We recently had a message from Hella, a regular customer, who said:
"Hi there, I love feeding your worms to the birds…. And have a regular order. However, I have a question – what is the best way to care for them before they are eaten?! It might seem a silly question, but I live in a very small cottage with a very small yard. And although I know they are going to be fed to the birds, I do want to treat them well…"
You are right - it’s important to look after your live mealworms - it not only feels right—it makes them healthier and more active, which is brilliant for your garden birds.
Here’s our Wiggly Guide to Mealworm Care:
🐛 Wiggly Welfare: Keeping LIVE Mealworms
Even though they're bird snacks, mealworms are living creatures and easy to care for if you know a few basics:
✅ Ideal Temperature
Keep them cool but not cold—between 8–12°C is perfect.
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If it’s too warm (above 18°C), they’ll pupate quicker into beetles.
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Too cold (below 5°C), and they’ll slow right down or die.
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A cool shed, porch, garage, or even the fridge’s salad drawer works well.
🏠 Their Temporary Home
Keep them in the breathable tub they arrive in, or transfer them into a shallow plastic box with smooth sides (to stop escapes!). Add some dry oats or wheat bran as bedding and food.
🍎 What to Feed Them
They don’t need much – just a slice of veg or fruit twice a week:
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A bit of carrot, apple, or potato is great.
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Avoid anything juicy like cucumber that can go mushy and cause mould.
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Remove any uneaten fresh food after a few days to keep things clean.
💧 Hydration
Mealworms get moisture from their food—no need for a water dish (they’ll drown!). A slice of carrot now and again does the trick.
🐦 Why It’s Worth It: Healthier Worms = Healthier Birds
Cared-for mealworms are:
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More nutritious – packed with protein and energy.
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More active – they wriggle and bounce, triggering birds’ natural hunting instincts.
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More appetising – robins, blackbirds, wrens and even fledglings can’t resist.
It’s worth remembering that you’re supporting nature by helping birds feed their young, especially in spring and summer with a completely natural food.
🐥 Wiggly Tip:
Want to go one step further? Try hand feeding robins with your mealworms. Stand still with a handful of wrigglers—and you might just make a feathered friend for life.