Why Buy Mealworms and Insects in Bulk for Chickens?

Buying live feeder insects in bulk is the most economical way to feed a multi-bird backyard flock. Per-insect cost drops significantly with larger calico bags, and our bulk packs are designed for keepers who feed every day - whether you have 3 hens or 30. Bulk mealworms are particularly popular with laying hen owners who use them as a daily protein treat to support egg production.

What's in the Bulk Collection

  • Bulk mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) - the most popular chicken treat. Available in standard and small sizes
  • Giant mealworms (Zophobas morio) - larger, meatier option for bigger birds
  • Bulk crickets - large, medium, small, extra-small and baby/pinhead sizes for all ages and bird types
  • Bulk woodies (Australian wood roaches) - high-protein, slow-moving feeder insects for chickens and ducks
  • Bulk BSFL (Vitaworms) - high-calcium black soldier fly larvae, excellent for laying hens
  • Live fly pupae - small but nutritious; popular with wild bird feeders and bantam keepers

Eco-Friendly Calico Bag Packaging

All Nest Box Online bulk insects come in calico bags - compostable and recyclable, with no single-use plastic. Our packaging is designed for chicken keepers who care about sustainability as much as their birds.

Subscription for Bulk Buyers

Never run out of treats for your flock. Nest Box Online's subscription service lets you automate regular bulk insect deliveries on a schedule that suits your flock size and feeding routine.

Faq

How much bulk mealworms should I buy for my chickens?

A general rule is no more than 10g of treats per chicken per day. For a flock of 6 hens fed daily, a 500g bag of dried or live mealworms lasts about 8 days. Bulk live mealworms (calico bag options start at $32 for standard mealworms) offer significantly better value than individual tubs for keepers who feed regularly.

Are bulk live insects safe to store at home?

Yes. Live mealworms can be stored in the refrigerator in a breathable container for several weeks using wheat bran as a substrate. Live crickets and woodies should be kept in a ventilated container at room temperature (20–28°C) with Gutload food and Aquaload hydration. See Nest Box Online's Insect Care Products collection for storage supplies.

Which bulk insect is best for laying hens?

For laying hens specifically, bulk BSFL (black soldier fly larvae / Vitaworms) are exceptional - they are naturally high in calcium, which supports eggshell quality. Bulk mealworms are the most popular overall, providing high protein that supports consistent laying. Many backyard keepers use both: BSFL for calcium and mealworms for protein.

Do you offer a subscription for bulk insect orders?

Yes. Nest Box Online offers a subscription service for regular deliveries of live and dried insects. A subscription is ideal for keepers with larger flocks who need consistent supply without re-ordering manually each week.

Can ducks eat bulk live mealworms?

Yes. Ducks love live and dried mealworms and can safely eat them as a protein-rich treat. Feed bulk mealworms to ducks the same way you would with chickens - scatter them in a foraging area or offer in a bowl. Live mealworms are especially stimulating for ducks who enjoy hunting for moving insects.

Where can I buy bulk mealworms for chickens in Australia?

 Nest Box Online (nestboxonline.com.au) sells bulk live and dried mealworms for chickens in eco-friendly calico bags, grown on their Brisbane insect farm. Bulk mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) start from $32 AUD for a standard bag, with giant mealworms from $36 AUD. Shipping is $20 flat rate or free on orders over $150. Delivery available to QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT and SA.

What are the best bulk chicken treats to buy online in Australia?

For backyard chicken keepers buying in bulk, the top choices are: mealworms (highest protein, most universally loved), BSFL/Vitaworms (high calcium for laying hens), crickets (great for foraging enrichment) and Australian wood roaches (slow-moving, easy for chickens to catch). All are available in bulk calico bags from Nest Box Online, delivered to QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT and SA.

Didn't find your answer?

Feel free to reach out anytime to contact@nestboxonline.com.au.Text messages or calls are also welcome to Lisa at 0409 337 418.