Hi there! I use deep litter in my breeding cabinets but the big drawback I've got is that in a few cabinets I'm getting fodder mites. You might have seen them, the main indicator that you've got them is when you lift up the seed container there's seeds caught underneath in a spidery configuration.

 

They're not fatal or anything but they can the PH in your budgies crop if ingested which can lead to a higher risk of fungal/bacterial infections.

 

Now I've read that you can use pyrethrum sprays but I don't know what those are. Can anyone help me out?

 

Does anyone add anything to their seed to prevent proliferation of mites, etc.?

I had major issues with the deep litter method with moths and little wriggly bugs Renee...after trying the deep litter method as advised by other show breeders. Due to the problems with insects I stopped using this method. I balk at using anything pesticidal near my birds...so my solution was to changed methods and stop the insects breeding and settling in.

I had major issues with the deep litter method with moths and little wriggly bugs Renee...after trying the deep litter method as advised by other show breeders. Due to the problems with insects I stopped using this method. I balk at using anything pesticidal near my birds...so my solution was to changed methods and stop the insects breeding and settling in.

 

okay thanks Kaz. I haven't seen any wrigglies thank god and I'm hoping the bug zapper is doing its job. I too am a bit hesitant about the spray which why I thought I'd put it to the forum to see if anyone else has used anything.

 

Does this mean you're back to newspaper on trays with the weekly change?

I had major issues with the deep litter method with moths and little wriggly bugs Renee...after trying the deep litter method as advised by other show breeders. Due to the problems with insects I stopped using this method. I balk at using anything pesticidal near my birds...so my solution was to changed methods and stop the insects breeding and settling in.

 

okay thanks Kaz. I haven't seen any wrigglies thank god and I'm hoping the bug zapper is doing its job. I too am a bit hesitant about the spray which why I thought I'd put it to the forum to see if anyone else has used anything.

 

Does this mean you're back to newspaper on trays with the weekly change?

Yes...newspaper