Do Mealworms Increase Egg Production in Backyard Hens?
- Ajinkya Chopade
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Using mealworms to increase egg production is becoming very popular among backyard chicken keepers. Many owners say their hens lay better when they add mealworms. These insects are high in protein, packed with good nutrients, and easy for birds to digest. Because protein is a main building block of eggs, giving your hens a small amount of mealworms can support better laying. But the results depend on how you feed them, how often, and what your hens already eat.
1. What Mealworms Are?
Mealworms are the larval stage of a beetle called Tenebrio molitor. They naturally grow in grains and dry organic matter. They are small, soft-bodied, and very attractive to chickens because hens love insects. In nature, chickens eat bugs as part of their diet. Mealworms match this natural behavior. They come in live form or dried form. Both are used in poultry feeding.
Live mealworms move, so hens become excited and start foraging, pecking, and chasing. This also gives mental stimulation. Dried mealworms are easier to store, lighter to carry, and stay fresh for months. Many backyard owners prefer dried ones because they do not smell and do not require maintenance.
2. The Nutrition of Mealworms
Mealworms are known for their very high protein levels. Depending on how they are raised, mealworms usually contain 40% to 63% protein on a dry basis. This is much higher than most plant-based proteins. They also contain good-quality fats that give hens energy. Mealworms have important vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. These amino acids are important because hens cannot make them by themselves. They must get them from food.
Important point:
High protein + good amino acids = better support for eggs, feathers, and overall health.
When hens molt or recover from stress, their bodies require even more protein than normal. Mealworms give that boost in a small quantity. This is why many owners see better feather regrowth and a good activity level after feeding mealworms.
3. How Protein Affects Egg Laying
Protein is one of the most important nutrients for laying hens. Every egg your hen lays is mostly protein. The egg white, the yolk, and the shell-forming proteins inside the hen’s body all depend on enough daily protein. If hens do not get enough protein, egg production slows down. They may lay fewer eggs, smaller eggs, or eggs with weak shells.
Very important:
Low protein = fewer eggs.
Balanced protein = stable and healthy egg production.
Amino acids in protein also support hormones and reproductive functions. When hens get complete amino acids like lysine and methionine, their laying cycles stay stable. Mealworms naturally contain many essential amino acids that match what hens need.
Protein does not work alone. Hens also need energy, vitamins, minerals, and especially calcium for eggshells. But protein is the basis of egg formation. Without it, egg production drops quickly.
4. What Research Says About Mealworms in Layer Diets
Many studies have tested whether mealworms improve egg production. The results show positive effects when mealworms are used in the right amount.
Some studies found that 2.5% mealworm meal added to chicken feed improved egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio, meaning hens used feed more efficiently. The hens also stayed healthy, with no negative changes in their body weight or egg quality.
Other studies tested small amounts like 1%, 2%, and 4%. In these tests, egg-laying rate did not always increase, but the hens showed better feed conversion and stable egg quality. This means that even if egg numbers did not rise, the hens used feed more effectively while maintaining good egg quality.
Research also shows that mealworms can safely replace part of the protein in a hen’s diet. They do not harm gut health or organ function when used in moderate levels.
Important takeaway:
Mealworms can support egg production, improve feed efficiency, and maintain egg quality when fed in small, controlled amounts.
They are not a magic formula that will instantly double egg production, but they can give helpful support.
5. Recommended Feeding Amounts
Mealworms must be given in moderation. They are very rich and should not replace a complete layer feed. Instead, they should be used as a supplement.
Foods for laying hens must be balanced. Layer feed already contains the exact protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals a hen needs. Mealworms should be added only to support the diet.
A good rule is 2–5% of the total daily diet if mixed into feed. Or a small handful of dried mealworms per flock, a few times a week, if given as a treat.
Do not give a large amount daily. Too many mealworms can increase fat levels and reduce the hen’s appetite for her main balanced feed. This may upset her nutrient balance.
Key reminder:
Mealworms are a supplement, not a replacement for layer feed.
You can mix dried mealworms with the hens’ regular feed or scatter them on the ground. Scattering encourages natural foraging, which improves activity and reduces stress.
6. How Often to Give Mealworms
Most backyard owners find that 2 to 3 times per week works best. This gives hens a steady protein boost but does not spoil their appetite. During special periods like molting, you may give slightly more, but still stay moderate.
Hens in heavy production (laying almost daily) may also benefit from a little extra protein. In such times, giving mealworms every alternate day may support their needs. But always ensure hens continue eating their normal layer feed.
7. Benefits for Small Flock Owners
Backyard hens do not always get perfectly balanced diets like commercial flocks. They may roam outside, depend on scraps, or eat seasonal grains. In these conditions, a protein gap can easily happen. Mealworms help fill this gap.
Benefits include:
Better energy and activity levels—hens stay lively and alert.
Support for egg production—stable and sometimes slightly increased laying.
Improved egg quality—some owners notice richer yolk color.
Better feather growth—especially during molting.
Natural foraging behavior—hens enjoy chasing mealworms, reducing boredom.
For small flocks, even a small protein supplement can make a visible difference in hen health.
8. Risks and Cautions
Mealworms are safe, but there are some important points to remember. Mealworms are low in calcium. Calcium is crucial for eggshell formation. If hens eat too many mealworms, they may eat less of their layer feed, which contains calcium. This can lead to thin shells or soft eggs.
Mealworms are also high in fat, and too many can make hens overweight. Overweight hens often lay fewer eggs. This is a common mistake among backyard owners who give too many treats. Another risk is nutrient imbalance. If mealworms replace too much of the main feed, hens may miss other vitamins and minerals.
Very important safety rules:
Do not overfeed mealworms.
Do not replace balanced layer feed with mealworms.
Do not give mealworms daily in large amounts.
When used properly, mealworms are safe and beneficial. The problems happen only when they are overused.
Mealworms can support better egg production when used in the right way. They give hens high protein, essential amino acids, and extra energy, which are all important for laying. Research shows that small amounts of mealworm meal can improve egg production, egg mass, and feed efficiency.
However, mealworms are not a magic solution. They will not transform poor layers into high producers overnight. They work best when used as a protein supplement, not as the main food. The hen’s main diet must still be a balanced layer feed.
Final takeaway:
Mealworms increase egg production moderately when used in small amounts. They support healthy laying, stronger birds, and stable eggs — especially when the main feed is balanced.
If you want your hens to lay better, give them mealworms 2–3 times a week, keep portions small, and always maintain a proper layer feed. With this balance, mealworms become a powerful natural boost for your backyard hens.
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