When you see those big yellow Mealworm bags at the pet store, have you ever wondered, “Can I just give these to my lizards or birds?” If you’re just starting out, using dried mealworms for a few afternoons will take you all the way to mastery. No specialized training or advanced degree in science is required. Similar to a plain, unadorned diet, these flaws reflect that. Put your faith in yourself and dive headfirst. Get the facts about this topic!
Dry mealworms, whether made from freeze-dried or roasted live worms, pack about half the protein of their live counterparts. These cause wild animals and poultry to go absolutely crazy. At the buffet, you can see bluebirds, robins, and finches lined up at a feeder.
If you’re watching your weight, you should know that fat accounts for around 25 to 30 percent of the weight of dried mealworms. Given their concentration, you should think of them more as an accompaniment than the main course of your dinner. Whether or not I soak them is one of the many questions people ask me. Soaking dried mealworms in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes makes them plump and squishy, rather than bringing them back to life. Ducklings, chickens, and aquatic life all enjoy this. Digestion and swallowing are both helped by softening.
Mealworms are easy to maintain dried through. You will be set for months if you store the bag unopened in a cool, dry pantry. Good storage ensures no odd odors. Still, if they grow moist you will start a scientific study. Best feed them before it starts.
When it comes to company, mealworms aren’t picky. Toss into bird treats, scatter around the yard for animal visits, or use as a fishing nibble every now and then. Feathers for birds, scales for reptiles, and growth hormone for fish are all benefits, but they shouldn’t be considered a substitute for a balanced diet. You will know what to grab the next time you find your dogs riveted on you with that “hint-hint.” No frills, just dried mealworms, but plenty of ecstatic animals clamoring for more.