Elite Dried Mealworms: High-Protein Dried Mealworms for Chickens, Poultry and Birds

Elite Dried Mealworms: A High-Protein Natural Treat for Chickens

Elite Dried Mealworms are a high-protein, natural feed supplement and treat made by Elite Pet Products. They're a favourite with chickens and other poultry, and are also eaten by insect-eating wild birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals such as hedgehogs and hamsters. Rich in protein, fat and essential amino acids, they support energy, feather regrowth during moult and egg production. They come in resealable 85g, 285g and 850g packs.

What Are Mealworms?

Mealworms aren't worms. They're the larvae of the mealworm beetle. Insects are exactly what free-ranging chickens hunt for in the garden, so dried mealworms give penned or backyard hens a taste of the natural insect protein they'd forage for themselves.

Are Mealworms Good for Chickens?

Yes, in the right amounts. Dried mealworms for chickens are useful when hens need extra protein:

• During the moult: feathers are made mostly of protein, and a hen regrowing a full set of feathers needs much more than usual. Extra protein helps her through the moult and back into lay.
• During laying: every egg uses protein, so laying hens have a higher daily need.
• In extreme heat or cold, breeding and showing: when birds are under extra stress.

How Many Mealworms Should I Feed My Chickens?

• Around 10 to 12 mealworms per adult bird per day is a good guide.
• Increase a little during moult, breeding, showing or extreme weather.
• Keep all treats, including mealworms, to a small part of the diet, around 10% or less.

Mealworms are high in fat and phosphorus and low in calcium, so they're a supplement, not a meal. Your hens still need a complete layer feed of around 16 to 18% protein, with shell grit available for calcium and plenty of fresh water.

Ways to Feed Mealworms

• Scatter: throw a handful on the grass so hens scratch and forage for them, which is great enrichment.
• Mix: stir through their regular feed.
• Hand-feed: mealworms are ideal for taming hens and training them to come when called or return to the coop at night.
• Soak: cover with water for 15 to 20 minutes until they plump up, then drain. Soaked mealworms are softer and easier to digest, which helps young birds and adds moisture in hot weather.

Mealworms for Birds and Other Animals

• Wild birds: place a small amount in a garden feeder or dish for insect-eating birds, with fresh water nearby. Offer small amounts only, so they don't come to rely on them.
• Reptiles, amphibians and small mammals: offer as an occasional treat alongside their normal diet.

What Are the Best Mealworms for Birds?

Good dried mealworms are whole, clean and dry, with little dust or broken pieces and no musty or rancid smell. Resealable packs help keep them fresh after opening.

Storage

Keep the pack sealed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Stored properly, dried mealworms stay fresh for months.

Key Features and Benefits

• Natural, high-protein dried mealworms
• Rich in protein, fat and essential amino acids
• Supports feather regrowth during moult and egg production
• Encourages natural foraging and pecking
• Ideal for taming, hand-feeding and training hens
• For chickens, poultry, wild birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals
• Feed dry or soaked
• Resealable 85g, 285g and 850g packs

Product Details

• Brand: Elite Pet Products
• Product: Dried Mealworms
• Type: Whole dried mealworm larvae
• Suitable for: Chickens, poultry, wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals
• Feeding guide (chickens): about 10 to 12 per adult bird per day
• Sizes: 85g, 285g, 850g
• Storage: Sealed, cool, dry, out of direct sunlight

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Elite Dried Mealworms?

They're a high-protein natural treat and feed supplement made by Elite Pet Products, for chickens, poultry, wild birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.

How many Elite Dried Mealworms should I feed my chickens?

Around 10 to 12 per adult bird per day, a little more during moult, breeding or extreme weather. Keep them as a treat alongside a complete layer feed.

Are mealworms good for your chickens?

Yes. They're high in protein and amino acids, which support egg production and feather regrowth during moult. Because they're high in fat and phosphorus and low in calcium, feed them in moderation.

Can mealworms replace my chickens' feed?

No. They're a treat and protein supplement. Hens still need a complete layer feed as their main diet, with shell grit and fresh water.

Should I rehydrate dried mealworms?

It's optional. Soak them in water for 15 to 20 minutes and drain. Soaked mealworms are softer and easier to digest, which helps young birds and adds moisture in hot weather.

What are the best mealworms for birds?

Choose whole, clean, dry mealworms with little dust and no musty smell, in a resealable pack to keep them fresh.

Can I feed mealworms to wild birds?

Yes, in small amounts. Place them in a garden feeder or dish with fresh water nearby, and don't overfeed so birds keep foraging naturally.

Where can I buy Elite Dried Mealworms in Australia?

Elite Dried Mealworms are available from Bonnyrigg Produce & Garden Supplies at 462 Elizabeth Dr, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177, Australia. You can visit our store or order online with delivery across Australia.