Sprouts & bacteria & questions, questions, questions
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 3:25 am
First let me say that I do understand all the benefits of sprouts etc. I thought they were a no brainer; however. I must admit I do not sprout. Here is why - I mentioned sprouting to my avian vet who admits to being paranoid about fungus/yeast and very likely bacteria. Not surprising since she sees so many sick birds...anyway - she has a standard answer for people who want to sprout - bring your sprouts in and we will culture them - if they have no pathogenic bacteria I (the vet) will pay for the lab work - if they have pathogens, the client pays and agrees not to sprout. She says she has never paid.
Initially, I thought fine, I won't sprout. But I keep wondering, then why do so many people swear by it? I don't mean because of the increased nutrition but obviously these people would not be swearing by it if their birds were sick. So, yes there may be pathogens but is it because the numbers are too low? Is it because other nutrients in the sprouts help the bird destroy the pathogens? Kids (humans) eat dirt/soil - and it is often full YUCK - you name it and it is often in it. We know it is incorrect to try and isolate babies and infants from all bacteria - they require it to develop a good immune system! We know antibacteria soaps are not good.
Is something like this happening to the birds when they eat sprouts? Even soak seed is 'supposed' to be full of bacteria.
If anyone has some good articles covering bacteria/yeast etc and sprouting, I would appreciate the link.
Thanks.
Initially, I thought fine, I won't sprout. But I keep wondering, then why do so many people swear by it? I don't mean because of the increased nutrition but obviously these people would not be swearing by it if their birds were sick. So, yes there may be pathogens but is it because the numbers are too low? Is it because other nutrients in the sprouts help the bird destroy the pathogens? Kids (humans) eat dirt/soil - and it is often full YUCK - you name it and it is often in it. We know it is incorrect to try and isolate babies and infants from all bacteria - they require it to develop a good immune system! We know antibacteria soaps are not good.
Is something like this happening to the birds when they eat sprouts? Even soak seed is 'supposed' to be full of bacteria.
If anyone has some good articles covering bacteria/yeast etc and sprouting, I would appreciate the link.
Thanks.