How Much Mealworm Treats Should You Feed Your Hens?
- Ajinkya Chopade
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
Many chicken keepers love feeding mealworms because hens enjoy them so much. But many owners give too many mealworms without knowing the correct amount. Mealworms are healthy, but they are very strong treats. If you give too much, it can harm your hens instead of helping them.
Mealworms are full of good nutrients, but hens still need a balanced diet made mainly from proper layer feed. When mealworms take up too much of the diet, the balance breaks. This is why learning the right amount to feed is one of the most important things for anyone who keeps chickens.
1. Why Portion Size Matters
Many beginners think, “Mealworms are healthy, so more must be better.” But this is not true. Mealworms are packed with protein and fat, which makes them very powerful for hens. These nutrients help with strong feathers, quick growth, and steady egg production. When given in small amounts, mealworms support a healthy and active flock.
But the same nutrients that make mealworms helpful can also cause problems when fed in large amounts. Because of their richness, too many mealworms can unbalance the diet. Hens that eat too many treats often stop eating enough layer feed. When hens ignore their main feed, they miss out on calcium, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for daily health.
If mealworms are fed in large amounts:
Hens gain too much fat, especially around the belly and organs.
Egg production may drop because of weight gain.
Eggs may come out soft-shelled or thin-shelled.
The flock may get digestive issues or loose droppings.
Hens may eat less of their main feed, creating long-term health issues.
This is why mealworms should always be treats, not daily full meals. They work best in small, controlled portions.
2. Mealworm Nutrition Basics
Mealworms have about 45–55% protein, which is much higher than regular chicken feed. Most layer feed has around 16–18% protein. This huge difference is one reason mealworms must be limited. Too much protein can strain a hen’s body and affect her kidneys over time.
Mealworms also contain healthy fats, which give quick energy. Hens love eating them because they taste good and are easy to digest. The crunchy texture also makes dried mealworms fun for hens to peck and chase.
Mealworms also have:
Natural fiber from the outer shell.
Iron and other small minerals.
Moisture (in live mealworms).
Because of this mix, mealworms are especially good when hens need more support. During the molting season, for example, hens lose feathers and need more protein to grow them back. Mealworms help fill that gap. However, even during molting, mealworms cannot replace layer feed. They only support the main diet.
3. Safe Serving Amounts
Most trusted guides and poultry experts agree on one thing: keep mealworms small and controlled.
A simple and safe amount is 10–15 mealworms per hen, given two to three times a week. This is enough to give health benefits without causing diet problems. Many chicken keepers follow this as a long-term routine.
If you want to feed mealworms every day, the amount should be lower—10–20 mealworms per hen per day, depending on the size of the bird. This daily amount should not be increased, and hens should be checked for any weight gain or changes in behavior. Some breeds, like Orpingtons and Brahmas, gain weight more easily and may need even smaller amounts.
There is also a simple rule that many keepers use: all treats, including mealworms, should not be more than 10% of the hen’s total diet. This keeps the flock eating enough layer feed so they get the calcium and minerals they need for eggs and strong bones.
For beginners or small backyard flocks, it is safest to start with fewer than 10 worms per hen per day and adjust only if needed. Most flocks stay healthy and happy with this approach.
4. Best Times to Offer Mealworms
You don’t always have to give mealworms at random times. There are certain moments when mealworms are much more useful and healthier for the flock.
One of the best times to use mealworms is during training. Hens respond quickly to the taste and smell of mealworms. You can train your flock to come when called, return to the coop, or follow simple routines. A few mealworms make training fun and easy.
Mealworms are also helpful in cold weather. The extra fat gives hens quick energy and warmth, making it easier for them to handle cold mornings and evenings. They should still be limited, but small treats in winter bring many benefits.
During molting, hens need extra protein. Feathers are made mostly of protein, so feeding a few mealworms during this time helps feathers grow back stronger and faster. This is one of the most effective uses of mealworms.
Mealworms can also help when hens are stressed, recovering from a small illness, or after a predator scare. Treats help calm them and encourage them to eat again.
5. Types of Mealworms and How They Change the Amount
Mealworms come in different forms: live, dried, or ground.
Live mealworms are soft and contain moisture. They are less concentrated than dried ones, so hens need slightly more to get the same nutrients. Live mealworms also encourage natural scratching and foraging, which is good for mental activity.
Dried mealworms are very common because they are easy to store and last a long time. But dried mealworms are stronger because the water is removed. This means they contain more protein per gram. Hens should be given smaller amounts of dried mealworms to avoid overfeeding.
Ground mealworm powder is very concentrated and should be used carefully. A small amount mixed into the feed is enough. This is mostly used by people who want to boost protein during molting.
For young chicks, mealworms must be given with extra care. Chicks should only eat small or crushed mealworms until they reach around eight weeks old. Chicks can choke easily on large worms, so size matters.
6. Signs of Overfeeding
Giving too many mealworms can cause problems. Hens may become overweight, which can reduce egg production. Some may lay soft-shelled eggs because their diet becomes unbalanced. You might also notice runny poop or changes in appetite. If hens start waiting only for treats and stop eating their layer feed, it means they are getting too many mealworms. If any of these signs appear, it is important to cut down the treat amount right away.
7. Easy Feeding Guide for Small Flocks
For a flock of five hens, giving mealworms two or three times a week usually means 50 to 75 mealworms total. If feeding daily, about 50 worms in total for five hens is enough. For a flock of ten hens, 100 to 150 mealworms two or three times a week works well. If feeding every day, 100 to 200 worms for the whole flock is usually safe. Remember that dried mealworms should always be fed in smaller amounts.
Mealworms are wonderful treats when used wisely. They help hens molt better, stay warm in winter, recover from stress, and bond closely with you. They also make training easier and more fun. But they are very rich and must stay as treats. When mealworms are fed in the right amount, hens stay healthy, active, and productive.
For most chicken keepers, the best starting point is 10–15 mealworms per hen, two to three times a week. This simple routine is safe, effective, and easy to follow. It keeps the flock happy without causing diet problems. With the right balance, mealworms become one of the best tools for keeping a healthy, energetic flock.
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