Sprouting Seed For Siskins

This time of year the siskins both red and yellow are well into the breeding season and sprouting seed is an important part of the diet especially when feeding young. I use a mix of 40% grey striped sunflower, 40% safflower and 20% niger. These 3 seeds sprout at the same time as each other […]

This time of year the siskins both red and yellow are well into the breeding season and sprouting seed is an important part of the diet especially when feeding young. I use a mix of 40% grey striped sunflower, 40% safflower and 20% niger. These 3 seeds sprout at the same time as each other and are the favoured seeds of the siskins.

Soak the seed in warm water for 2-4 hours in a 750g jar with a screw top plastic lid. The centre of the plastic lid is cut out and flywire glued in in its place; drain the water and rinse. After 24 hours rinse and drain again. It should be ready for use within another 24 hours. After 48 hours the sprouts of each seed are clearly visible up to 1-6 mm long.

These are the jars I use and will handle one cup of dry seed

These are the jars I use and will handle one cup of dry seed

Empty the jars into an open container and feed out to the specific birds.

This is the desired result of the three seeds after sprouting

This is the desired result of the three seeds after sprouting