Did you know that mealworms are not worms but the larvae of darkling beetles? Live mealworms are a common food source for pet birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. They are an excellent source of essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your bird’s diet.

Here are a few reasons to feed live mealworms to your feathered friend:

1. An Excellent Source of Protein

Birds need a great deal of energy to fly, and live mealworms are a great way to fuel their flights. A single live mealworm contains about 13% protein, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient. When fed to the younger ones, mealworms can help them grow strong and healthy.

2. Rich in Essential Fatty Acids

Feathers make up to 15% of a bird’s weight. Essential fatty acids are necessary for the proper development of a bird’s feathers and skin. These nutrients help keep feathers shiny and robust. Fatty acids also help to keep a bird’s immune system functioning correctly. Live mealworms are a good source of two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and linolenic acid.

3. A Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Birds need a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Live mealworms are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. They provide small amounts of vitamins A, B, and E too.

4. Can Help Get Some Exercise

Chasing and catching live mealworms is an excellent exercise for your bird. They are a great way to encourage your feathered friend to get up and move. The mental stimulation of hunting down their dinner can also help to keep your bird’s mind active and healthy.

5. High Moisture-Content

Mealworms have a high moisture content, which is essential for your bird’s health. A dry diet can lead to dehydration and other health problems. Also, the high moisture content in live mealworms can help to keep your bird’s cage clean by reducing the amount of waste produced.

6. Easy to Digest

The exoskeletons of mealworms are relatively soft, making them easy for birds to digest. In comparison, the hard shells of dried insects can be complex for some birds to digest and may cause digestive problems. Also, most birds are naturally attracted to moving prey, so live mealworms are more likely to be eaten than their dried counterparts.

7. A Natural Food Source

While commercially available bird food mixes are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, they can never replace the nutritional value of a natural diet. Live mealworms are a natural food source that can help to keep your bird healthy and well-nourished.

Looking to Buy Live Mealworms for Your Bird? We Have You Covered!

At Cricket & Worm, we offer a variety of live mealworms that are perfect for your bird. We have both regular and super-sized mealworms available. We also offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more. So, what are you waiting for? Order your live mealworms today!