Find out from any backyard flock owner what happens when they shake a Mealworm bag. Chickens swarm, scream, jostle, and even flap over one other for a single grub. It’s a feathery feeding frenzy. But Mealworms are the bird equivalent of a favorite treat for what reason? Deeply searching animal nutritionists have found equal parts healthy pet food, instinct, and a little entertainment value.
Beginning with proteins. Animal nutritionists estimate that mealworms by dry weight have about half the protein content. That is lottery winning in the chicken universe. Particularly during molting, that is, when egg laying season is very busy, hens truly crave protein. Lack of protein will produce either inferior feathers or slower development or spotty eggs. A few mealworms brighten everything as quickly as a summer storm lightning strike.
Next comes the fat content; mealworms weigh somewhat over 25%. That is really simple, basic energy. For free ranging chickens eating calories foraging, scratching, or just strutting about, fat is absolutely essential. The secret is, though, that a lot of fat might make your birds obese and slow. Like grandmother’s cookies, moderation is quite important.
But diet is just starting here. Birds much rather work for their food. Hunting, pecking, and pursuing set out instinctive responses. Animal nutritionists call this “forage behavior.” Drop a heap of grains mild interest. Throw either live or dead mealworms. Feathery football players grow out of chickens. It’s movement and play converted into a snack high in proteins.
Basically, hens hunt mealworms since their bodies and minds are adapted to find a desired object. All packed in one small squiggly bite are nature, food, and some entertainment. If you have ever watched a hen do a joyful dance for a mealworm, you have seen science and delight in action.