Fear not, I know you're not ignorant. But some of the people reading this thread might not be very well-informed on the subject, so it's always a good idea to remind them that there are some pitfalls they need to watch out for.

We sell sprouting kits at the store, along with Topper's organic seed. We ALWAYS suggest that the people use GSE in the water to ward off bacteria.

Sprouting can actually be very harmful if not done properly.

Me - I go to the store and by sprouts which are already sprouted, wash them in my GSE/water bath and serve them immediately.

We used to have an automatic sprouter that worked great but was very time consuming to clean. Some of our birds like sprouts others don't, just like people. Sprouting is not hard to do but like others have said there can be pitfalls leading to bacteria and mold.

Thanks, Tielfan! You are, of course, quite right. It is better to be very clear about this sort of thing so that no one goes of "half-cocked" so to speak. Since I wash the sprouts very thoroughly with veggie wash (20 seconds minimum agitation) and rinse really well, I sometimes don't remember that everyone doesn't know this. Sorry to be so sensitive! I know you better than that!

When you first bring home the cat grass you can let the birds at it first Or get them their own. I mowed the grass & added new seeds into the grass as well.

The use of soil - is simply to have it growing & not decomposing.
Laker just watched the sprouts wilt! I found a nice flower pot & now it isn't unsightly & I remember to water it along with my flowers. And flowers - I have Geranium flowers beside Laker's cage - i haven't seen him nibble yet but that would be OK.