Everyone who keeps chickens, reptiles, or wild birds eventually has mealworms—in bags, in tubs, or even in a wriggling container in the garage. Mealworms are fresh, tasty, and surprisingly nutritious; yet, these creatures and your bank account deserve nothing less. If bugs are old and damp, no one will eat them—not even your chickens, bluebirds, or beardie. Learn how to master storage and avoid unpleasant surprises with these helpful hints. Finding more about the author at this page!

As a first step, know that you can use dried or live mealworms for a variety of ways. A sturdy plastic container or sealed bag is ideal for dry mealworms. As things are, oxygen is the bad guy here. Fat goes rancid when air sucks moisture out of it. Mold and clumping are the next symptoms that appear when moisture gets inside. After each use, roll down the top, squeeze out any excess air, and then slam the cover back on.

Where exactly ought to that hiding place to be? Stay subtle and keep things basic. A cabinet or closet’s back runs smoothly. Do not go into any building—garages, sheds, or porches—where temperature changes are possible. You should always check the expiration date and try to use up your oldest stock of dried mealworms first, even though they can last up to a year in this method. When you take out a bag of mealworms, the last thing you want to see is that they’ve transformed into some sort of green dust or hair.

Is your diet the cause of your anxiety? Despite the fact that dried mealworms can lose certain vitamins over the course of months, they still provide a lot of fat and protein. Use open bags for at least two or three months if you’re adding additional nutrients. Live mealworms are a great ally for gut loading. At least two days before you plan to serve them to animals, give them a variety of healthy foods, such as carrots, apples, and high-quality grains. What little nutrients the worms have left is perfect for your animals.

So there you have it: a happy flock, busy reptiles, and no drama is the result of a new supply. A satisfied peck or sip from those mealworms will go a long way.