Comment cultiver des graines germées de haricots

・Sprouts have far higher nutritional value than dry seeds
・Some nutrients that are not present in dry seeds are created during sprouting
・They contain moisture, which makes them easier to digest
・They are considered to have higher nutrient absorption
・They are suitable for animals with sensitive stomachs
・Because they are soft, they are also ideal for birds with small beaks
・Feeding sprouts to chicks helps support strong immunity
・Older birds can get more nutrition even with smaller meal portions
・Their moisture content means they do not draw water from the body, reducing strain
・Proteins become easier to break down into amino acids
・Enzymes become active (dry seeds also contain enzymes, but they are mostly dormant. Soaking and sprouting activate them to their highest level)
and more

There are many other benefits of sprouts, but there are too many to list here.

Aside from nutrition, the main reason is that they are the most suitable form of food for birds.
Did you know that wild birds rarely eat completely dry seeds (reference)? What most wild birds actually eat are seeds that contain moisture from rain or morning dew. They commonly consume damp seeds found on the ground, seeds that have just started to germinate, and moist roots that they dig up.
In captivity, birds are often fed fully dried seeds, but this is not something they frequently encounter in the wild. The same goes for vegetables, fruits, flowers, leaves, nuts, and insects. They eat many types of foods, but usually in their fresh and hydrated form.
Because companion birds are not domesticated and their bodies remain similar to those of their wild counterparts, we strongly recommend providing food that resembles what they would eat in nature (reference).
Note: Domestication refers to genetic and breeding changes, not simply being kept as a pet. Details can be found in the reference.

For seeds, the sprouted stage is when enzyme activity is at its highest. The types of enzymes vary depending on the seed, but the enzymes found in sprouts help break nutrients down and make them easier for the body to absorb.

Benefits of consuming enzymes from sprouts

・Digestion becomes much easier, which reduces the strain on the stomach and intestines.
・Sprouting helps break down natural antinutrients found in seeds, which improves the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
・Protein quality increases and amino acids become more available, supporting muscle and feather regeneration.
・As enzymes work during germination, levels of vitamins and other nutrients increase.
・They provide food for beneficial gut bacteria and help support a healthy digestive system.

This is a simplified summary. Enzymes are extremely diverse and complex, so if you would like to learn more, I encourage you to research further on your own.

・Jar or other container
・Strainer
・GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
・Beans that are safe to feed to birds
※The video uses Garbanzo Beans, Mung Beans, Lentils and Green Peas.

Items PEGO uses (shown in the video)
Jar: Ball® Mason Jars & Lids, Wide Mouth 16 oz
Please use containers made from safe materials such as BPA free plastic or glass.
Strainer: stainless steel mesh
You can also use a food grade mesh cloth like the one shown in the photo. It is used like a colander when draining water from the jar.
GSE: NutriBiotic
You do not have to use it, but using GSE provides extra peace of mind.

BPA is a chemical used in some plastics. Small amounts can potentially leach into food and may interfere with hormone function, so we strongly recommend using containers that are BPA free.

GSE stands for Grapefruit Seed Extract. It is known for having strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Below is the transcript of the video.
The basic cycle is soak, rinse, drain, rinse, drain, rinse, then feed.
Repeat this every 12 hours.
Sprouts are ready to feed about 36 hours after you start.

1, Place one feeding portion of beans into the container.
2, Rinse the beans under cold running tap water to remove any dirt or debris.
3, Rinse several times until the beans are clean and drain out the cloudy water.
4, Add clean water at least three times the volume of the beans and add a few drops of GSE (about 0.05 percent).
5, Leave the beans at room temperature for 12 hours to soak. Do not refrigerate.
6, After 12 hours, discard the soaking water.
7, Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running tap water.
8, Rinse several times again, then fill the container with clean water at least three times the volume of the beans and add a few drops of GSE (about 0.05 percent).
9, Let the beans sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after adding a few drops of GSE so it can penetrate.
10, After 10 minutes, pour out the water. Do not rinse.
11, With the GSE still coating the beans, turn the jar upside down to drain.
12, Keep the jar in this position at room temperature for 12 hours. Do not refrigerate.
13, After 12 hours, rinse the beans several times, then fill the jar with clean water at least three times the volume of the beans and add a few drops of GSE (about 0.05 percent).
14, Let the beans sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after adding a few drops of GSE so it can penetrate.
15, After 10 minutes, pour out the water without rinsing. Keep the jar upside down to drain with the GSE still coating the beans.

After about 36 hours from the start, the sprouts are ready to feed.
Rinse thoroughly under cold running water before feeding.

Rinsing should always be done with cold water. Aim for two to four rinses per day.
In the video, the beans were rinsed twice a day at 12-hour intervals.

Approximate Timeline

Monday 8:00 PM to Tuesday 8:00 AM: Soak
(Rinse under running water)
Tuesday 8:00 AM to Tuesday 4:00 PM: Drain
(Rinse under running water)
Tuesday 4:00 PM to Tuesday 11:59 PM: Drain
(Rinse under running water)
Wednesday 8:00 AM: Finished and ready to feed

The beans in the video were fully sprouted and ready about 36 hours after starting.

Feeding within 48 hours (two days) from the start is recommended.
You can feed them after 48 hours as well, but many birds show slightly reduced interest the longer you wait.
Each bird is different, so experiment a few times to see what stage your bird prefers.

A chart of soaking times for each seed type is available for free on the linked page.

If your bird does not like wet foods, you can gently pat the sprouts dry with a paper towel before feeding.

Room temperature is recommended during the soaking stage, but refrigeration is also possible.

When you place the jar upside down to drain, make sure you keep it in the right environment:

• A dark or shaded area
• Good air circulation
• Indoors at a temperature and humidity level comfortable for birds
• Do not use the refrigerator even in summer
• Keep everything clean and avoid letting anything touch the mouth of the jar
• Do not let the beans inside the jar dry out
• Make sure excess water drains completely from inside the jar

If you use a clean container, ensure good air circulation, and rinse two to three times a day, you are very unlikely to run into problems.

Many people ask whether they can use the refrigerator during hot weather.
The idea is simple: do not refrigerate while sprouts are growing.
Use the refrigerator only after they are fully sprouted.

Using the refrigerator during sprouting can actually increase the risk of spoilage, lower the germination rate, and cause nutritional imbalances.
Refrigeration slows the growth of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, but Listeria can continue to grow even in cold temperatures.
The refrigerator is also a sealed space with poor air circulation.

For those who are not yet experienced, we do not recommend using the refrigerator while sprouting.
It is important to understand the condition of the seeds and to be able to tell the difference between natural slipperiness from the seed and true spoilage.
For this reason, we strongly recommend following the standard room-temperature method.

Species
Sprouts can be offered to birds ranging from small finches to large parrots.
They should not be given to lories or lorikeets.
For all other species, from small to large, daily feeding is strongly recommended.
For Eclectus parrots in particular, daily feeding is highly recommended due to their specific nutritional needs.

Feeding Amount
We recommend offering sprouts as ten to twenty percent of the bird’s total daily diet.
They can be fed every day at any time, although morning feeding is ideal.

Please discard sprouts after about ten to twelve hours.
It is perfectly fine to offer them in the morning and replace them in the late afternoon.

You may have heard people say that soaked seeds or sprouts must be thrown away within two hours because harmful bacteria will grow quickly. However, bacteria that pose a real health risk do not reach dangerous levels within just half a day. Sprouted seeds are also still alive, so their growth does not stop the moment they are placed in the food dish, and they do not become harmful plants within a few hours.

If you are still concerned, you may discard them after six to eight hours.
However, unless your birds are kept in a completely sterile environment, there is no need to worry excessively.

There is a saying often heard in discussions about soaked seeds, sprouts, and microgreens:
People sometimes fear small disadvantages and end up missing out on much bigger benefits.

One of the most common questions we receive is, “My country is very hot and humid, so I am worried about sprouting.”
High heat and humidity are not ideal for sprouting, but it is usually not as risky as people fear.
For reference, here are the average conditions for Florida in 2025.
With proper technique, soaking, sprouting, and growing microgreens in Florida can be done safely without any issues.

The values above are general guidelines.

If you are sprouting indoors with air conditioning and the room temperature stays below 28 ℃（82℉） Celsius, and if your bird is comfortable in that environment, sprouting is not a problem.
Outdoor sprouting is not recommended.

If your indoor environment stays above 30 ℃（86℉） Celsius or humidity exceeds 70 %, it is also not ideal for your bird’s health. In that case, please adjust the environment using dehumidifiers or fans to improve air circulation.

Just as important as temperature and humidity is ensuring proper airflow and using clean containers. These factors greatly reduce the risk of spoilage.

Some people believe sprouting should only be done in cooler seasons, but for the health of your bird, we encourage offering sprouts throughout the entire year when conditions are managed properly.

You can make a larger batch and store the extra sprouts in the refrigerator.
However, whenever possible, freshly made sprouts are best because birds tend to eat them more eagerly and they are safer from a hygiene standpoint.

Refrigerator Storage

Place the portion you plan to store back into the sprouting jar.
Add a few drops of GSE and let it sit at room temperature for ten minutes so the GSE can penetrate the beans.
Do not rinse it off.
Drain the water thoroughly, then transfer the sprouts to an airtight container and refrigerate.
When feeding, rinse well with clean water just before serving.

Although sprouts can generally be kept for up to one week, based on our experience, using them within three days after refrigeration is recommended.

Freezer Storage

Drain the sprouts thoroughly and place them in an airtight container before freezing.
There is no need to rinse them again before serving.
Do not thaw them using a microwave or any kind of heat.

Sprouts are said to keep for about three to four weeks in the freezer, but because we have not frozen them ourselves, please judge the condition of the sprouts before feeding.
Whenever possible, use them as soon as you can.

Sliminess on the Sprouts

Many people throw sprouts away as soon as they feel any sliminess, but a slimy texture does not always mean spoilage. Some seeds naturally become slimy when they absorb water. For example, chia seeds turn gel-like when hydrated, and okra becomes sticky when cut.
Seeds high in polysaccharides often become slimy, which is normal. Please determine whether the sliminess is natural or caused by spoilage.

How to Tell if Sprouts Are Spoiled

The easiest indicators are smell and color.
Even if the sprouts feel slimy, they are usually safe if there is no foul odor.
If you notice discoloration, it may indicate spoilage, so remove those pieces.
If there is both an off smell and discoloration along with sliminess, discard them.

The Seeds Did Not Sprout

Because seeds are natural products, there can always be variations. However, seeds sold specifically for sprouting have passed germination testing, so their sprouting rates should be high. If sprouting fails, review your process and try adjusting your method.

Points to Review

・Increase the number of times you rinse
・Check that it is not too cold or too hot
・Place the jar in a dark area
・Ensure proper air circulation
・Use GSE
・Confirm that your soaking time is appropriate
・Make sure the seeds are properly drained during resting periods

Why Do I Need Sprouting-Specific Seeds?

The biggest difference between regular seeds and sprouting seeds is safety testing. Sprouting seeds are tested for common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, and their ability to sprout is verified.

Sprouts and microgreens for human consumption are also recommended to be grown from sprouting-specific seeds. This guidance is based on FDA advisories. It is not a law, but it is a strong safety recommendation.
For this reason, sprouting seeds undergo strict testing and are considered much safer.

Regular seeds may sprout, but because the FDA has warned about the risks for years, we strongly advise against giving non-sprouting seeds to small birds, as their bodies are more vulnerable.

How Much Sprout Growth Is Needed to Be Considered Safe?

Even one millimeter of sprout growth is enough.
The question is simply whether it has sprouted or not.
There is no requirement such as “it must be at least a certain length.”
If there is a visible sprout, it is considered germinated and safe.

Do Sprouts Need Light?

Sprouts do not need sunlight.
Light becomes necessary only after leaves begin to form, which is the microgreen stage, not the sprout stage.
Sprouts can grow perfectly well in complete darkness.
It is even better to keep them where indoor lighting does not shine on them.

Can I Sprout One Seed Type or Mix Several?

Both are fine.
From a nutritional standpoint, mixing several types is recommended.
However, keep in mind that different seeds germinate at different speeds.

Someone Told Me Sprouts Are Not Suitable for Birds

You may hear opinions like this. Every food has pros and cons.
Ask who said it and understand the reason. Then make your own informed decision.

Example:
“Sprouts are dangerous because of hygiene issues.”
→ Sprouts are consumed worldwide, and many people grow them at home. Sprouting supplies and seeds are widely available.
If hygiene is a concern, consult sprout specialists or trusted companies for proper methods. Gather reliable information and decide whether it is appropriate for you.

“Supplements or pellets are better than sprouts, so sprouts are unnecessary.”
→ How much nutrition remains in pellets several months after opening?
Even unopened pellets lose nutrients over time, according to research.
Compare the benefits of sprouts and decide based on evidence.

“My veterinarian told me not to feed sprouts.”
→ Ask for the specific reason.
In most cases, unless there is a special medical condition, sprouts are a safe and healthy food.
They are much closer to what wild birds naturally eat and often easier to digest than processed foods.

Important Note

As explained in the sections “Why Are Sprouts Recommended?” and “About Enzymes,” the benefits of sprouts far outweigh the drawbacks.
It would be a real shame not to offer such a nutritious food.
Please try adding small amounts first and observe your bird.

However, never feed sprouts that are sold pre-germinated in stores.
As explained in the seminar with the avian biologist, pre-grown sprouts have been repeatedly recalled in the United States due to contamination with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Please refer to the seminar for details.

Please make sure to use clean containers.
The jars introduced earlier by our staff are always sterilized in boiling water before use to ensure they are sanitary.

You do not have to use GSE, but using it is recommended because it helps suppress bacterial growth and reduces the risk of spoilage. The recommended amount is just a few drops, about 0.05 percent. Using too much can lower the germination rate. For reference, our staff uses two to three drops when sprouting in a 16 oz Ball Mason Jar.

There is no single method that is one hundred percent correct.
The process described here is a simplified combination of techniques recommended by several reputable companies.

Everyone has different containers, preferences, and routines, so various methods can work.
Rather than focusing on “right or wrong,” it is more important to sprout in a way that is safe, clean, and easy for you.
Please use this page as a starting point, and once you become comfortable, feel free to adapt the method and create your own sprouting routine.