Brian's Yorkshire Canary Page
Articles - Breeding & Management - Advantages of soaked seeds.
| THE ADVANATAGES OF SOAKED SEEDS Article published April 2003
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Soaked seeds can take the place of wild greenfoods says BRIAN KEENAN. Canaries are versatile birds, and can be reared on a variety of diets. When I first started breeding canaries I lived in a rural area, and gathering wild seeds and grasses from the fields and roadsides was not a problem. Increasing urbanisation, inroads made by transport, and of course the widespread use of pesticides, made me re-think my feeding methods, and I soon came to the conclusion that wild seeds and green foods were no longer a viable option.
GreenfoodToday, I rarely feed green food at all, other than in the form of sprouted seeds.The result is that I no longer suffer worries relating to the cleanliness or suitability of any wild foods offered, nor do I have any concerns over the preservatives added to shop bought food products, which although fine for human consumption, may cause problems to my canaries delicate digestive systems. Instead, I feed a generous helping of soaked seeds on a daily basis, from the time my first chicks are due to hatch. I use plastic seed germination trays with a solid base in which to soak the seeds, and these trays fit comfortably onto my bird room worktop, close to the window. Thankfully, I installed a sink and water, so do not need to constantly trek back into the house and ignite the "wrath of Sue."
My methodMy method is to cover the seed with cold water, to which I have added a few drops of aviclens, or household bleach, to help rid any unwanted bacteria . This mixture is left soaking overnight until the next morning, when the contents are poured into a large sieve, which is thoroughly rinsed under the running tap for a few minutes.The sieved seed is then suspended over a drip tray, and a fresh batch of soaked seed is prepared in the original seed tray.
Rinse regularlyThroughout the day, I regularly run the sieve under the tap two or three times, and continue this for a second day, by which time the seed is beginning to sproat - known as chitting, amongst birdmen. I find that by the end of two days "in the sieve", small seed sprouts can easily be seen - sometimes quicker during hot weather.After a final rinse, the seed is ready to be fed to my birds, and is always eaten with relish. The three day preparation cycle soon becomes routine, and the amounts being prepared can be increased depending on your increasing needs throughout the breeding season. It is a matter of personal choice whether the sprouted seed is fed separately, or is used to dampen down the soft food you should also be feeding to your stock. My preference is to feed the seed separately, as the birds will scatter away the soft food, as they search for their favourite sprouted seeds, and so the second dish is far more 'cost effective' in the long run - it only doubles up the washing up!
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