Do Parrots Eat Mealworms?

Mealworms are 1-2-inch-long insects that have a hard yellow exoskeleton. Mealworms are commonly raised and fed to pets such as sugar gliders. However, some parrots enjoy the natural taste and flavor of live or dried mealworms, while other parrots refuse them. Parrots normally require extra protein at certain stages of life, but healthy maintenance levels of animal protein can be safely incorporated into a parrot's regular diet, as well.

  1. Flower and Nectar Eaters

    • Parrots that feed on flowers and flower nectar in the wild consume protein in the form of insects on occasion. Therefore, these species of parrots, when kept in captivity, do not require mealworms in their diet regularly. For instance, Eclectus parrots primarily feed on flowers in the wild, but will occasionally consume mealworms in captivity. Lories (Lorikeets) are birds that feed on nectar and insects, but may enjoy a mealworm as an occasional treat.

    Insect and Grain Eaters

    • Most other parrots feed on insects and grain in the wild and will most likely accept live mealworms. However, a pelleted diet supplemented with fresh veggies and fruits, along with some seed, make up a parrot's complete diet in captivity. Because pelleted diets are fortified, protein supplements such as mealworms are not necessary under normal maintenance conditions. However, they can be fed as a reward or as an alternative protein source during critical times of the year such as breeding and laying.

    Safe Protein Amounts

    • Although there are parrots that can and do consume protein in the form of insects, including mealworms, the kidneys of birds are not meant to process large amounts or concentrated amounts of protein. A seed-only diet does not provide enough essential protein, which results in protein deficiency. However, too much protein also creates health problems, such as over stressing the kidneys, that are responsible for flushing out unused portions of protein. A safe amount of animal protein for captive parrots is 1/4 of a teaspoon once a week, which can be broken down into several "treat-sized" portions throughout the week.

    Considerations

    • When deciding to feed mealworms to parrots, be careful of where the mealworms are purchased. Although mealworms can be purchased at fishing bait shops, there is no guarantee that they are free from chemicals that are toxic to parrots. Instead, purchase live or dried mealworms from a local or online pet food supply store that guarantees the mealworms are safe and non-toxic.