Mealworms are a favorite treat among backyard chicken keepers, and for good reason. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, they provide a powerful nutritional boost to your flock. Whether you're raising birds for eggs, meat, or companionship, meal worms offer benefits that go far beyond simple snacking.
For homesteaders and animal lovers, understanding why and how to feed these worms to chickens (and when to start) is key to building healthy, thriving flocks. In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits, potential risks, feeding tips, and best practices so you can make informed decisions for your birds.
How Many Mealworms Can Chickens Have a Day?
Mealworms are a treat, think of them as dessert, not the main course. While chickens love them, they should only make up about 10% of your flock’s daily diet. A general rule of thumb:
- Adult chickens: 10–15 dried meal worms per bird per day
-
Chicks (2–3 weeks and up): Just a few worms scattered as enrichment
To maintain a balanced diet, always offer alongside a complete poultry feed. Too many protein-rich treats can lead to nutritional imbalances or even health issues.
Can You Overfeed Chickens Mealworms?
Yes. It’s surprisingly easy to overfeed chickens mealworms, especially when they come running the moment you shake the bag. Too much protein can:
- Disrupt calcium absorption, affecting eggshell quality
- Stress the kidneys and liver over time
- Contribute to obesity or behavioral issues (like feather picking)
If your flock starts ignoring their regular feed in favor of treats, it’s time to scale back. Use worms as a high-reward training tool or for targeted supplementation, such as during molting season or extreme weather, when birds need extra protein and energy.
Is It Harmful to Feed Chickens Too Many Mealworms?
Feeding too many mealworms won’t immediately harm your birds, but long-term overfeeding can create problems. Potential risks include:
- Soft or thin-shelled eggs due to calcium imbalance
- Excessive weight gain
- Poor nutrient absorption from feed
- Aggressive behavior in the flock
They are a supplement, not a solution. When used correctly, they support feather development, egg production, and overall health. But like all things in animal care, balance is everything.
How to Feed Mealworms to Chickens?
There’s no one “right” way to feed mealworms, but there are some tried-and-true methods that can keep your birds healthy and entertained. Here are a few to try:
- Scatter Method: Toss a small handful into the run to encourage foraging.
- Mix with Feed: Stir dried worms into your daily layer feed for a protein boost.
- Hand-Feeding: Great for bonding or training skittish birds.
- Molting Support: Offer a measured amount daily to birds regrowing feathers.
- Winter Boost: Protein helps maintain body heat in colder months.
Make sure clean water and grit are always available, especially if your birds don’t have access to natural foraging areas.
Mealworms for Chickens Near Me
Wondering where to find quality mealworms? You can buy mealworms for chickens at most farm supply stores, feed mills, or online retailers. Look for:
- Non-GMO, U.S.-raised
- Freeze-dried or oven-dried (not raw or sun-dried)
- Labeled for poultry or wild bird use
You can also raise your own worms at home, a great option for sustainable homesteaders! It takes a little time, but it’s cost-effective and ensures a clean food source for your flock.
Best Mealworms for Chickens
Not all mealworms are created equal. When shopping, look for:
- Clean packaging with no dust or mold
- Sourced from clean, food-safe facilities
- Additive-free (no flavorings or preservatives)
If you’re raising your own, be sure to follow safe handling practices and feed only live or properly dried worms.
How to Use Mealworms for Chickens
Mealworms are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways homesteaders use them:
- Supplemental protein: Especially during growth, laying, or molting phases
- Training treats: Use during recall training or coop integration
- Enrichment: Stimulate foraging instincts and reduce boredom
- Winter calories: High-protein treats can help birds maintain energy in the cold
Just remember: moderation. Rotate treats and enrichments to keep things exciting without overfeeding.
Are Dried Mealworms Good for Chickens?
Yes! Dried mealworms are an excellent and convenient source of protein for chickens. They're shelf-stable, easy to store, and don’t require refrigeration. They also retain many of the nutritional benefits of live worms, without the squirm.
Dried mealworms:
- Contain about 50% protein
- Are rich in amino acids, B vitamins, and healthy fats
- Are easier to digest than many other treats
That said, live worms do offer a bit more moisture and foraging enrichment. But for most backyard chicken keepers, dried mealworms strike the perfect balance of convenience and nutrition.
Bonus: Mealworms for Wild Birds
Mealworms aren’t just for chickens. Wild birds, from bluebirds and robins to chickadees and wrens, love them too. If you're looking to support local wildlife:
- Offer mealworms in a shallow dish or platform feeder
- Use dried or live worms depending on the season
- Provide fresh water nearby for easier digestion
Mealworms can help support wild birds during breeding season, migration, or harsh winters.
Conclusion: A Treat with Purpose
Mealworms are more than just a snack, they’re a valuable tool for supplementing your chickens’ diet with high-quality protein and nutrients. When fed responsibly, they can support molting, improve egg quality, encourage foraging, and keep your flock healthy through all seasons.
Whether you’re raising heritage hens in the backyard or managing a full-scale homestead, mealworms can play a smart and sustainable role in your feeding routine. Just remember: variety, balance, and quality sourcing are key. Happy feeding!