Ant pupae - collecting and cleaning?

[mayble]

I ran across some ant "nurseries" while doing yard work the other day.
I scooped up some pupae and eggs while trying to avoid getting too much dirt and debris, then put the container in the freezer to knock down the ants that were trying to save them (sorry ants ). The waxbills gobbled up what I was patient enough to tease out of the mess, so I'm wondering if there is an easy way to separate the pupae and eggs from the dead ants, dirt and leaf matter, etc. that is mixed in.
Any suggestions?

[nixity]

I'd be interested to hear about this as well.

I think you can also buy these online??

[Sally]

I'd be interested too. I have fire ant hills all over my pasture, but gathering the eggs is a chore. I take numerous small canning jars with me, as usually I can only get one scoop of eggs up before the ants are attacking me, and returning to the same hill for another scoop is out of the question.

I too then put the jars in the freezer, but getting the eggs separated from the dirt is an even bigger chore. I have just poured the whole mess into a dish, letting the birds pick out the eggs.

I think I'd rather order them online, need to look for a supplier.

[mayble]

I've been searching for a source online, particularly for frozen (not dehydrated) with no luck. It would be nice, considering how labor intensive it is for such small result.
I ran across one suggestion for collecting tho - put a clay pot over an ant hill - supposedly they will use the pot for their nursery and you can collect eggs and/or pupae every week or two. Definitely worth a try.
Sally, picking through the dirt is probably good as far as keeping the birds occupied and mimicking natural foraging behavior - maybe I shouldn't try to separate them at all? Just freeze it so the ants aren't crawling all over the bird room and let the birds have the whole kit and kaboodle.

[Bhatta]

I am also interested to hear about this. I do not provide ant eggs to my finches. Because, I feel, the dirt mixed with the eggs may have pathogen and worm. Ants collect dead bodies of other insects and animals. It may not be safe. It would be wonderful if any boarder can suggest a method of separating and disinfecting them.

[MiaCarter]

I'd leave the eggs in the dirt and let them pick them out. It'll give them something to do. Nice foraging opportunity.