Dried Mealworms: Should Your Chickens Eat Them?

Table of Contents

Mealworms! Shake that packet and chickens come running from every corner of the yard. Chickens love dried mealworms, no doubt about it. But should you be feeding them to your flock? It really depends on the supplier.

As always, higher quality ones are more expensive but in terms of your flock’s health, it’s definitely worth it.

This article discusses the benefits of feeding your chickens dried mealworms. It also explains how many you should feed your chickens, how to spot inferior mealworms, and much more…

Dried Mealworms: Best Treats For Egg Laying Chickens

Bestseller No. 1

RANZ 5LBS Bulk Non-GMO Dried Mealworms for Chickens, High in Protein Mealworm Treats, Best for Wild Birds, Ducks, Hens, Fish, Turtle, Hedgehog, Hamster, Reptiles & Amphibian.

【More Safely】-RANZ Dried Mealworms which are the 100% Natural, Non-GMO, No Preservative, No Additives. They are rich in the protein and the fat, crude fiber vitamins, easy to digest and absorb. Very friendly to the environment.
【High Quality】-In the production process, every link should be strictly inspected. Our dried mealworms are raised with high-quality feed under good conditions. They are quick-dried to ensure their crispness and aroma and meet the tastes of animals to the greatest extent.
【Boosts Immune System & Improves Health】-RANZ Dried Mealworms contains high protein, crude fiber, natural vitamins, which can help the small animals to maintain the normal physiological functions. Improve the condition of pets and supplement nutrition. They are also excellent for fish, ducks, turtles, hedgehogs, and a variety of hard-to-attract wild birds.
【Convenient feeding】-Dried with live fresh worms for convenient storage. No refrigeration required. Our sturdy resealable bags are easy to use and store. Feeding instructions: Simply scatter mealworms on the ground and your pets will go crazy for delicious mealworms treat.
【Quick Response】-As a professional manufacturer of mealworms, we never stop to provide high and excellent service. Contact us first if there's any issue, our team would response in 24 hours.

SaleBestseller No. 2

Adaman Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae 5 LBS-100% Natural Non-GMO BSF Larvae-More Calcium Than Dried Mealworms High-Protein Chickens Treats, Food for Birds, Ducks, Repitle, Hedgehog, Bearded Dragon

√EXCELLENT NUTRITIONAL VALUE: 5 Pound Dried black soldier fly larvae contain up to 45% crude protein, 35% lipids and have an amino acid profile. Black soldier fly larva also contain 85x more calcium than dried mealworms. For a great source of calcium, add 5 pounds of bsf larvae to your chicken feed today.
√HIGH IN PROTEIN: The dried black soldier fly larvae provide a high quality source of protein and are rich in beneficial nutrients. This high protein food is a must-have for those who are always on the go. Mix BSF Larva to your chicken food, bearded dragon food, birds food, turtles food, keep your pets healthy and happy.
√PACKED FULL OF ENERGY: When you chickens eat the larva, they're getting the benefit of all that energy. Black Soldier Fly larvae make a great staple food or treat for chickens and many reptiles, like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, poison dart frogs, crested geckos, day geckos, and turtles etc.
√100% NATURAL & SUSTAINABLE: Our Larva is 100% natural chicken food and bearded dragon food. No additive, no preservative, no pesticide. BSF Larvae are not only effective sources of easily-digested and immune-supportive protein, but that also meet the market demand for sustainable, natural food. BSF Larvae are a natural dietary component for many wild animals.
√BULK PACKAGE, EASY TO USE: Adaman Dried Worms is a bulk package with re-sealable zipper storage bag that is easy to use. Grab a handful and toss it on the ground or use as a topping. ANY reason your pets are not satisfied with our ''5 Pounds Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae'', 100% easy hassle free return within 30 days after purchase for FULL REFUND or exchange.

Bestseller No. 3

10lbs Bulk Non-GMO Dried Mealworms for Reptile , Tortoise ; Amphibian ,Lizard ;Wild Birds; Chichens; Duck etc

PTCOM&HATORTEMPT Dried Mealworms- which are the 100% Natural, Non-GMO, No Preservative,No Additives.
Every links should be checked strictly within production, our mealworms are raised on high-quality feed in good conditions,they're quick-dried in order to insure its crisp and the fragrant and to maximize the flavor that animals crave.
They are rich in the protein and the fat, crude fiber vitamins and top-grade edible oils. Excellent food source for Bluebirds and other wild birds, Chickens, Ducks,Gooses,Sugar Gliders, Hedgehogs and Reptiles along with others small animals that eating mealworms.
The convenient firm and resealable zip Top bags which can bring out the mealworms in conveniently. Won't spoil, No refrigeration necessary.It's more affordable than 11 lb dried mealworms
PTCOM&HATORTEMPT Dried Mealworms can make you receive satisfactory products and can be refund to you if you are not satisfied.

7 Reasons to Feed Your Chickens Dried Mealworms

So you have decided to ‘grow your own or have found a reputable source of mealworms for your flock. Why should you feed them to your girls?

Training Your Birds With Dried Mealworms

You can train chickens to do amazing things, especially when they are rewarded with mealworms!

People have used ‘bribery by treats’ to teach hens to run obstacle courses, do a variety of tricks and even modify some anti-social behaviors.

It is also the easiest way to get reluctant teenage hens into the coop. They would rather have a snack than party outside.

Chickens are intelligent and can easily be trained to do things as long as there is a reward at the end, after all, no one works for free!

Dried Mealworms Are Good For Feathers

The most useful time of the year to feed mealworms is around the time of the molt.
As you all know, the molt depletes a huge amount of protein from the bird.

Through the stress of molting, the high amount of protein used in replacing the old feathers and the strain of maintaining health is enormous.

Although your birds will get through the molt without high protein snacks, they do need extra protein from somewhere, so why not give them a special treat to brighten up the day for them?

You can give other high-protein snacks too during this period but use common sense, please. Use your high protein snacks interchangeably – perhaps hard-boiled and mashed egg one day, then mealworms the next, and pumpkin seeds on the third.

Variety is the spice of life!

Mealworms Used as Medicine

If you have a hen that’s poorly, recovering from an infection or predator attack, she will need some extra protein to help repair any damaged tissue.

It would be acceptable under these circumstances to give her a teaspoon of them daily. The only exception to this is if there is a question of impaired kidneys; in which case, keep the protein at 16 – 18% layer feed.

Dried Mealworms Review Table

DRIED MEALWORM / BSF	SIZE	NON-GMO	OUR RATING
Appetizing Mealworms	1 lb	Yes	See Price
PTCom – Bulk Dried Mealworms for Chickens	10 lbs	No	See Price
Hatortempt – Dried Mealworms for Chickens	5 lbs	Yes	See Price
MBTP – Bulk Dried Mealworms (Treats for Chickens)	5 lbs	No	See Price

A Simple Treat of Mealworms

If the truth is told, we all like to be spoiled at times. We are no different with our hens – they deserve treats for laying those beautiful eggs almost every day.

There is nothing wrong with spoiling your girls – as long as it is in moderation.
If you feed your girls too many treats they will pack on the pounds; obese chickens lay fewer eggs and have more problems with laying.

Keep it healthy, a beakful once or twice a week is sufficient; don’t listen to what the hens tell you!

Feeding Tip: For a summertime treat, makes some mealworm ice cubes. Put just a few in the cube tray, you can sprinkle in some herbs or grains too if you wish and freeze.

Set them out in a pan in the shade and the hens will be busy for a while pecking at those refreshing treats.

They are delicious! No, I haven’t tried them but my head hen Ms. Crabby says they are to die for!

Increase Chickens Protein With Mealworms

They are packed full of protein which all living creatures need. However, too much protein can be unhealthy too. It can cause kidney problems for your ladies, as can too much calcium in the diet so moderation is best.

With 50% protein when dried and 30% protein when they are alive, they are packed with protein.

The protein content of live worms is slightly less worrisome from the health point of view. However, dried ones aren’t a problem if fed in moderation.

Tossing Mealworms In the Coop Keep Chickens Healthy and Active

You can encourage your hens to work for their protein by tossing them into the bedding and watching them re-arrange the coop.

This will keep them busy for ages as they probe and peck every corner of the coop just in case they missed one. Nothing like getting the kids to clean out their room!
How much?

I have 20 hens in one coop so I toss in a small handful scattering them as widely as I can.

Shop For Dried Larvae on Amazon

How to Feed Dried Mealworms to Your Chickens

You have a few options when feeding them to your chickens.

I like to use it to help turn the coop bedding over. Just toss some into the bedding and your hens will go crazy rummaging through the bedding. It also helps make them last longer as it can take them some time to find them buried within the bedding.

If you don’t want their bedding turned over, you can also just toss it onto the ground outside and watch them demolish them in record time.

Finally, if you have extremely friendly hens you might even be able to feed them from your hand.
As for how many dried mealworms you can feed them and how often…

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your hen’s daily food intake. So a beakful or two of dried in a day is more than enough.

However you should make sure to switch up the treats, so only give them mealworms twice a week maximum.

Dried Mealworms Alternatives

When mealworms grow up they become Darkling beetles. You probably don’t want them near your henhouse since they are possible carriers of the disease (they have been linked to Marek’s Disease).
Because of this, some enterprising folks have turned to raising crickets or dubia. I’m sure you all know what cricket is, but what is a dubia?

A dubia is a… cockroach!

It’s a tropical cockroach that is packed full of protein and not quite as dreadful as a regular cockroach.

Apparently, these little fellows are very peaceful and live harmoniously with each other, unlike Darkling beetles that will eat each other.

They are also much quieter than a room full of crickets.
If you’re looking for more treat suggestions read our definitive list of chicken treats here.

Dried Mealworms Summary

We have given you a few excuses to spoil your hens rotten but remember, like chocolate for humans, too many have a downside.

That applies to not only mealworms but any high-protein snacks – be it seed, egg, or insect.

If you have a few chickens and lots of time, training them to do tricks is an enjoyable pastime for you and the hens. You will amaze your friends with your smart hens!

Have you managed to train your hens with treats? Let us know in the comments section below…

Best Treats For Egg Laying Chickens