There's bugs or something in my bird food... is this safe?

Question

So, I got too much bird food for my container last time I bought some. The bowl that I keep it in keeps everything out of it. But when it was full, I just roll up the package and stick the remainders in the cupboard like thing under the cage. But this time when I poured the rest of the bird seed into the bowl since there was enough room finally, there was clumps in the food. I look through it before giving any to them to make sure that the food they get is clean, but I just found little worm things in the food! I'm getting nervous, and I now make sure that there's nothing moving when I feed them... will this hurt them? I know in the wild birds eat worms, but these things are tiny. Should I just trash the rest and get some new food?

Answer 1

Yes trash it and get more. These little worms will turn into little moths that drive you crazy. Birds should be fine but always best to eat fresh food of course. I always say when it doubt just throw out. Gets a little expensive but safe and less expensive than vet bills. ;)  

Answer 2

It's nothing more than miller moth larvae. It will NOT hurt your birds or make the seed BAD, but they ARE a pest that will infest your house if you don't take precautions. Putting the seed in the freezer will kill any larva, but once they become adult moths, all you can do is trap them and keep them from spreading.

I have YET to buy seed (even a good quality mix) that is completely "bug" free. I avoid buying large quantities, and what I do buy, I keep in an airtight container. If I see the caterpillars, I mash them flat. I also get moth traps (VERY effective) and haven't had a moth problem in months.

Answer 3

Its ok for now.

Next time stick the bird food in the freezer! Thats where I keep mine,

It keeps it fresh longer and no bugs!

Answer 4

I had this problem too!  I went through many "air tight" containers to no avail - I think some of the bags of seed came with these bugs in them already.  I don't know for sure.  I do know that the "worms" you see are actually moth larvae.  The adult moths are small and silvery - and rather annoying.  And the clumps of seed you see are the silken threads of the larval cocoon sticking to the food.  When the larvae emerge, they actually eat out the insides of the seeds, so I don't think it's a good idea to keep feeding this to your bird.  If your bird doesn't care for the larvae, the seed shells won't provide proper nutrition for it.  

Unfortunately, I think the best thing would be to throw the seed out, clean the bowl and bottom of cage really well, and start over with a fresh bag of seed.

I would be curious to hear if others have this problem while using air tight containers.  I wonder if the problem is all with one particular brand of seed?  I don't remember what kind of seed I used - but I am curious...  

Answer 5

Sometimes it depends on where you buy your bird seed. If you get it from open bins then it is probably going to have the bugs in it. Already sealed pkgs are a little safer.  The best way to keep bird seed is in the freezer or the refrigerator, until you need it.

Answer 6

No it's not ok, DONT FEED IT. Throw it out and get new food. It can be deadly to your bird.  

Answer 7

Trash it can get new food.  The birds that eat worms are not the same kind that eat seed and the birds are unlikely to eat the seed infested with insects.

Answer 8

Put it in the freezer to kill the bugs.

Answer 9

It will not hurt your birds even if they eat them. Try the freezing method though to rid of them.  Those little worms turn into moths. They are annoying, but harmless.  

Answer 10

yea i would get rid of the food and get new food to be safe. :) good luck  

Answer 11

no

Answer 12

It matters what kind of bird you have.  For instance, i have a blue fronted amazon parrot.  My parrot have moths in his seeds.  He's had moths in his seeds for about 16 years.  I think you'll bird will be fine, but if he's a not acting normally I'd buy different food and throw the old one away. Make sure you wrap the container in a bag so the bugs don't get out.  These tiny worms are probably larva ( insect eggs ).  ALL BIRDS EAT BUGS!!!!!  It's a source of protein.