Dead Mealworms

[KDK1]

I've searched the other mealworm threads for an answer to this question to no avail, maybe some of our experts can answer this for me. I bought 1000 worms on ebay. When they arrived 95% were dead. The guy promtly sent me at least 5000 for a replacement... again, 95% dead. Now all the dead ones have shriveled up and turned black. It's been about 10 days for the first batch and 7 for the second one. Will they be good to feed the chickens?

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Odds are, they'd be just fine. My guess would be that the heat killed them during transit. However, lots of microbes can start brewing inside a rotting mealworm and I personally wouldn't risk it. Sorry you're having such a tough time getting good worms.

 

[HEChicken]

I feed off the ones that die from my colony even after they're black. Chooks love 'em!