Dried mealworms are a popular type of bird food that are made by drying out mealworms until they are crunchy and easy for birds to eat. Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles and are a common food source for many types of birds, including ducks, and wild birds.
Currently it is not allowed to feed dried mealworms to hens because of the concern that the insects may have been animal protein, which could then pass on disease via eggs or meat.
To make dried mealworms, live mealworms are first cleaned and then placed in a container with a drying agent, such as bran or cornmeal. The container is then left in a warm, dry place until the mealworms are completely dry and crunchy.
Dried mealworms are a popular bird food because they are high in protein and other nutrients that birds need to stay healthy.
Nutritional Value of Premium Dried Mealworms
Dried mealworms are a highly nutritious food source for birds. They are high in protein, with an average protein content of around 50%. They are also high in fat, with an average fat content of around 30%.
In addition to protein and fat, dried mealworms also contain a range of vitamins and minerals that are important for bird health. These include vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium.
Compared to other types of bird food, dried mealworms are one of the most nutritious options available. They are much higher in protein and fat than seeds or suet, for example.
Health Benefits of Dried Mealworms for Birds
In addition to their high nutritional value, dried mealworms also offer a range of health benefits for birds. Some of the key benefits include:
- Promoting feather health: The high protein content of dried mealworms can help birds grow strong, healthy feathers.
- Boosting energy levels: The fat content of dried mealworms provides birds with a quick source of energy, which can be especially important during the winter months.
- Supporting breeding and egglaying: The protein and fat in dried mealworms can help birds produce healthy eggs and support the growth of their young.
- Helping with molting: Molting is a natural process where birds shed old feathers and grow new ones. The high protein content of dried mealworms can help support this process and ensure that birds grow strong, healthy feathers.
How to Feed Dried Mealworms to Birds
Dried mealworms can be fed to a wide range of birds. They can be offered as a standalone food or mixed with other bird foods, such as seeds or suet.
Dried mealworms can easily be stored and can last several months, you just need to hydrate them in warm water for approx 20 minutes before feeding birds.
When feeding dried mealworms to domestic birds, it is important to offer them in moderation. Too many mealworms can lead to obesity and other health problems. As a general rule, it is recommended to offer no more than 10-15 mealworms per day per bird.
To attract wild birds to your yard or garden, you can try placing dried mealworms in a bird feeder or scattering them on the ground. You can also mix them with other bird foods to create a custom bird food blend that will attract a wide range of bird species.
If you are a bird owner, consider adding dried mealworms to your bird's diet to provide them with the best possible nutrition and health benefits. With their high nutritional value and delicious taste, dried mealworms are sure to be a hit with your feathered friends.
Shipping Information
Our standard delivery charge is £3.95
(Next Day delivery is £5.95)
*GB mainland only and other exclusions apply. Please see below for full details.
| Area | Standard Delivery | Royal Mail (Live Orders) | Next Working Day Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland UK (excludes highlands) | £3.95 | £3.95 | £5.95 |
| Falkirk, Aberdeen Perth Kirkwall Paisley and Inverness Areas (not islands), Isle of Man and Isle of Wight | £14.95 | £3.95 | N/A |
| For Scottish Islands, Outer Hebrides, Kilmarnock area, Paisley area, Chanel Islands and Northern Ireland | £19.95 | £3.95 | N/A |
All our orders are now despatched from our farm here in Herefordshire and so we’ve made a few changes. We will always despatch orders as soon as possible, but we do offer a next day delivery service (some restrictions apply) for those urgent orders.
Wiggly Standard Delivery (3 - 5 day delivery) £3.95 within mainland Britain
If you don't mind when your order arrives... (within reason of course) Choose standard delivery and we will despatch your order with the best option for us. This may be APC Overnight, DPD or Royal Mail. You need to allow 2 - 5 days for delivery, and we can post to anywhere in mainland Britain. See below if you are in Highlands and Islands.
Next Week Day delivery for £5.95 to mainland Britain
If you need a guaranteed Next Day delivery then please choose the Next Day delivery option. If you order on a Friday then the delivery will be with you on the following Monday. Please note there are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays. You must order before 1pm for your order to be sent to arrive the following working day. If you order after 1pm then your order will be shipped on the next working day.
Important - Highlands and Islands
IF your order contains JUST live worms and is under 2 kilos - whether that’s composting worms, wax worms or mealworms you will have the option in the checkout to choose standard delivery at £3.95. This is because we can use Royal Mail for this service. Otherwise you will see the extra cost options for a courier to deliver your package – please note there is no guaranteed next day service to these areas so please allow extra time and track your package for information.
For Falkirk, Aberdeen Perth Kirkwall Paisley and Inverness Areas (not islands), Isle of Man and Isle of Wight the charge is £14.95
Postcodes:
AB37-38 AB41-56 FK 17-21 IV1- 40 IV52-54 IV63 KW1-14 PA21-40 PA80 PH15-50 IM1-9 IM86-87 IM99 PO30-41)
For Scottish Islands, Outer Hebrides, Kilmarnock area, Paisley area, Chanel Islands and Northern Ireland the charge is £19.95
Postcodes:
HS1-9 IV41-56 KA27-28 KW15-17 PA20 PA41-78 PH42-44 ZE1-3 BT1-99 JE1-5 GY1-10)
REFUNDS POLICY
Damaged or Faulty Goods
In the unlikely event that you receive an item that is damaged or faulty, we can offer a full refund within 60 days of the customer receiving the order. We simply require photographic evidence of the damaged/faulty item with tracking number within 7 days.
To return a damaged or faulty item is free of charge, please contact wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk with your name, address & order number and our customer service team will advise on the easiest way to send.
Once the item has been received and inspected by our customer care team, you will be notified that a refund has been issued and feel free to order the item again from our website.
In the case of LIVE WORMS these can’t be returned so in the unlikely event that they have arrived damaged please take a photo on the same day and send that photo straight away to our team wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk with a description of what the problem is and ensure you include your name, address and order number.
Once the photograph and description has been looked over by our customer care team they will get back to you to advise or issue a replacement or refund.
Returning an Order
Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. We get that. If you’ve changed your mind and want to cancel your order, we ask that you contact our sales team and return the item in its original packaging within 60 days to:
Wiggly Wigglers Lower Blakemere Farm, Blakemere, Herefordshire HR2 9PX
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to cover the cost of returning unwanted items, so the postage cost of returning these items is the responsibility of the customer. Please ensure that you obtain proof of posting as items being returned are the responsibility of the customer until the items reach our farm.
Once the item has been received and inspected by our customer care team, you will be notified that your refund has been issued. Please note the item must be returned with the original packaging, as new, unused, and free of defects.
Of course if you cancel your order before the items are shipped out a refund will be issued right away.
Please email us at wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk if you need any further information.
What are dried mealworms?
Mealworms aren't actually worms at all, they are the larvae of a flour beetle. A flour beetle egg grows into a mealworm which then transforms into a pupae before the flour beetle emerges. Dried mealworms are mealworms that are heat dried or freeze dried.
What do mealworms eat?
Mealworms love cereals, grains and vegetables. They are particularly fond of carrots!
What can I feed Dried Mealworms to?
Dried mealworms are loved by a vast array of animals like Reptiles, from Garden Birds to Fish! They are 100% natural and high in protein so can be fed to most animals. Please be careful not to feed too many at once however as with anything. They should not be used as a main food, they should be used as a treat or supplement. Dried mealworms are most popular for birds like Robins, Starlings, Thrushes, Wrens, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Tits, Woodpeckers and Jays.
Please note: mealworms (Live or Dried) must not be fed to hens (after the BSE epidemic and Foot and Mouth outbreak all insect proteins were stopped as feed for farm animals by DEFRA).
When should Dried Mealworms be fed?
Dried Mealworms can be fed all year round in the UK, not just when food can be short in the winter. In summer months when the weather is really sunny the ground can become pretty hard which makes it really difficult for your birds to dig for worms and larvae so this is a particularly good time to try dried mealworms.
How should I feed dried mealworms?
Dried Mealworms can be fed by sprinkling straight onto the floor to encourage natural foraging, or putting them loose on bird tables or in feeders, or we you can mix them intro your seed mix (or buy you mix with dried mealworms in it ready to go) A great natural protein and even better to help in the breeding season.
Are your Dried Mealworms Imported?
Yes all of our dried mealworms are imported, they are simply unavailable in the UK. All imported mealworms come with certificates of origin and health certification etc. We import natural, safe high quality mealworms.
Our dried mealworm are for sale in various weights.
The Wiggly Story: Bringing Your Garden to Life.
Nestled in the heart of rural Herefordshire, within The Duchy of Cornwall estate lies Lower Blakemere Farm – the cherished home of Wiggly Wigglers and founder, Heather Gorringe. From its humble beginnings on Heather’s kitchen table over 30 years ago, our small but dedicated team is working hard on a legacy of sustainability and regeneration. Our farm isn’t merely a plot of land; it’s a dynamic hub where we’re aiming to balance food production with biodiversity and since we started our regenerative journey there’s a real focus on improving soil health and sustainability. Beyond our own endeavours, we’re passionate about sharing best practices and developing products designed to Bring your Garden to life.
The Wiggly Promise
At Wiggly Wigglers, it’s not just about sales (though we appreciate your orders and support for the farm!).
We’re here to offer a range of sustainable solutions that add fun to composting, boost biodiversity, and make bring your home and garden to live, whilst making the world just a little bit greener.
- Trusted: We’ve been here for over 30 years, with over 100,000 orders shipped.
- Try our products: We have a risk free 60 Day No Quibble Returns policy.
- Great Value: Buy Direct - we grow, mix, pack and ship direct from our farm in Herefordshire.
