Grow Your Own Bird Seed

Whether you are feeding wild birds or your own pet birds, you may have noticed that along with everything else, the price of the bird seed you feed them is constantly rising. Perhaps it's time to think about growing your own tasty bird meals!

If you are feeding wild birds, you may consider the benefits of simply allowing scattered seeds to grow naturally, or remove them to a back patch of your yard where the neighbors won't be treated to the sight of these "weeds." If you add kale, quinoa, and cereal such as triticale, this can provide a great crop for birds through winter. Plant some seeds near hedges or other shelter to provide cover. When the kale flowers, there will be insects for the mama bird to feed her babies. You can also plant millet, safflower, sunflowers, in just a small patch of land and attract the same birds you're bringing in now with your expensive mix. Who knows? Maybe you'll notice some new ones!

However, when it comes to trying to sprout the seeds for your pet birds, you may have found that sprouting seeds indoors also has a tendency to sprout bacteria. Bacteria growth becomes common when seeds soak too long. This is why the process of germination is the safest and most nutritious bet for your precious pets.

In order to germinate the seeds and not allow them to sprout into new plants, soak the seeds overnight for eight hours minimum. In the morning, the root tip should be showing. The water should be cloudy (proving the seeds have shed their enzyme inhibitors) and the root tip at about a quarter inch for the seed to be at its prime nutrition level. Birds need the enzymes to aid in food digestion. At this point, the seed is perfect for feeding. This process also involves a lot less time, trouble and expense than buying and using a sprouting kit! We currently use pie tins for this purpose. Grains and nuts can be similarly germinated, we suggest jars for these items. We recommend separating your germinating items according to size, then you will see them sprouting at about the same time. Always remember fresh is best, so more than a few days' worth of food isn't necessary.

Remember that your birds require enzymes in living foods in order to process what they eat. They need supplements to enjoy along with their seed and pellets. Make sure you check to find out which "people foods" are safe for your particular breed of bird. Some things that are okay for us humans are toxic to birds. (See supplemental links.)

To start in your adventure growing your own bird seeds, grains, and nuts, visit your local pet and health food stores. Pet stores often feature large sprouting kits, but usually have packets of seeds that can start you out. Don't be shy! We've discovered that health food and pet shop workers are some of the friendliest people on earth.

Why not pick up some of your bird's favorite seeds and get started growing your own today?

Sources:

Bird Talk Magazine
Birds & Blooms Magazine