Feeding birds live mealworms and waxworms (1 Viewer)

[YellowBudgie]

Hello

I'm going to experiment on attracting the bug/worm eating birds in my area to my window feeder. I'm going to start with some container on the ground with live mealworms/waxworms near my window feeder. If they are eaten add a few freeze dried meal worms with the live ones next time. The last thing would be to try to feed them from the feeder. I would do this over some time period based on how well things go.

I could add specific seeds that the bug eating birds like by doing some research. The feeder has two sides for food. One side could be just freeze dried mealworms, etc.. from an internet source. The other side could be a mix of seed, nuts and freeze dried mealworms, and other yummy freeze fried worms.

My one question is can mealworms and waxworms crawl out of containers with tall enough sides? Or are they pretty much stuck in the bottom of a container. I would like to place something that the birds wont knock over and have easy access to the worms. I also don't want the mealworms/waxworms getting out.

I'm guessing the sparrows will be first to notice these since they are very large in numbers around here. There's a mated pair in a birdhouse right next door. I think they may be feeding their young at this point.

Thanks

 

[Jodd]

As long as the sides are smooth I don't think the dish has to be particularly deep. I use an earthenware dish which is approx 1 1/2 inches deep.

 

[YellowBudgie]

As long as the sides are smooth I don't think the dish has to be particularly deep. I use an earthenware dish which is approx 1 1/2 inches deep.

I can't wait until our first warm or semi-warm day (So I can sit and watch) to start. I'm assuming if the house sparrows feel safe enough they should come by pretty quickly seeing the squirming food.

I just hope I can get them to use the window feeder and get used to freeze dried larva.

 

[Jodd]

Forgot to mention in earlier post that when you put them out for the birds they need to be kept dry as they die very quickly if they get wet.

 

[YellowBudgie]

Hey Jodd,

Thanks, I would not have known that. If the birds do start and keep coming for the live mealworms, I hope I can put the live worms in with seed with the "bug bird" tube feeder. Do You mix the live mealworms in with seed and put the combo into a bird feeder. What type of feeder? Tube?

I would guess the mealworms would start to eat the seeds if they did not get eaten first. I believe this since I read they are the pupa from grain eating moths. You would have to cover the top of the feeder with those umbrella shaped covers so it would not get wet.

A sales lady at the specialty bird store today said she was not an expert but hears what her customers do. She said they may not eat the freeze dried meal worms in the summer but may in the winter. I think this was from one birders she talked to. I see what happens since I have them anyway.

The birding store has the coolest outside view of bird feeders. They must have had 20 bird feeders and a few squirrel feeders. The place was going crazy with activity. They have a place to sit down and watch. The more exiting birds for me where the Blue Jays, Cardinals, hummingbird (not sure of type) and for the first time for me I saw a Red-Winged Blackbird (Male).

I think I'll call this store when my digiscope setup is ready to see if I can take shots from 20 feet away and get some full size bird photos. I could give them a copy of the pics. Or fame one nice shot for them as a thank you.

Thanks,

 

[Euan Buchan]

I bought some Mealworms at Pets At Home I know you put them in a cold place I put them in the garage I was going to put them in the fridge as a joke lol

 

[Kezza]

I bought some Mealworms at Pets At Home I know you put them in a cold place I put them in the garage I was going to put them in the fridge as a joke lol

It appears a lot of people do keep them in the fridge - hopefully with a lid on though! :eat: Need to be careful when raiding fridge for a midnight snack!

 

[Jodd]

Hi Yellow Budgie

I put my mealworms out on their own in an earthenware dish on a covered bird table and also in a hanging mealworm feeder which has a cover on it. I don't know about mixing them with seed in a tube feeder - wouldn't this crush and kill them - they could then turn sour which could cause a problem for the birds? (I suppose it would be okay to use the dried mealworms in this way but I wouldn't recommend live ones)

Jo

 

[YellowBudgie]

My thinking of putting them in the tube feeder was as a final here's where the food comes from type thing. It is true they may get killed because of the weight, I didn't think of that. I keep thinking of them as worms not more vulnerable larva like I should. Hence my tube feeder idea.

I may be able to construct my own water proof mealworm feeder to place right next to the tube feeder, that should work. I'll figure something out.

I put them in the back of the refrigerator. I don't want my mom seeing them