Dried meal worms are a simple yet effective nutritional boost for your chickens!!!!

Why You Should Give Your Chickens Dried Mealworms

If you’re looking for a simple way to keep your chickens healthy, happy, and productive, dried mealworms are one of the best treats you can offer. Chickens love them, and they provide a range of nutritional and behavioral benefits when fed correctly. Below is a closer look at why dried mealworms deserve a place in your flock’s routine.

High-Quality Protein for Strong, Healthy Birds

Dried mealworms are packed with protein, which is essential for muscle development, feather growth, and overall health. This is especially important during molting, when chickens need extra protein to regrow feathers, as well as during cold weather or recovery from stress or illness. Adding dried mealworms to their diet helps support strong, resilient birds.

Encourages Egg Production

Laying hens require additional protein to consistently produce strong, healthy eggs. While mealworms should never replace a balanced layer feed, they make an excellent supplement that can help support steady egg production. Many chicken keepers notice improved laying performance when mealworms are offered in moderation.

A Natural and Highly Appealing Treat

Chickens instinctively love insects, and dried mealworms mimic what they would naturally forage for. Because of this, they’re an ideal training and bonding treat. You can use them to encourage chickens to return to the coop, reward good behavior, or make flock handling easier.

Supports Healthy Feathering and Molting

During molting, chickens often look rough and may temporarily stop laying eggs. The extra protein from dried mealworms helps speed up feather regrowth and supports skin health, allowing birds to recover more quickly and comfortably.

Promotes Activity and Reduces Boredom

Scattering dried mealworms encourages natural foraging behavior, keeping chickens mentally stimulated and physically active. This enrichment can help reduce boredom-related issues such as feather pecking and bullying, especially in confined flocks.

Easy to Store and Feed

Dried mealworms are lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to store without refrigeration. You can feed them straight from the bag, mix them into scratch grains, or scatter them around the run. This convenience makes them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.

Feed in Moderation

While dried mealworms are highly nutritious, they should be treated as a supplement rather than a main food source. Too many mealworms can lead to weight gain or nutritional imbalance. A small handful a few times a week is usually enough to provide benefits without overfeeding.

Final Thoughts

Dried mealworms are a nutritious, natural, and enjoyable treat that offers real benefits for your chickens. From supporting egg production and feather growth to strengthening your bond with your flock, they’re an excellent addition to any chicken keeper’s feeding routine. When fed in moderation alongside a balanced diet, dried mealworms help keep your chickens thriving.