Breakfast of chirp-ions!

Sprouts and chopped/grated vegies (aka ‘chop’) are a great way to get more variety into your birds’ diet—especially for those who are less willing to try new foods. Taking some of this and sprinkling their regular seed through it can encourage them to explore more, and they are likely to pick up some unintentionally while digging through.

We've had a lot of people asking how to make the regular mix we give our birds. Thankfully it's very simple, and although it takes a bit of time, most of that doesn't require you to do anything.

Before I continue: always remember to consult an avian vet before changing your birds’ diet, or if you have any concerns about their nutritional needs or general health.

You can get sprouting mix or make up your own from a number of different whole grain ingredients - oats, rice and other grains and cereals, peas, beans, lentils and other members of the pea family, safflower, sunflower, sesame to name some.

The grains in this mix include: dunn peas, black sunflower, safflower, premium wheat, kalo, whole oats, and mung beans.

The vegies we most often use include: kale, spinach, carrot, beetroot, broccoli, chillies, and cabbage. Most vegies are fine, but NEVER use onion—it is toxic. Please check if you’re unsure if any food is safe.

Our method:

- Place a cup or two of mix in container (these will grow as they sprout so a container at least twice the size of the contents), and fill container with tap water 

- leave to soak for around 8-12 hours (I generally leave it either overnight or prepare before I leave for work)

- after that time, sieve out the water and rinse the mix a couple of times

- continue rinsing 3-4 times a day until they start sprouting.

**They are highly nutritious at any stage, but the optimum level when they’ve just started sprouting.

- before serving, mix in a variety of chopped and grated vegies. (We find they generally prefer grated vegies.) 

An important thing to look out for is mold, so regular and thorough rinsing is important.

Dish them up and (hopefully) enjoy watching the birds demolish them.