Are these sprouts all okay for parrots

Doris48 · Apr 5, 2012

I planted these in organic soil in little birdie size trays.I was just going to let them sprout up about an inch or so tall and put them in the cages as grazing.Kind of like cat grass.I know they are okay for people but I wasnt sure about the alfalfa sprouts? I doubt they will touch them but I can try.

collards
alfalfa
arugula
buttercrunch
romaine.

Enjru · Apr 5, 2012

Yum yum! Just be aware that if you let them graze while the plants are still rooted in soil, they could pick up parasites from the soil, so it would be important for your bird to get wormed regularly.

BillsBirds · Apr 5, 2012

Instead of soil, I'd use sprouters (jars, trays, etc.) and feed the sprouts clean. Just about any sprouts that you can eat, our birds can. Also, be aware that seeds specified for planting are often treated with fungicide and are not good for sprouting out of soil. If you use those kind of seeds, let them grow, pull them out of soil, and wash well. The chemicals come off of seeds when germinating in soil. Seeds specifically for sprouting are best. Get them from health food store or seed companies. That's also where you can get sprouting equipment.

Spiritbird · Apr 6, 2012

I have a few bird safe plants and Rosie tries to eat the soil and not the plant. Like Bill said best not to grow in soil, even organic. For some species it is natural to root around in soil to find something to eat and that is true of African Greys.

Doris48 · Apr 6, 2012

Okay.But I wonder if they need something out of the soil that they dont get in their diet?
Its organic bagged stuff.Could I just bake it first? Would it hurt them...I dont do good with sprouts, they always get gross and get paranoid that theyve gone bad etc..But I can do planted stuff.I was just hoping it would be fun for them to pull the stuff out of the dirt and make a big mess.

Also all the seed are meant to be planted in a garden except the alfalfa seeds which I bought at the health food store.

I often wonder about the soil issue.Even my dogs sometimes eat dirt.My gcc trys to eat stuff off the bottom of my shoe, gross..

Mare Miller · Apr 6, 2012

My bird has recently been very busy in the soil outside. Just this morning, he spent a good half hour munching around in the wild grass and dirt. I was sitting outside watching him. Not sure if he is eating the soil, I think he is going for the roots on the grass. He sure seemed to be enjoying himself, though.

He's a cockatoo and I must say, a very hardy bird.

BillsBirds · Apr 6, 2012

Animals in the wild are raised in the wild and have built up natural immunity through their parents and environment. Our pets do not. Be careful with this. And, if you are not good at sprouting, (it can take practice to learn what works), buy already sprouted sprouts. Many grocery stores carry the common ones. And heath food stores sell various others.

lene1949 · Apr 7, 2012

I just don't see how you can go wrong with sprouting... I can't grow a plant - any plant - but sprouting is easy...

Are these sprouts all okay for parrots

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