Whether you’ve got pet birds or just like to feed those in the wild, one thing you learn quickly is how much they love worms. You’ve probably seen them catch live worms before, but how about dried mealworms? If you want to try these, I’ll show you how.
Although not necessary, soaking dried mealworms makes them easier for birds to digest and hydrates them too. Given a choice though, most birds prefer live mealworms because of their hunting behavior.
How to Feed Mealworms to Birds
Feeding mealworms to birds requires patience and the right approach. Here is a step by step guide.
Step 1
If you have a mealworm farm you can pluck the live ones. Otherwise, look for high-quality dried mealworms from a trusted supplier or pet store. You should check first if the mealworms are for birds, as some are made only for fish or reptiles. Based on my experience, most dried mealworms are suitable for all of them though.
Storage and handling. Dried mealworms have a long shelf life when stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Wash your hands before handling the mealworms to prevent possible contamination.
Related. Should Dried Mealworms be Refrigerated?
Step 2
This step isn’t strictly necessary, but I recommend soaking the mealworms to soften them up. Some dried mealworms can be really hard and birds might have a hard time digesting them. Rehydration is even more ideal when you’re feeding birds that have young.
To do this, take a small amount of mealworms and soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Once they are plump and rehydrated, drain out any excess water.
Step 3
Now that the mealworms are prepared, you can offer them to your feathered friends. There are several ways to do this:
Use a bird feeder: A mesh feeder or dish with drainage holes will be fine. Put the mealworms in it. Hang the feeder in a safe location. I prefer near bushes or trees so birds can find cover if needed.
Ground feeding: Some ground-feeding birds such as robins or towhees may not visit elevated feeders. In this case you can scatter the mealworms in a clear, open area on the ground. A yard or patio will work fine, but make sure there aren’t any other animals that might be drawn to the mealworms.
Mixing with food: Birds will eat mealworms as is, live or dried. But you can add seeds, suet and other suitable foodss to boost their nutrition. Just mi the food and place them in the feeder.
Step 4
Observing and cleaning: Keep an eye on the mealworms to gauge the birds’ interest and consumption. Depending on the bird population and their preferences, you can adjust the amount of mealworms you provide. Always clean up after the birds so mold and bacteria don’t appear.
I want to note that while mealworms are safe for birds, they should be used as a treat or supplement to a well-balanced bird diet. Birds need to have access to a variety of other foods including seeds, fruits, and insects, to meet their nutritional needs.
Do You Need to Soak Dried Mealworms for Birds?
While birds can consume dried mealworms without any issues, there are a few reasons why soaking them can be beneficial.
Easier digestion: Soaking dried mealworms before feeding them to birds can make digestion easier. Dried mealworms are typically quite hard and can be challenging for some birds to break down. Soaking them softens the outer shell and soften them up. This will definitely help birds especially the younger ones.
Hydration: Birds, like any living creature, require proper hydration to thrive. By soaking dried mealworms you can add some moisture to their diet, even in small amounts. This can be especially important in drier climates or during hot summer months when finding water sources can be difficult for birds.
Attracting more birds: Soaked dried mealworms tend to attract a wider variety of bird species compared to dry ones. The added hydration and softer texture make them more appealing to birds. So if you want more of them in your garden, soaking helps.
Here are some steps to properly soak dried mealworms for birds:
- Place the dried mealworms in a small bowl or container.
- Add enough water to submerge the dried mealworm. Room temperature water is ideal.
- Let the mealworms soak for about 10-15 minutes. This is usually sufficient to soften them.
- Drain the excess water from the container. Rinse the soaked mealworms briefly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Once the soaked mealworms are ready, you can place the mealworms on a bird feeder, ground feeder or bird table.
Remember to clean the feeding area regularly. Remove any leftover mealworms and other debris. A clean location is going to ensure the birds come back for more food.
This last part is really important Aside from birds, a lot of other animals eat mealworms, live or dried. It is possible that leftovers will draw those animals. Some might be predators and that could scare the birds away. So after the birds are done eating, clean up after them.
Do Birds Prefer Dried or Live Mealworms?
Birds like to eat different types of food. Seeds are one of their favorites as are bugs and others. But what about mealworms? Do they really prefer live ones over dried? Or it doesn’t make a difference?
Most birds prefer live mealworms, but this is not always the case. it can vary from species to species.
It is true that given a choice between live and dried mealworms, many birds will go for the live one. But other species such as bluebirds, robins, and wrens also like dried mealworms. The species, feeding habits, and accessibility to different food sources all affect their preferences.
Live Mealworms
Live mealworms are natural prey for many birds. They provide an energetic and protein-rich meal, similar to what birds would find in the wild. Most species also enjoy the challenge of catching live prey as it mimics their natural hunting instincts.
Birds that typically forage for insects on the ground or in trees are most likely to prefer live mealworms. So if you see a lot of these in your yard, live mealworms are the better option.
Dried Mealworms
On the other hand, dried mealworms are a popular alternative to live prey. They have several advantages such as easier storage, longer shelf life and reduced risk of escape or infestation.
Dried mealworms are also more convenient you can buy them in stores or online. Additionally, birds that do not spend as much time foraging on the ground may prefer dried mealworms. Again it depends on the species. But from my experience, dried mealworms are fine..
If you are not sure, why not offer both? This way you can see which the birds prefer. If you have a mealworm farm, it is best to go for live prey. But if you don’t that’s okay. Dried mealworms – especially when soaked – will lure birds and soon you’ll see them eating.
Conclusion
Feeding birds can be an enjoyable experience. There’s nothing quite like it watching them flock to your garden and eat food. If you decide to give them dried mealworms, soak it a bit and provide some water too for additional hydration.
