Can Birds Eat Sprouted Sunflower Seeds?

Sunflower seeds are the most popular seeds at our bird feeds and we’re not alone. They are a popular top for bird feeders, loved by a variety of birds due to their high oil content and nutritional value. But what happens when these seeds begin to sprout? Are sprouted sunflower seeds safe and healthy for birds to eat? It’s not uncommon for fallen seeds to sprout below your feeder (and, when we feed on stumps, we’ve even seen them sprout ON the stump.) Should birds eat those sprouted seeds?

Northern Cardinal (female) on stump with sunflower seeds and sprouted seeds

Nutritional Benefits of Sprouted Sunflower Seeds

Sprouted sunflower seeds are not just safe for birds; they are actually healthier than their unsprouted counterparts.

Sprouting increases the nutrient content of the seeds, making them an even more valuable food source:

Increased Enzyme Activity: Sprouting increases enzyme activity, which helps birds digest the seeds more easily.
Higher Nutrient Levels: The sprouting process enhances the levels of vitamins and minerals in the seeds. For example, sprouted seeds generally have higher concentrations of vitamin B complex and vitamin C.
Reduced Fat Content: Sprouting converts some of the fat present in the seeds into simpler compounds, which can be beneficial for birds, especially those at risk of obesity.
Enhanced Protein Quality: The quality of protein improves in sprouted seeds, providing essential amino acids that birds need for feather production and other bodily functions.

Which Birds Might Eat Sprouted Sunflower Seeds?

dove looking at sunflower seeds and sprouted sunflower seeds on stump

There’s no doubt that sunflower seeds are one of the most popular bird feeder choices, but which birds might eat sprouted seeds?

Chickadees: These tiny birds are frequent visitors to feeders and enjoy a variety of seeds, including sprouted ones.
Finches (such as Goldfinches, House Finches, and Purple Finches): Finches are particularly fond of seeds and will readily eat sprouted seeds for their enhanced nutritional content.
Sparrows: Various sparrow species also enjoy sprouted seeds due to their soft texture and high nutrient levels.
Cardinals: Northern Cardinals appreciate the softer, nutrient-rich sprouted seeds. As you can see from these photos, they definitely come to the sprouted seeds in our yard!
Blue Tits and Great Tits: Commonly found across Europe, these birds frequent backyard feeders and are happy to pick at sprouted seeds.
Nuthatches: With their sharp beaks, nuthatches can easily handle sprouted seeds and benefit from the additional vitamins and enzymes.
Downy Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers: Woodpeckers might not be the first birds you think of when considering seed-eaters, but they do visit feeders and can eat sprouted seeds among other offerings.
Doves: These birds typically feed on the ground and will readily eat sprouted seeds that have fallen beneath feeders.
Quails and Pheasants: Ground-feeding game birds like quails and pheasants can consume sprouted seeds, especially in settings where these birds are more wild and forage naturally.
Robins and Thrushes: Although primarily insectivorous, these birds will not pass up the nutritional benefits of sprouted seeds, especially in colder months when insects are scarce.
Blackbirds: Like Robins, Blackbirds too can adapt their diet to include seeds when other food sources are limited.

Is It Okay to Let Seeds Sprout Beneath Your Feeder?

Allowing sunflower seeds to sprout beneath your feeder can have mixed outcomes:

Pros:

Increased Nutritional Offerings: As mentioned, sprouted seeds offer more nutrients and can be a healthy part of birds’ diets.
Attracts a Variety of Birds: Some species that may not be attracted to traditional seed feeders might visit to peck at the sprouts.

Cons:

Mess and Maintenance: Sprouting seeds can create a mess under feeders, requiring regular cleaning to prevent mold and spoilage, which can attract pests like mice and raccoons and potentially harm birds.
Weed Growth: If not managed, sprouted seeds can lead to unwanted plant growth and may even contribute to weed problems in your garden.

Is This Healthy for Birds?

Carolina Wren looking at sprouted sunflower seeds on stump

Yes, eating sprouted seeds is healthy for birds, provided that the sprouts are fresh and free from mold or decay.

To ensure that sprouted seeds are safe, consider the following tips:

Regular Cleaning: Keep the area beneath your feeder clean and tidy. Clear away old sprouts before they can rot, and rake the ground regularly to prevent excessive accumulation.
Monitor Sprout Growth: Allow seeds to sprout but keep an eye on their condition. Remove any sprouts that show signs of mold or have been on the ground for too long.
Control Sprouting: If you prefer to minimize sprouting, consider using a seed catcher under your feeder or opting for hulled sunflower seeds, which are less likely to germinate.

Sprouted sunflower seeds are a healthy, nutrient-rich food option for birds. Allowing seeds to sprout beneath your bird feeder is generally safe and can benefit the birds, as long as the sprouts are kept fresh and the area is maintained to prevent spoilage and excessive weed growth.