Imagine this: it’s time to feed your birds, so you go to open your bag of seed mix. But as soon as you open the bag, a handful of moths fly out! Or maybe you look inside and see little black insects crawling around. Even if this has never happened to you, it’s a not-uncommon occurrence that has startled many bird owners.
Why Should I Freeze My Budgie's Seed?
Freezing is one of the most effective ways to combat bug infestations.
But why do seed mixes sometimes become infested with bugs? It’s not necessarily because the seed is unclean or low quality, but instead has to do with the farming and harvesting process. The most likely suspect is the Indian Meal Moth (Plodia Interpunctella). When cereals and grains are grown in the field, the moths lay their eggs on them. When the seeds are harvested from plants, bug eggs and larvae can get caught up in the mix. While the seeds sit in your pantry, these eggs and larvae can develop in the bag into full-grown insects.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix. Simply store your seed in the freezer for a few days (72 hours) as soon as you bring it home. This will kill any bug eggs or larvae so they can’t develop and give you a nasty surprise down the road. Don’t worry–although the idea of eating a few dead bug eggs might seem unappetizing, the seed mix should still be perfectly safe for your birds.
Wrapping Up...
For more budgie feeding tips, check out our articles on introducing pellets and why budgies sometimes won’t eat anything but seed. And don’t forget to connect with us on social media–we’re on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!
