Quick Answers
Birds can sometimes be picky about trying new foods like dried mealworms. Here are some quick tips to help get them interested:
-Offer very small amounts at first next to foods they already eat. Over time increase the ratio of mealworms.
-Make sure the mealworms are fresh. Old, expired mealworms won’t be appetizing.
-Consider moistening the mealworms slightly to increase the scent.
-Offer them in a quiet setting without distractions.
-Be patient. It may take multiple attempts over several days.
Why Offer Dried Mealworms?
Dried mealworms can be a great supplemental food for pet birds for several reasons:
High in Protein
Mealworms are an excellent source of protein for birds. The dried larvae contain about 50% protein by weight. This helps support muscle maintenance and new feather growth.
Source of Fiber
The exoskeletons of dried mealworms provide a decent amount of crude fiber. Fiber helps support digestive health in birds.
Other Nutrients
Mealworms also contain an array of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. These help round out the nutritional profile.
Naturally Appealing
Most birds have an innate desire to forage for insects and larvae. Offering dried mealworms can satisfy this drive.
Fun Treat
The crawling and wiggling action of live mealworms triggers a foraging response in birds. Dried mealworms can provide some of the same fun.
Convenient
Dried mealworms have a long shelf life compared to live insects. They are also easy to store and serve as needed.
Challenges in Getting Birds to Try Them
While dried mealworms have many benefits, there are some potential challenges:
Picky Eaters
Some birds have strong preferences and aversions about new foods. Their natural neophobia results in instinctive avoidance.
Appearance
If the mealworms appear shrivelled or feel too hard, birds may reject them as unappetizing. Freshness is important.
Scent
The strong scent and flavor of live mealworms is diminished when dried. This can make them less enticing.
Texture
The dried mealworms’ hard texture differs greatly from live larvae or birds’ staple foods. This may deter some birds.
Change in Routine
Birds feel safest with predictable routines and known foods. Adding an unfamiliar item disrupts this comfort.
Overcoming these picky eating instincts takes patience, persistence, and creative strategies.
Tips and Tricks for Transitioning Birds to Dried Mealworms
Here are some methods to coax your feathered friends into enjoying dried mealworms:
Start Small
Place just a few dried mealworms into the regular food dish. Increase the amount gradually over a period of days or weeks. This allows the bird to become accustomed to the new item slowly.
Mask With Favorite Foods
Initially mix a few rehydrated mealworms into a favorite soft food like cooked egg, oatmeal, or fruit. The familiar flavors help overcome suspicion over the new ingredient.
Offer at Prime Times
Present the mealworms when the bird is most likely to try new items – such as early morning when very hungry. Avoid busy times with many distractions.
Use Mealworms as Training Rewards
Hand feeding a mealworm as a treat during a training session frames them as a positive reward. This can increase acceptance when later offered in the food dish.
Demonstrate Eating
Allow the bird to observe you or another bird eating dried mealworms first. Seeing others enjoy them can provide social proof of safety.
Rehydrate Slightly
A quick soak in a very small amount of juice or water can make dried mealworms smell more appetizing. But avoid making them overly soggy.
Offer Both Live and Dried
Providing a mix of both highly appealing live mealworms along with the dried version can aid the transition to acceptance of the new texture.
Persistence Pays Off
It often takes many repeated exposures before a picky eater will sample a new food item. Patience and gently persistence is key.
Best Practices for Serving Dried Mealworms
Follow these tips to safely store, prepare, and serve dried mealworms:
Proper Storage
– Keep unopened bags of dried mealworms in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator or freezer.
– Opened bags should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
– Check expiration dates and discard any mealworms more than 6 months old.
Avoid Contamination
– Do not allow contact between dried mealworms and other human foods during storage or serving.
– Work with mealworms before handling other pet foods to prevent cross contamination.
– Wash hands and prep areas thoroughly before and after use.
Check Freshness
– Inspect mealworms before serving. Discard any with mold or dark discoloration.
– Avoid mealworms that appear excessively hard, dried out, or shriveled.
– Feed immediately after rehydrating to prevent spoilage.
Proper Rehydration
– Use filtered or bottled water rather than tap water which may contain chlorine.
– Let mealworms soak for 5-10 minutes then drain off excess moisture.
– Pat off any surface moisture with paper towel before serving.
Ideal Serving Size
– Offer no more than 1-2 tablespoons of dried mealworms per small bird at a time.
– Adjust amounts based on the individual bird’s size and appetite.
– Take uneaten portions out within 1-2 hours to avoid spoilage.
Following these simple best practices helps ensure dried mealworms will be a safe, fresh, and appealing supplemental food item for your birds.
Troubleshooting Picky Eaters That Refuse Dried Mealworms
Some extra stubborn birds may still turn up their beaks at dried mealworms after multiple presentation attempts. Here are some troubleshooting tips if this happens:
Try Different Preparation Methods
Experiment with soaking, draining, rinsing, and chopping the mealworms different ways to alter texture and scent.
Offer at Different Times of Day
Attempt serving at alternate times such as right before bedtime when the bird is in its roosting area.
Mix with Alternate Foods
Combine rehydrated mealworms into wet foods like sprouts, cooked rice, or squash to hide them.
Use More Enticements
Place a few live mealworms on top of the dried ones to increase overall appeal. Or coat in a nut butter or scrambled egg “sauce”.
Try Again Later
Give the bird a break from the mealworm offerings for a few days or weeks so it doesn’t become an aversion. Then retry the gradual introduction process.
Offer as Training Treats
Continuing to provide dried mealworms for use as training rewards over time may spark eventual interest.
The key is to not force the issue. If certain birds remain disinterested after multiple creative attempts over an extended period, simply try offering different nutritious supplemental foods instead.
Health and Safety Precautions
While dried mealworms can be a safe part of most birds’ diets, there are some health precautions to note:
Choking Hazard
– Chop or soften very large mealworm pieces to prevent choking.
– Supervise birds closely the first few times serving.
Allergies
– Monitor for any signs of allergic reaction when introducing a new food item.
– Discontinue use if any concerning symptoms develop like skin irritation, GI upset, or breathing issues.
Nutritional Balance
– Dried mealworms should only be a supplemental food, not a staple diet replacement.
– Continue providing a diverse base diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.
Food Safety
– Discard any dried mealworms that smell bad, look moldy, or are past expiration date.
– Store unopened bags in a sealed container in the freezer.
– Prevent contamination and serve rehydrated portions immediately.
With proper precautions, most birds can enjoy dried mealworms safely in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Monitor your bird’s individual response.
Conclusion
Introducing dried mealworms to picky or hesitant birds requires patience and creativity. Start with tiny amounts mixed into familiar foods during prime feeding times. Rehydrate the mealworms slightly to increase palatability. Offer as treats in training sessions to build positive associations. Demonstrate eating them to provide social proof. But don’t force the issue with extremely reluctant birds. With gentle persistence using these tips and tricks, you can eventually transition most birds to readily accept dried mealworms as a supplemental protein source and fun foraging activity.