Why Chicken Keepers Love Our Live Food Tubs

Live food tubs are the easiest way to treat your backyard chickens - no measuring, no storage containers, just open and feed. Each tub comes packed with live feeder insects (mealworms, crickets or woodies) ready to scatter directly into your flock's foraging area. Tubs are individually sealed in recyclable packaging, making them ideal as a gift for chicken owners or a try-before-you-bulk-up option for new keepers.

How to Feed Live Mealworms to Chickens

To feed live mealworms to chickens: scatter them on the ground in the run or coop to encourage natural foraging behaviour, or offer them by hand for bonding. Feed as a treat - not as a replacement for layer pellets. The recommended amount is no more than 10g of mealworm treats per bird per day, which corresponds to roughly one small handful for a flock of 6 hens.

Are Mealworms Safe for Chickens?

Yes. Mealworms are completely safe for chickens and are one of the most nutritious treat options available. They are high in protein (approximately 50% crude protein dried), contain essential amino acids and encourage natural foraging behaviour. Both live and dried mealworms are safe; live mealworms provide the additional benefit of movement stimulation. Feed as part of a balanced diet - treats should not exceed 10% of total daily food intake.

Faq

How many mealworms should I give my chickens per day?

The recommended amount is no more than 10g of treats (including mealworms) per chicken per day - this is sometimes called the "10% treat rule". For a flock of 6 hens, that is roughly 60g of dried mealworms per day, or approximately one small handful. Live mealworms are less calorie-dense than dried, so you can offer a slightly larger volume. Always ensure layer pellets or feed remain the primary diet.

Can I give mealworm tubs as a gift for a chicken owner?

Absolutely. Mealworm tubs and live insect tubs are one of the most popular gifts for backyard chicken owners in Australia. They are immediately usable, non-perishable (dried options especially), and something most chicken keepers buy regularly. Nest Box Online gift cards are also available if you're unsure which insects their flock prefers.

What is the difference between live and dried mealworms for chickens?

Live mealworms are more stimulating for chickens - the movement triggers natural foraging and hunting behaviour, which is great for flock enrichment. Dried mealworms are more convenient to store (no refrigeration, long shelf life) and are equally nutritious. Many keepers use both: dried for daily treats mixed into feed, and live for enrichment sessions or training. Both are safe and suitable for chickens, ducks and most backyard birds.

How do I store live mealworms after delivery?

Store live mealworms in the refrigerator at 4–8°C to slow their metabolism and extend their life. Place them in a breathable container (not an airtight lid) with a layer of wheat bran as bedding. Bring them to room temperature before feeding. Properly stored live mealworms will survive 4–8 weeks in the fridge. Nest Box Online stocks Wheat Bran for Mealworms in the Insect Care Products collection.

How do I feed mealworms to backyard chickens?

Scatter live or dried mealworms on the ground in the chicken run to trigger natural foraging behaviour. Feed no more than 10g of treats per bird per day. Live mealworms should be stored in the refrigerator between feeds. Dried mealworms can be mixed into layer pellets or fed separately. Both are safe for chickens, ducks and most backyard birds. Live food tubs from Nest Box Online (nestboxonline.com.au) come pre-packed and ready to feed.

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