How to Feed Mealworms to Birds

When you feed mealworms to birds, you are giving them a food that they consider a wonderful treat. Many birders know that mealworms help in times of stress for birds, such as when weather conditions stop them from getting food for their young, or there is a sudden cold snap once the weather has turned warm. Almost all birds love mealworms and they will pay you back with beautiful songs.

Things You'll Need

  • Mealworms--live or dried
  • Mealworm feeder of your choice
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Fence post, wooden rail or nest box
  • Small bowl with tall sides
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on the type of feeder to use for the mealworms. Plastic bowls, tuna fish or cat food cans and margarine tubs make excellent feeders. You can make your own wooden mealworm feeder with easy plans from The Bluebird Box. (See Resources for link.)

    • 2

      Grow your own mealworms if you want to have a continuous, free source of Smealworms for your birds.

    • 3

      Order your mealworms from a reputable online supplier such as Big Apple Pet Supply or Buy Super Mealworms. (See Resources for links.) They cost less than buying them from a pet store and they are generally in a much healthier condition.

    • 4

      Tack your mealworm feeder directly onto the top of a wooden post, deck rail or nest box.

    • 5

      Place the mealworms into the feeder of your choice.

    • 6

      Feed the mealworms to your wild birds as long as the temperature remains above 32 degrees F. Some birds, such as chickadees, will eat freshly frozen mealworms.