eBirdseed.com Wild Bird Feeding Blog

Mealworms can be offered to bluebirds to:

• Entice them to use a nest box.
• Assist the incubating female to find food quickly so she does not have to leave her eggs for long periods of time.
• Act as supplementary food for nestlings if food becomes scarce when weather conditions prevent the parents from finding insects.
• Help them survive during spells of severe winter weather.

Feeding Mealworms to Bluebirds:

There are several types of feeders that can be used, or you can just scatter mealworms on the ground. The latter method is least advised as mealworms are attractive to most birds and they might all be eaten before bluebirds can find them.

The best type of feeder is the hopper style where the mealworms can be placed inside the feeder with the bluebirds entering from a hole at either end. Naturally curious, bluebirds will readily explore this type of feeder and quickly recognize it as a food source.

The 1 1/2" hole at each end will effectively exclude larger birds. Smaller birds will soon catch on, but an aggressive male bluebird will usually defend "his" feeder, especially if he and his mate are nesting nearby. Some find that putting a flat saucer with a few worms in it on top of the hopper feeder will help draw the bluebird's attention to the location of the feeder. Once they become familiar with the routine, the saucer should be removed and mealworms placed inside the feeder. The location of the feeder can also be moved as the birds become familiar with it, and then moved to a spot where it is easier for you to watch them feed.

One of the highlights of feeding mealworms to bluebirds is watching the fledged young start coming down to the feeder, first begging to be fed and eventually figuring out for themselves how to get the tasty treats on their own. Because they should be used as a supplemental food, mealworms should only be offered once or twice a day unless poor weather conditions dictate more frequent feeding. A hundred or so worms offered morning and evening would be adequate for a pair with a box of nestlings.

This information is provided by the North American Bluebird Society. Be a part of the conservation solution. Join NABS, The North American Bluebird Society!

Contact the NABS headquarters: www.nabluebirdsociety.org

Mealworms and Giant Mealies can be stored for several weeks. Transfer them to shallow, smooth sided tray or tub. If the sides of your container are smooth enough, a lid should not be necessary. If a lid is used, it should be well ventilated or your mealworms will become damp and die in a short time. To prevent such occurrences, add a little bran, oatmeal, or corn meal and carrots. Your mealworms can be kept for several weeks, under the right conditions.

Steps to remember for proper storage:

• 1. Keep dry and well ventilated.
• 2. NOT TOO DEEP! Maximum depth of worms and bedding should be no more than 1" - 1 1/2" deep.
• 3. KEEP COOL! Ideally, mealworms should be stored at 45 degrees farenheight

They should be stored somewhere cool. However, be careful when the winter season rolls around. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees will kill your worms.