Mealworms For Quails ...ok?

[seth osborn]

I think it is fine to give them meal worms.

 

[AshNicole1110]

I've been told it's more of a treat because it's high in fat. But not necessary for their diet.

 

[dc3085]

Young quail should not be fed meal worms as it can start a toe picking habit. Mealworms look a lot like quail toes. Adults shouldnt be fed more than 2-3 per day because of the fat content. Its like giving them a cookie. You can find the nutritional value of meal worms on reptile forums usually but suffice it to say they arent a good feed supplement for quail only a treat.

Spelling edit

 

[Lobzi]

I provide Rainbow giant meal worms as a treat to my coturnix quail. No aggressive behavior or toe biting that I have noticed. They love them but seem to have difficulty seeing them. I end up going into the pen and turning the soil over to find and reoffer them to the quail. I get a kick over watching them enjoy the worms.

 

[dc3085]

I said "young quail" shouldnt be fed meal worms, and they shouldnt for just the reason i mentioned. i should also mention if youre feeding meal worms your birds will require digestive grit to process them.

 

[LeafBlade12345]

I also meant young ones. Adults eat them fine. If there isn't grit, the mealworms can seriously hurt the quail from the inside while still alive, it happens with geckos and other animals too.

 

[Lobzi]

Oh that is interesting about the grit. My adult quail are in a pen that is built on the dirt ground so I'm guessing they are getting grit from the food they eat off the ground. I will be careful in giving meal worms around babies though I think the giants are too large for them to get into their tiny beaks. The chicken chicks who have been raised with the quail beat out the quail babies in getting the worms anyway.

 

[Halloweengirl13]

Tiny crickets are not toe-like and the birdies love to chase them. So it's treats and playtime Lol

 

[Pokie]

I have also heard that the dried mealworms are higher in protein and lower in fat. Is this right? Im in Australia

 

[LeafBlade12345]

I have also heard that the dried mealworms are higher in protein and lower in fat. Is this right? Im in Australia

Gut-loaded and live are the best protein-wise from what I've found. Plus they are more fun for the birds.

Regards,
Leaf