Mealworms are a popular treat for backyard chickens and for good reason. Not only do chickens love the taste of mealworms, but they also provide a range of health benefits for your feathered friends.
In total, mealworms are excellent for chickens. Mealworms are packed with protein, making them a great supplement to a chicken’s diet. Protein is essential for chickens to build strong bones and muscles, lay healthy eggs, and maintain overall health and vitality.
In this article, we will go over the do’s and don’ts with mealworms and how they play an overall role in the health of your chickens!
What are Mealworms?
Mealworms are actually the larval form of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor). They are often used as a food source for various animals, including chickens, birds, reptiles, and fish. Mealworms are generally about 1-2 inches long and have a cylindrical body with six small legs. They are typically beige or brown in color and have a hard exoskeleton.
Mealworms are commonly harvested from commercial mealworm farms or are raised at home by individuals. Commercial mealworm farms can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. These farms are typically large-scale operations that breed and raise mealworms in a controlled environment using specific substrates and food to maximize their growth and nutritional value.
Once harvested, mealworms can be fed directly to animals or sold as a food source in pet stores or online. They are often dried or freeze-dried to increase their shelf life and make them easier to store and transport. Mealworms can also be ground into a meal or used as an ingredient in various types of animal feed.
Are Mealworms Good for Chickens?
In total, mealworms are excellent for your chickens. First and foremost, mealworms are an excellent source of protein. In fact, they contain even more protein than many types of meat, making them a great supplement to a chicken’s diet. Protein is essential for chickens to build strong bones and muscles, lay healthy eggs, and replenish their feathers during molting.
In addition to protein, mealworms are also rich in essential amino acids, which chickens need in order to function properly. These amino acids cannot be produced by the chicken’s body, so it’s important to provide them through their diet. Mealworms are a great source of these vital nutrients.
Mealworms are also a great source of energy for chickens. They contain a good amount of fat, which can help keep your birds warm during colder months. This extra energy can also help support their immune systems, making them less susceptible to illness and disease.
Finally, feeding mealworms to your chickens can provide them with mental stimulation and entertainment. Chickens are curious creatures, and they love to hunt and peck for food. Sprinkling mealworms around their coop or run can give them a fun activity to keep them busy and engaged.
How often should you feed Chickens Mealworms?
On average, it’s healthy to give your chickens mealworms two to three times per week. As a general rule, mealworms should make up no more than 10% of a chicken’s daily diet. I usually do 2-3 handfuls per 15 chickens on the 2-3 days that I give them the Mealworms. While mealworms are excellent sources of nutrition for your chickens, it’s important to give them in moderation. Seeing as mealworms are usually on the pricey end, this is actually a great treat for your chickens!
When Can I Start Feeding My Chickens Mealworms?
In total, Chickens can begin eating mealworms as early as six weeks of age, or when they are old enough to start eating solid foods. At this age, they will have developed their digestive system enough to handle the protein-rich mealworms.
It’s important to note that when introducing new foods to your chickens, including mealworms, it’s best to do so gradually. Start by offering them a small amount and observe their behavior and digestion. If they tolerate the mealworms well, you can gradually increase the amount over time.
Can Chickens have too many Mealworms?
Yes, chickens can eat too many mealworms. While mealworms are a nutritious food source for chickens, they should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Overfeeding chickens with mealworms or any other treats can lead to health problems such as obesity, digestive issues, and imbalanced nutrition.
Too many mealworms can also lead to a decrease in a chicken’s appetite for their regular feed, which can result in a lack of essential nutrients. In addition, overfeeding mealworms can cause an imbalance in a chicken’s calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can lead to health issues such as thin-shelled eggs or weak bones.
How Mealworms Can Help with Deep Litter
If you are using a deep litter method, you know that it’s tough to stir the deep litter up. However, if you sprinkle some mealworms into your deep litter your chickens will go crazy trying to find all the mealworms in the deep litter by scratching through it! This prevents you from having to move the deep litter around yourself!
Where Can You Buy Dried Mealworms?
Dried mealworms are widely available for purchase both online and in stores. Here are some places where you can buy dried mealworms:
- Home Town Feed Stores – In my hometown I have several local feed stores that carry mealworms. These tend to be my favorite places to get them, seeing as you can usually find quite a large bag for a reasonable price.
- Pet stores – Many pet stores such as Petco and Petsmart carry dried mealworms as a snack for pets such as chickens, birds, and reptiles.
- Online retailers – Many online retailers specialize in selling dried mealworms, such as Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
- Farm supply stores – Stores that sell farming and agricultural supplies may also carry dried mealworms for livestock and poultry. In my neighborhood, Atwoods and Tractor Supply carry them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mealworms are a highly nutritious and protein-rich food source that can be beneficial for chickens. They are an excellent source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are important for maintaining optimal health and egg production in chickens. Feeding mealworms to chickens can also provide a valuable source of entertainment and mental stimulation, which can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. While mealworms should not be the sole source of food for chickens, they can be a nutritious and tasty addition to their diet when fed in the right quantities.