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Feeding Mealworms to Chickens: A Natural Protein Boost with Big Benefits

  • jwalkerbidoxnard
  • May 10
  • 2 min read

๐Ÿ” ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”

If youโ€™re raising backyard chickens, you already know the joy of happy hens scratching and pecking through the yard. But did you know that mealwormsย can be one of the healthiest, most natural treats you can give them?



Whether youโ€™re looking to boost egg production, support molting, or simply spoil your flock, mealworms are a simple, nutrient-rich addition to your hensโ€™ diet.


Why Chickens Love Mealworms

Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are packed with the nutrients chickens crave, especially during stressful times like molting, cold weather, or egg-layingย cycles.

Hereโ€™s what makes mealworms a backyard coop favorite:

  • ๐Ÿฅฉ High in proteinย (50%+) for muscle and feather growth

  • ๐Ÿ’ช Amino acidsย for overall health and egg quality

  • ๐Ÿฅš Supports strong eggshellsย and consistent laying

  • ๐Ÿ“ Encourages natural foraging behavior


    Supplementing with mealworms promotes strong eggshells and consistent laying
    Supplementing with mealworms promotes strong eggshells and consistent laying

How Often Should You Feed Mealworms?

Mealworms are a supplement, not a full feed. Think of them like a superfood snackโ€”awesome in moderation!

A good rule of thumb:

  • โœ… 10โ€“20 mealworms per hen per day

  • โœ… Best offered as a treat or training reward

  • โœ… Use more during molting or cold monthsย when extra protein is needed

For an average flock of 5โ€“6 hens, thatโ€™s roughly 1,500โ€“3,000 mealworms per monthโ€”depending on how generous you are!


How to Feed Mealworms to Chickens

  • Scatter them in the run to encourage natural foraging

  • Mix with scratch grains or use them to train shy hens

  • Feed by hand for fun bonding time (hens will learn fast!)

  • Avoid overfeedingโ€”too many can lead to fat hens and fewer eggs

Whether youโ€™re raising layers, broilers, or feathered friends for fun, mealworms are an excellent addition to their routine.


๐Ÿ›’ Keep Your Flock Fed & Happyโ€”Automatically

No more last-minute runs to the feed store. With Solvang Mealworm Company, you can set it and forget it.

Our Chicken Plan:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ 2,000 live mealworms per month (perfect for 5โ€“6 hens)

  • ๐Ÿšš Freshly packed and shipped monthly

  • ๐ŸŒฟ Farm-raised without chemicals or fillers

Give your girls the natural protein boost they loveโ€”and keep those eggs coming!

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