Why do my chickens not like MealWorms?

[cluckmecoop7]

My chickens just don't like mealworms. I don't know why..... In this article it said "Mealworms are a favorite..." Or something like that. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-for-backyard-chickens.47738/#comment-507910

I was just wandering why. They eat, drink, play, cackle, etc.

Thanks!

 

[MROO]

For mine, it seemed to be an acquired taste ... acquired once they learned that mealworms don't eat chickens! Around here, it seems that EVERYTHING eats chickens ... popcorn ... grapes ... mealworms ... anything new. Once they figure it out, there'll be no stopping them! Unless, of course, you get really lucky and they genuinely don't like the expensive little buggers. Mine took such a shine to them that I ended up raising my own. You should see the reaction when people discover what's really in that box of oatmeal on my counter!

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

My chickens just don't like mealworms. I don't know why..... In this article it said "Mealworms are a favorite..." Or something like that. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-for-backyard-chickens.47738/#comment-507910

I was just wandering why. They eat, drink, play, cackle, etc.

Thanks!

How old are your chickens? What type /breed are they? I have a RIR rooster that will not eat mealworms. The hens and even the young pullets are addicted to them. Your chickens maybe getting enough protein so they are just not interested. Frankly, if mine fell out of love with mealworms it would be OK since they are not cheap. Good luck with your flock.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thank you! I have three Buff Orpington's and three Golden Laced Wyandotte's. They are all about 17 weeks.

How old are your chickens? What type /breed are they? I have a RIR rooster that will not eat mealworms. The hens and even the young pullets are addicted to them. Your chickens maybe getting enough protein so they are just not interested. Frankly, if mine fell out of love with mealworms it would be OK since they are not cheap. Good luck with your flock.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

For mine, it seemed to be an acquired taste ... acquired once they learned that mealworms don't eat chickens! Around here, it seems that EVERYTHING eats chickens ... popcorn ... grapes ... mealworms ... anything new. Once they figure it out, there'll be no stopping them! Unless, of course, you get really lucky and they genuinely don't like the expensive little buggers. Mine took such a shine to them that I ended up raising my own. You should see the reaction when people discover what's really in that box of oatmeal on my counter!

Thank you so much!

 

[twendt]

Oh my gosh!! Wish my RIRs didn't like mealworms.... I'm going broke! They make SO much noise if they don't get a daily dose! I tried those soldier fly grubs, they turned their little beaks up at them. I'm feeding the SFG to the Blue jays, oh well....

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Oh my gosh!! Wish my RIRs didn't like mealworms.... I'm going broke! They make SO much noise if they don't get a daily dose! I tried those soldier fly grubs, they turned their little beaks up at them. I'm feeding the SFG to the Blue jays, oh well....

Grow your own?

 

[twendt]

Like I need another project!? Hubby going to throw me out!! (Chicks in the brooder again! after I made a promise, no more chickens ) I thought of it but....ewww! I think the beetles would creep me out! And in the house??! No way. I buy them by the 5# bag on Amazon, Picky Neb or Egwish are my favorite brands, good quality. I pay around $26 a bag. Sometimes they have coupons. If I were to say, have a worm farm, how messy and complicated is it? Do I have to worry about escapees??

 

[twendt]

 

[MROO]

Like I need another project!? Hubby going to throw me out!! (Chicks in the brooder again! after I made a promise, no more chickens ) I thought of it but....ewww! I think the beetles would creep me out! And in the house??! No way. I buy them by the 5# bag on Amazon, Picky Neb or Egwish are my favorite brands, good quality. I pay around $26 a bag. Sometimes they have coupons. If I were to say, have a worm farm, how messy and complicated is it? Do I have to worry about escapees??

No worries! The beetles don't fly, so they can't go anywhere, and the mealworms can't climb the sides. No mess, no escapees, and as long as you change out the veggies every few days, you won't get mold. There's a people-bonus, too - once the bottom fills up with tiny (dry, non-smelling) brown dots mealworm castings (aka poo!,) you have instant compost.
I started with an extra large plastic coffee can with a lid. I used a hot glue gun (just the tip, no glue) to melt ventilation holes around the top edge and in the lid, then filled it with about two inches of dry, rolled oats. Add a small cup of feeder mealworms from the pet store - live ones, not the refrigerated ones with vitamin treatment. They cost me less than $3.00. I add a fresh apple or potato slice every few days (taking out the old one) and voila - self-replenishing treats - both mealworms and the beetles, once they die off.
If you've got kids in the house, put them in charge of the bugs. My son was fascinated from Day 1!