Tips for Feeding Wild Birds Using Mealworms
1. Choosing Your Mealworms: Live vs. Dried
Live Mealworms
- Pros: Highly attractive to birds due to their movement. They provide moisture. Many birds prefer them.
- Cons: Require more care (refrigeration, feeding them bran or oatmeal), can be more expensive, and some people find them a bit squeamish to handle.
- Storage: Keep live mealworms in a smooth-sided container with air holes in the lid, in the refrigerator (around 40-50°F or 4-10°C). Add a bit of bran, cornmeal, or oatmeal for them to eat. They will become dormant in the cold but will become active again when warmed up.
Dried Mealworms
- Pros: Convenient, easy to store, less expensive, and have a longer shelf life.
- Cons: Birds might be less enthusiastic initially compared to live ones.
- Making them more attractive: You can rehydrate dried mealworms by soaking them in warm water for 15-30 minutes before offering. This makes them plumper and more appealing.
Photo credit to Jimmy K on Pexels
2. Selecting a Feeder
Smooth-sided Dishes or Trays: This is crucial, especially for live mealworms, to prevent them from crawling away. A glass or ceramic dish, or a plastic tray with smooth, relatively high sides (at least 1-2 inches) works well.
Specialized Feeders:
- Birdfy Smart Feeders: These feeders make feeding birds more entertaining by capturing fun footage of birds feasting on mealworms or feeding their young ones. And the seed guard can keep the naughty ones from scattering the mealworms and bird seeds onto the ground, which is a fun and practical choice.
- Bluebird Feeders: These are often designed with entrance holes that allow smaller birds like bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees in, while keeping larger, more aggressive birds like starlings or grackles out. Some have clear domes to protect the mealworms from rain.
- Avoid: Scattering mealworms directly on the ground in large quantities, as this can attract pests and the mealworms can quickly disappear or spoil.
Footage credit to Birdfy user
3. Where and When to Offer Mealworms
Placement
- Place feeders in an open area where birds can easily spot them but with nearby cover (shrubs or trees) where they can retreat if they feel threatened.
- If you know you have bluebirds or other specific target birds, place the feeder near their usual hangouts or nest boxes (but not so close that it disturbs nesting activities, about 25-100 feet away can work).
Timing
- Offer mealworms at a consistent time each day, perhaps in the morning when birds are actively foraging, and again in the late afternoon. Birds are creatures of habit and will learn to visit at these times.
- During nesting season (spring and early summer), mealworms are especially valuable as parents can feed them to their young.
- In winter, when natural insect sources are scarce, mealworms provide a crucial high-energy food source.
4. How Much to Offer
- Start Small: Begin with a small amount (e.g., 20-50 mealworms) to see if birds find them.
- Observe and Adjust: If the mealworms are eaten quickly, you can gradually increase the amount. If they are left uneaten, reduce the quantity to avoid spoilage.
- General Guideline: For a pair of bluebirds actively feeding nestlings, about 100 mealworms per day (split into two offerings) can be a good supplement.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Mealworms should be a supplement to their natural diet, not their only food source.
Photo credit to Tina Nord on Pexels
5. Hygiene and Safety – Very Important!
- Freshness: Only offer fresh mealworms. Discard any that look moldy, spoiled, or (if live) dead and discolored.
- Clean Feeders Regularly: Clean your mealworm feeder every few days with hot, soapy water. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to birds.
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling mealworms or cleaning feeders.
6. Making Mealworms More Appealing
- Movement (for Live Worms): When you first put out live mealworms, their wiggling will attract attention.
- Patience: It might take some time for birds to discover a new food source. Be patient and consistent.
- Mix with Familiar Foods: If introducing dried mealworms, you can initially mix them with a small amount of a seed mix that your local birds already enjoy.
7. Common Mealworm Enthusiasts:
- Bluebirds (Eastern, Western, Mountain)
- Wrens (Carolina, House, Bewick's)
- Chickadees (Black-capped, Carolina, Mountain, Chestnut-backed)
- Titmice (Tufted, Oak, Juniper, Bridled)
- Nuthatches (White-breasted, Red-breasted, Pygmy, Brown-headed)
- American Robins
- Woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Northern Flickers)
Footage credit to Birdfy user
8. Important Considerations
- Supplemental Food: Remember, mealworms are a treat and a supplement, not a complete diet for most birds (except perhaps for dedicated insectivores during certain times). Continue to offer seeds, suet, and fresh water to provide a balanced diet.
- Pesticide-Free: Ensure your mealworms are sourced from a reputable supplier and are free from pesticides or chemicals.
For more details, please read Mealworms For Birds Complete Guide
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