Feeding Mealworms

nolliavac · **Joined:** Sun Jul 17, 2011 3:29 pm **Posts:** 56

Hi, Can anyone tell me if feeding my chookens some mealworms is OK??

PeacockNSW · **Posted:** Sun Jul 31, 2011 7:30 am

Perfectly fine for any bird they are high in protein. I use them with Pheasant chicks at times but never on chooks seem an expensive food for them.

nolliavac · **Joined:** Sun Jul 17, 2011 3:29 pm **Posts:** 56

Thanks, I have been feeding them a container a week and they seem to be thriving on them!

Also has helped create a beautiful bond as they come to me when I go in there an give them a little treat of worms and they are all very happy to have a bit of a scratch and attention.

OakA · **Posted:** Sat Aug 13, 2011 7:07 am

A benificial experience all round.
The fowls get a treat and overcome thier shyness.
A vital first part to quietening fowls and for getting them used to you being at close quarters.
Take the time to sit and study while the fowls are relaxed and close at hand.
You will find the experience very relaxing and rewarding, particularly at times of upset , in no time you're worries lift and you find you feel better.
It is also a good time to study health and also to look closely and assess just what qualities your fowls have re breed type, stature, tail set & carriage, wings carriage etc they show themselves in a true state, unhurried and unstressed.
They can best be observed at these times when they move naturally and are relaxed.
You will be surprised at things you notice and learn about your fowls.
Take the time and enjoy it.

PeacockNSW · **Posted:** Sat Aug 13, 2011 2:07 pm

Using bread will do the same and its a fraction of the cost. Mealworms are just high in protein and not much else so good for growing chicks

TownHens · **Joined:** Sun Sep 18, 2011 10:01 pm **Posts:** 1

What about feeding crickets to chicks? I breed them for my lizards would they be ok for chicks?

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

Crickets are nutritionally far superior to mealworms- they contain more protein and less fat.
If you are just feeding them as a treat then either is fine.
But if they are to be a significant part of the diet I'd prefer crickets.

wickedwings · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:34 pm

PeacockNSW wrote:

Perfectly fine for any bird they are high in protein. I use them with Pheasant chicks at times but never on chooks seem an expensive food for them.

Hmmm, interesting, poultry bigotry?

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

wickedwings wrote:

PeacockNSW wrote:

Perfectly fine for any bird they are high in protein. I use them with Pheasant chicks at times but never on chooks seem an expensive food for them.

Hmmm, interesting, poultry bigotry?

Equal rights for Chookies!!! [smilie=a_cookiemonster.gif]

Does one purchase the worms and crickets at the mega pet stores, or, do I need to get my bug catcher out?

OakA · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:11 pm

I guess PP if you have nothing better to do with your time, get out the bug net, if you have an endless supply of finance go to the Mega Pet Stores.
The common sense approach would be to do as TownHens has done and breed your own if either are to be even a welcome treat for the fowls or any other species.
Put it on the "to do" list of things related to the steep learning curve of keeping poultry as healthily and economically as possible be it a few backyard layers or pets or like many serious breeders to preserve a rare or endangered breed/variety.

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