Other
Mealworms (live or dried)
Larval form of the darkling beetle, providing protein and fat; dried versions are calorie-dense.
Who can eat it
ChickensWild garden birdsReptiles (as part of a varied diet)Hedgehogs (occasional treat)Some fish
Not suitable for
DogsCatsRabbitsGuinea pigs
Benefits
- Encourages natural foraging and hunting behaviour
- Good protein source for insectivorous reptiles and birds
- Widely available and easy to store
Risks
- Dried mealworms alone lack calcium and can contribute to metabolic bone disease if not supplemented
- Overfeeding hedgehogs mealworms is linked to a painful bone condition
- Chitin can be hard to digest in excess
Preparation and serving
- Preparation
- Gut-load live mealworms with vegetables before feeding to reptiles, and dust with calcium powder.
- Serving guidance
- A few as an enrichment treat for birds and hedgehogs; a measured part of a varied diet for reptiles.