Do birds like dried mealworms?

Will the birds that like live mealy worms also be attracted to the dried variety?

Mealworms-Another treat to attract wild birds.

Feeding live mealworms (Tenebrio monitor) as a special treat has become a very popular way to attract a different variety of wild birds.

Mealworms are the larvae of a beetle with a high protein level. Some birds attracted to mealworms include: bluebirds, wrens, robins, jays, sparrows, cardinals, woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, chickadees, and more.

Mealworms can be offered from just about any bowl, and there are some feeders at Wild Birds Unlimited especially for feeding mealworms. The WBU Dinner Bell feeder (Pictured below) is one of our most popular feeders.

Most people “train” the birds to come at the same time, same place every day. Some people whistle or wear a bright hat to signal the birds you are about to feed. Our experience has shown that the early birds like to get the worms. Birds are hungry in the morning and it’s always nice to start the day with a good breakfast. You can also feed them in the evening before they roost.

Now to your question. It's hard to switch from live mealworms to dried. It's like switching from steak to beef jerky but beggars can't be choosers. Some people have found if you soak the dried worms in water or apple juice first the transition is easier. Both are available at our Wild Birds Unlimited store in East Lansing, MI. Thanks for the very good question!