BUGS Sold In Pellet Bird Food?

[ksmith5151]

I'm wondering if this is truly okay to feed my parrot. My Senegal Cassie has gotten a little picky with her usual pellet food I buy her (Zupreem Garden Goodness), so I decided to try a sample amount of a different pellet brand. I was at Pet Kingdom in Fort Myers, FL and they have dispensable bird food, buy by the pound. I purchased a small bag of tiny non-colored pellets. When I opened the bag this morning I put a tiny bit in my hand to see if Cassie will eat it and I noticed tiny live black bugs in it and quickly put it back in the bag.

I called the pet store and the bird lady said that she told me bugs were in the food, but I don't remember her saying that. My son who was with me might of distracted me. She said to freeze the bag and then let Cassie try the food and that if she eats the bugs, it's good protein. So my question is... is this food good for her or are they just trying to sell bad bird food with bugs in it? The pet store lady told me that the bugs are supposed to be in this tiny pelleted bird food. I've never heard of this so I'm hoping to hear what others think about it.

I want her to eat healthy so does anyone have any good suggestions on a good brand of small pellets? Cassie does get her fair share of other good things to eat... a variety of fruit every other day, cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, egg shells, nuts.... But lately she's been leaving the pellets alone and wanting to eat more seed.

 

[weco]

Yes, any time you bag your own from self-serve bins, you're liable to come home with extra protein.....the same is true with the self-serve seed bins, only with those, you're probably going to get meal moths and/or flour moths.....don't worry, they figure them into the price.....you knew that the FDA allows a certain amount of insects, rodent hairs, fecal parts & other natural spices in the processing of our foods and processed dog foods, cat foods & other animal feeds.....they even publish acceptable level guidelines.....

Since many of you may not believe this, here's the beginning of your weekend reading assignment.....enjoy your reading, we may have a pop-quiz on Monday.....

Defect Levels Handbook

Back to your question KSmith, sorry I digressed, but sometimes we find non-believers amongst the membership & a little Shock & Awe is needed.....anyway, My guys seem to like their Harrison's, though my parrotlet likes likes fruity Zupreem.....really though it is usually whichever pellets/processed food they will eat.....

Good luck.....

 

[RavensGryf]

I'd just use pre-bagged food. That way you know it's "clean" of bugs and other debris from everyone reaching in the bin. Also I think of avian disease particles with open bins. If you want the Zupreem garden, they sell it in the bag. If they like Harrison's, that's better nutrition.

 

[Colorguarder08]

pretty sure no food is supposed to have insects in it however weco is right about there being an acceptable amount in ANY processed food animal or human.

 

[Kimmied]

Rodent hair disgusting!! I think I may start growing and canning my own stuff after that. As for good pellets. I get Harrison's. Also if I order by the pound I order only from My Safe Bird Store. I have never gotten bugs or moths in anything I have ordered. I specifically order Zupreem by the pound from them because it smells so fresh and fruity. Much better than the stores. I won't buy my foods elsewhere.