other grains.
• Legumes: Peas, beans, and lentils.
• Oil Seeds: Sunflower and safflower seeds.

You can buy a variety of seeds from your local health food store and see which your bird likes best. Ready-to-soak mixes are also available from some online suppliers.

How to Sprout Seeds

Sprouting seeds involves two main steps:

1. Soaking the Seeds

• Rinse the seeds well before soaking them overnight. This starts the germination process.
• Some seeds will start sprouting in 24 hours, while others may take 2-3 days.

2. Rinsing the Seeds

• After soaking, rinse the seeds a couple of times and leave them in an open-topped jar to start sprouting.
• Rinse and drain the seeds twice daily during the sprouting process.
• You can feed sprouted seeds to your bird any time after the overnight soak and within a few days to ensure they remain fresh.

Feeding Sprouted Seeds

Sprouted seeds can be fed as a treat or used as enrichment for your bird. Aim to feed sprouted seeds approximately 2-3 times per week. By adding sprouted seeds to your parrot’s diet, you can help ensure they receive a diverse and balanced diet that supports their overall health and well-being.