Are you trying to figure out how to feed dried mealworms to bluebirds? Upgrading your birdwatching set-up at home will be easy with our guide.
Perhaps you are setting up your first birdwatching plan, and you are focused on the majestic bluebirds. We don’t blame you for wanting to populate your place with these pretty birds and encourage you to learn more about how to invite them to your home.
Are you confused with how you might feed the bluebirds that you attract to your home? Read on to learn more and become experts at courting bluebirds to your door!
Table of Contents
What Are Bluebirds?
Bluebirds, part of the Passerines order, are a genus of medium-sized birds found in the American continent. They are named after the adult male’s plumage, which usually consists of a broad palette of blue shades and tones.
These are the species of bluebirds in America:
- Mountain bluebird, found in the West of North America
- Western bluebird, found in the Rocky Mountains, and the states of California, Arizona, and New Mexico in the US, as well as the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz in Mexico
- Eastern bluebird, found widespread in the east of the North American continent, starting from Southern Canada and reaching Nicaragua.
Bluebirds are very common in North America, and many of them are species of Least Concern, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Bluebirds are a beautiful addition to the landscape and have been found near suburban and urban locations.
What Are Mealworms?
Mealworms are the baby form or larvae of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor). It is not, in fact, a worm, though its shape and size may lead you to this idea. The mealworm beetle is closer to the ladybug, which could be seen in its adult form!
Mealworms for birds are a popular food because they are excellent sources of protein and water for pet birds or even wild birds.
Birds can have mealworms live or dried. Dried mealworms are less nutritious than their live form, but they are convenient and easy to store, ensuring that the bird has something to eat, especially in the harsh wintertime. It is also for people who don’t like the idea of having a bunch of live worms in their home that could potentially develop into beetles if left alone for too long!
Dried mealworms are prepared by heating the larvae or freeze-drying them. They can be packaged and sold as a consumer product for people with pet birds and birdwatchers.
Since this article focuses on dried mealworms, we will talk about how to attract bluebirds with this specific kind of food.
How To Feed Dried Mealworms To Bluebirds
Bluebirds are big fans of mealworms! While the live version is an instant hit with these birds, there is no issue with using their dried counterparts. Here are some more tips to help you become a bird feeding master!
Invest in a Good Bird Feeder
In order to attract certain types of birds, you need to install the correct kind of feeder in your home.
The bluebird, in particular, enjoys these kinds of feeders:
- Platform feeders
- Tray feeders
- Caged feeders
- Tube feeders
Purchase Good Quality Dried Mealworms
It won’t be hard to find a place that supplies dried mealworms. You are likely to be able to buy it wholesale, thanks to its preserved nature. Mealworms for bluebirds are a top choice.
In a study done in 2019 regarding the effect of heating versus freeze-drying mealworms, the two methods are comparable in nutrient output, and thus, you don’t need to worry about which one you are getting.
Some birdwatchers have observed that while live mealworms are a hit with bluebirds, it takes time to warm up to their dried counterparts. You might even observe them ignoring your feeder and avoiding your yard as a result.
There are two methods to address this problem:
- Mix in live worms with dried worms. With a bit of training, you might be able to convince bluebirds that the dried treat is yummy. Try playing with the live and dried worms ratio until the 100% dried result is still popular with your guests!
- Moisten the dried worms. In order to plump up the worms and make them a little more appetizing, you can add some water. Be careful to throw away any wet dried mealworms at the end of the day to avoid mold and spoilage.
Choose a Suitable Location on Your Lawn or Yard
It would be good to have your feeder close to tall trees or anywhere that the bluebirds can perch. They will be able to see the area and enjoy their meal better.
If you have a birdbath, it’s a great idea to keep them close to one another.
Install a Complementary Birdbath
Birds love to splash and bathe in the water! This is true for various species, but bluebirds are huge fans of water and hydration.
If you feel extra generous, installing a heated birdbath is a wonderful addition in the winter – the bluebirds will feel like they are at the spa!
Keep Your Vegetation and Greens
While bluebirds don’t mind suburban places and can live peacefully in them, they still appreciate the fresh allure of greenery. They will be especially attracted to gardens and yards that make an effort to propagate native plants instead of sticking things into the soil.
Adding berry plants is a great way to provide additional food for them. This not only offers alternative feed, but tasty bugs will come to the plant and partake of the juicy berries as well!
Conclusion
How to feed dried mealworms to bluebirds might sound like a messy and gross endeavor, but it can be easy if you know what to get and understand what you are doing.
If you know how to use dried mealworms for bluebirds to come to your yard, you can also use the same tricks for other birds!
Have you set up a bluebird-friendly bird feeding plan? How did you plan it out, and what tips do you have for us? Let us know in the comments section down below!
