It is also possible to design a soaked seed mix that also provides a good balance of protein for growing babies. The protein balance refers to the ratio of essential amino acids in the seed mix and for the best growth rate and breeding results all of these must be provide in the correct balance. To achieve this aim it is necessary to calculate the amino acid content of each seed type and then design a mix that balances the amino acid requirements. Lysine and methionine are the most difficult amino acids to balance because they are not found in many seeds. These are known as the "breeding amino acids" because of their importance for breeding success. Lysine is found in groats, wheat and rape. Sunflower and Safflower are rich sources of both lysine and methionine. Groats, rape, wheat, sunflower and safflower are therefore the best "protein" seeds for sprouting. Millets, plain canary are very low in these two important amino acids but are high in energy. They may be sprouted for energy but not as a protein source.Turbobooster and an energy supplement may be used instead of, or added to, soaked seed. Turbobooster is a rich source of protein and energy, but is especially used because of its high levels of both methionine and lysine. Dr Marshall's energy supplement has been developed primarily as an instant supply of energy for breeding birds.

 

Energy Requirements for Breeding

 

Breeding canaries use nine times more energy than canaries housed in a flight. The fast growing canary chicks need energy more than anything else and above all, it is the energy content of the food that determines breeding success or failure for canaries. Perhaps too much attention has been placed upon the protein content of the food and not enough upon the constant supply of energy required by them. Knowing the energy content of each seed helps to design a high-energy dry seed mix. Millet varieties, plain canary, groats and rape are high-energy seeds hat should be incorporated into the dry seed mix. A dry seed mix may provide the breeding canary with a good source of energy but not enough for the chicks to develop their full genetic potential and traditionally soft foods and soaked seed have been used to fulfil these energy requirements for breeding canaries.

There are, however, potential dangers associated with soaked seed as a source of energy. When seed is soaked in warm water the germinating process transforms the starch inside the seeds into a sweet form of immediate energy. The warmth and moisture changes the sour taste of the starch into the sweet taste of a simple sugar that the breeding birds love so much. Both the growing babies and parents thrive, because the energy requirements (nine times higher during breeding) are satisfied rapidly. The feeding process is a very physically demanding process for the parents and the instant energy provided by the soaked seed allows them to rear clutches without tiring. The process of soaking seed, however, invites the contamination of the seeds with harmful germs. The potential dangers of contamination may outweigh the benefits of using soaked seed, unless stringent hygienic measures are taken during its preparation. Poor soaking technique is always the cause of E.coli related chick deaths.

 

Soft Foods & Soaked Seed for Breeding

 

The following soft food recipes offer the canary breeder with quality soft foods that are also simple to prepare. The very nature of soft foods requires that uneaten remnants should be removed within 6 hours. Alternatives to soaked seed must be considered because of its potential danger to growing chicks. Soft foods combining Turbobooster, Energy supplement and vitamins/minerals should provide the answer to the problems associated with soaked seed.

Firstly, however the soft food/soaked seed recipe must always provide the breeding birds with an extra source of quality protein and energy. As well as an increased need for energy and protein during breeding canaries also need extra vitamins, trace elements and minerals and soft foods and soaked seed offer an excellent vehicle by which vitamins, trace elements and minerals can be added. Without these additional supplements, breeding birds tire easily and do not feed their young vigorously.