Elite Dried Mealworms: High-Protein Treat for Chickens & Wild Birds Elite Dried Mealworms are a natural, high-protein treat that chickens go genuinely mad for. They're suitable for all breeds of poultry as well as insect-eating wild birds, and they're one of the easiest ways to add quality protein to your flock's diet. Despite the name, mealworms aren't worms at all, they're beetle larvae. Insects are exactly what free-ranging hens hunt for naturally, so this is a treat that fits their instincts rather than working against them. Penned birds miss out on that natural insect protein, which is where dried mealworms come in. Why Protein Matters for Hens Dried mealworms are naturally rich in protein (typically around 50%) along with fat and essential amino acids. That matters most at two times: During the moult. Feathers are roughly 85% protein, and a hen regrowing thousands of them needs considerably more than usual. Extra protein helps her get through the moult faster and back into lay sooner. During laying. Every egg takes real protein to produce, so laying hens have a consistently higher requirement than birds that aren't in production. Mealworms are also useful in extreme heat or cold, and during breeding or showing, when birds are under added stress. How to Feed Mealworms are a treat and a supplement, not a replacement for your birds' regular feed. Your hens still need a complete layer feed (16 to 18% protein) as the basis of their diet. Chickens: around 10 to 12 mealworms per adult bird per day is a good guide. You can increase this during moult, breeding, showing, or in extreme hot or cold weather. Serving: add them to the feeder, mix them through the regular feed, or scatter them on the grass so your hens peck and forage for them, which is great enrichment. Taming and training: mealworms are excellent for hand-feeding, building trust with your flock, or training birds to come when called or return to the coop at night. Wild birds: simply place them in a garden bird feeder to attract insect-eating species. Because these are a dried feed, always make sure your birds have plenty of fresh water available. Birds need water to soften dried mealworms for digestion. Rehydrating (Optional) You can soak dried mealworms in water for 15 to 20 minutes until they plump up, then drain before feeding. Rehydrated worms swell close to their original size, so your hens get something much closer to live insects. This is particularly worth doing when feeding young birds, or in hot weather when water demand is high. Storage Keep them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Stored properly, dried mealworms keep well for many months. Key Features & Benefits Natural, high-protein treat for chickens, poultry and wild birds Typically around 50% protein, plus fat and essential amino acids Excellent support during moult and for laying hens Encourages natural foraging and pecking behaviour Ideal for taming, hand-feeding and training your flock Attracts insect-eating wild birds to garden feeders Shelf-stable and mess-free, no live insects to keep Can be fed dry or rehydrated Available in 85g, 285g and 850g Frequently Asked Questions How many mealworms should I feed my chickens?Around 10 to 12 per adult bird per day works well as a protein supplement. You can increase that during moult, breeding, showing, or in extreme heat or cold. They're a treat, so they shouldn't replace your birds' regular complete feed. Are mealworms good for chickens?Yes. They're naturally high in protein and amino acids, which supports egg production, feather regrowth during moult, and general condition. They're also a favourite treat that most hens find irresistible. Should I rehydrate dried mealworms?It's optional but often worthwhile. Soak them in water for 15 to 20 minutes and drain before feeding. Rehydrated worms are closer to live insects and easier to digest, which is especially helpful for younger birds and in hot weather. Can they replace my chickens' regular feed?No. Mealworms are a treat and protein supplement. Your birds still need a complete layer feed (16 to 18% protein) as the main part of their diet, along with constant access to fresh water. Can I feed them to wild birds?Yes. Just put them out in a garden bird feeder and they'll attract insect-eating wild birds. Keep a source of fresh water nearby. Do I need to give extra water?Yes. Whenever you feed dried feed of any kind, make sure plenty of fresh water is available, as birds need it to soften and digest the mealworms. How should I store them?In a sealed container in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Kept that way they stay fresh for months. What sizes are available?85g, 285g and 850g, with the 850g offering the best value for regular feeding or larger flocks.
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