The Easiest Way to Soak and Sprout Seeds for Parrots

Sprouting seeds for parrots might sound complicated, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do for your bird’s diet. A parrot sprouting seed mix gives your parrot live, fresh, nutrient-packed food that’s closer to what they’d eat in the wild. Best of all, with the right method, it only takes a few minutes of hands-on time each day. It really is the gold standard in parrot diet, so try to introduce it into your parrot's routine!

Here’s the easiest and fool-proof way to soak and sprout seeds, as recommended by The Aviary’s founder Carlie, a method that has been perfect for us for the last 5 years!

What You’ll Need

• A sprouting jar with a mesh lid
• Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) for sanitising
• Access to clean, fresh water
• Optional: a dark cloth or jar cover

Step-by-Step Guide to Sprouting Seeds

🦜 Add seeds – Scoop your desired amount of the Foraging Feast Sprouting Mix into a clean sprouting jar and place on the lid. Around one and a half tablespoons per large bird, one table spoon per medium sizes bird and half a tablespoon per small bird is a good guide.

🦜 Rinse thoroughly – Fill the jar with water, swirl gently, and drain. Repeat until the water runs clear.

🦜 Sanitise – Drop 7 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) through the mesh lid. Fill the jar two-thirds with clean water and leave to soak overnight.

🦜 Morning rinse – Drain the soak water in the morning and rinse several times with fresh water until it runs clear.

🦜 First serving – You can start feeding now! Add ½ tablespoon of sprouted mix to your parrot’s fresh morning chop. Cover the jar with a dark cloth and leave it on a windowsill.

🦜 Evening rinse – Rinse again in the evening, shake well, drain, and put the jar back on the windowsill.

🦜 Day 2 feeding – Repeat the morning rinse and serve another ½ tablespoon. At this stage, tiny tails may start to show.

🦜 Evening rinse again – This keeps the sprouts fresh and prevents mould growth.

🦜 Day 3 feeding – Rinse, then serve another portion. By now, sprouts should have tails around 1cm long – the perfect stage to feed.

🦜 Storage – Any leftover sprouts can be stored in the fridge from this point. Always rinse before feeding.

🦜 Check freshness – Always use the sniff test. If the mix smells musty, sour, or “off,” discard it and start again.

Why Sprouting Seeds for Parrots is Worth It

By feeding your parrot seeds at different stages of germination, you mimic natural foraging patterns and enrich their diet with diverse enzymes, probiotics, and friendly bacteria. This variety keeps their gut microbiome healthy, boosts digestion, and provides vital vitamins and minerals. So, no waiting for three days at a time for germination to start!

Sprouting also lowers the fat content of seeds, making them healthier than dry seed. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to give your parrot a diet that’s fresh, varied, and bursting with life - it truly is a super food for parrots.

If you’re ready to try, our Foraging Feast Sprouting Mix is designed especially for parrots, with a blend of beans, legumes, grains, and seeds that sprout beautifully and offer maximum variety.

Check out the benefits of sprouting seeds for parrots!

FAQ: Sprouting Seeds for Parrots

Is it safe to sprout seeds for parrots?
Yes, sprouting seeds is completely safe for parrots when done correctly. The key is to rinse thoroughly, sprout in a clean jar, and use Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) or another safe sanitiser to reduce the risk of bacteria. As long as you follow the steps and discard anything that smells sour or musty, sprouted seeds are not only safe but one of the healthiest foods you can offer.

Do I need to use Grapefruit Seed Extract when sprouting seeds for parrots?
Using Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) helps sanitise the seeds and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria or mould. While some people sprout without it, GSE makes the process safer and more reliable.

How long does it take to sprout seeds for parrots?
Sprouting usually takes 2–3 days. You can start feeding soaked seeds after the first overnight soak, but sprouts are at their most nutritious once tiny tails (about 1cm) have emerged.

Can all parrots eat sprouted seeds?
Yes, sprouted seeds are safe and beneficial for all parrot species, from budgies and cockatiels to African Greys and macaws.

How often should I feed sprouted seeds?
Sprouted seeds can be offered daily as part of the morning meal, alongside fresh vegetables. Always remove uneaten sprouts after a few hours.

Do sprouted seeds need to be refrigerated?
Yes, once sprouts have tails, any leftovers should be kept in the fridge. Always rinse before serving, and discard if they smell sour or musty.