Mealworms vs Grains for Chicken

Choosing between mealworms and grains as a feed is a crucial decision. We will help you understand the two, helping you make an informed decision.

Visiting a local chicken feed store, looking at a variety of feed might leave you scratching your head. Which is the best for your chickens or how much should you feed them each day, and is it nutritionally sound for your flock? 

Mealworms and grains are the two most common chicken feeds available in the market, but how do you pick the best one of the two? 

The mealworm vs. grains discussion is a long one but fret not, we will make it easier for you! First, we will compare these two most common chicken feeds on the following grounds: What are they, their benefits, how much to feed, and which is better chicken food - mealworms or grains? 

First, let's compare mealworms vs. grains.

Mealworms vs Grains

Mealworms, also known as Tenebrio Molitor, are scavengers or larvae of the darkling beetle. They can be found in feed sacks, grain stores, and sometimes in household items such as flour and cereal. 

Mealworms prefer dark, dry places that store grain and extract all the nutrition needed to survive and thrive from the grain they infest. 

As for grains, you can feed a wide selection of whole grains to your flock. Corn, wheat, milo, oats, and barley are common grains fed to the chickens. However, it is vital to provide them with a balanced ratio to prevent digestion issues. 

Now let's learn more about mealworms vs. grains in-depth and how they benefit chickens?

What are Mealworms and How are They Beneficial for Chickens?

The next step in understanding the mealworms vs. grains discussion is understanding the benefits of mealworms.  

As mentioned earlier, mealworms are the larvae of the darkling beetle. They are garden and crop pests that consume seeds and plant leaves. Although more likely to be found in the Mediterranean regions, they can now be found globally because of trade and globalization.

Not only chickens but other birds and animals can also eat them. Mealworms do not need special meals; they can easily survive on cornmeal, oatmeal, and other grains such as milo and wheat. Furthermore, they can survive on seeds, fungus, and decaying plants in the wild.

Mealworms undergo a complete 4 stage metamorphosis, which usually lasts for around 12 to 18 weeks. The four stages of their lifecycle are egg, larva, pupa, and adult fly. 

• Egg - The lifecycle starts with the female beetles laying around 500 eggs. It usually takes approximately four weeks for the eggs to hatch. 

• Larvae - The larvae hatch out of the egg in the second stage. They are golden brown and last for eight to ten weeks. In this stage, the mealworms consume food vigorously to store as much food as possible, to be consumed during the later stages.

• Pupa - In the third stage of their lifecycle, the larvae become pupa. Because there is zero activity, the third stage is also called the inactive stage. The pupa can take a few weeks to a few months to hatch, depending on the surrounding temperature. 

• Adult - The last stage is when the pupae hatch, the adult beetles come out of it, and the life cycle starts again.

Let's get to their benefits now.

Benefits of Mealworms for Chicken

Mealworms have become an alternative to soy and fishmeal in the poultry industry, which have environmental issues around deforestation and depletion of marine life. But, unfortunately, they also cost way too much. 

Mealworms are not just a fun feed for your flock but also a rich source of protein and energy. Your chickens need protein, especially if they are sick, weak, growing, molting, or producing. Mealworms roughly contain 50 percent protein; hence, they are an excellent addition to a chickens' diet and a good source of fat, carbohydrates, and calories. Additionally, they have high levels of leucine, an amino acid essential for regenerating body tissue, and lysine, which helps the absorption of calcium. 

Naturally, when you feed your chicken enough protein in their diet, they will produce eggs at their peak. Feeding the recommended servings of mealworms to chickens has shown a significant improvement in the flavor and size of their eggs. But like any other treat, mealworms should only be fed to chickens in moderation. If given in high amounts, mealworms can disturb their balanced feed, leading to potential health problems.

What are Grains and How Are They Beneficial for Chickens?

Many poulterers rely on whole-grain meals for their chickens because of their low costs and wholesome nutrition. As mentioned earlier, chickens can eat various grains, including corn, wheat, milo, oats, barley, etc. 

It is vital to feed them proportionately to maintain a balanced diet. Therefore, it is recommended to provide 62 to 72% grains to chicks (0-8 weeks), 68 to 78% to growers (8-18 weeks), 62 to 77% to laying hens, and 56 to 68% to breeding hens.

Grains are high in starch and energy, a good supplement for protein and vitamins. Corn is the most common type of grain used in commercial feed. However, you can replace it with sorghum because of its similar nutritional values.

You can also feed wheat to your flock. However, one limitation of wheat is that it lacks certain essential amino acids, which are vital for growth. It is important to note that oats are fibrous and provide less energy, while millets lack protein. 

The benefits of whole grains derive mainly from their high fiber, protein, and antioxidant content and each type of grain has its own benefit. So it would be best if you feed your chickens a diet that is concurrently high in proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Which is Better Chicken Food - Mealworms or Grains?

When choosing between mealworms and grains for chicken feed, understanding their potential differences and benefits is crucial. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Nutritional Content

Mealworms:

• Protein: Mealworms are exceptionally high in protein, containing about 50%. This makes them a valuable supplement, especially for chickens needing extra protein during growth, molting, or laying.
• Fat: They are also high in fat, approximately 30%, which provides a significant energy boost.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Mealworms are rich in essential amino acids like leucine and lysine, which support muscle repair and calcium absorption. They also contain various vitamins and minerals.

Grains:

• Protein: The protein content in grains varies. Corn is lower in protein compared to other grains like wheat. Grains generally provide a balanced but less concentrated source of protein.
• Carbohydrates: Grains are high in carbohydrates and energy, making them a good energy source for chickens.
• Fiber: Grains like oats are high in fiber, which aids in digestion. However, not all grains are equally beneficial in terms of nutritional balance.

Cost and Availability

Mealworms

Mealworms are generally more expensive than grains. This higher cost can be a factor for larger flocks or those on a budget. Mealworms are available in various forms (live, dried, or processed) but may not be as widely available as grains in all areas.

Grains

Grains are typically more cost-effective and are widely available in feed stores. Grains are commonly used in poultry feeds and can be easily sourced in bulk.

Health Benefits

Mealworms

Protein and Energy

High protein and fat content in mealworms contribute to better growth, feather development, and egg production. They are especially beneficial for chickens recovering from illness or during intense production periods.

Egg Quality

 Chickens fed mealworms often produce better quality eggs with improved flavor and size.

Grains

Balanced Diet

Grains provide essential carbohydrates and energy, which are important for overall health. They are also a good source of fiber, especially in the case of whole grains like oats.

Variety

Different grains provide various benefits, such as corn for energy and wheat for protein, when used in a balanced mix.

Feeding Guidelines

Mealworms

•  Mealworms should be fed as a supplement rather than the primary feed. They can be offered as treats or mixed with other feed. It is generally recommended to provide no more than 10% of the total diet as mealworms to avoid nutritional imbalances.
•  Start with small amounts and observe how your flock reacts. Adjust based on their health, growth, and production needs.

Grains

• Grains can form the bulk of a chicken’s diet, providing the primary energy and carbohydrate source. They should be complemented with other nutrients, such as protein sources and vitamins.
• Ensure grains are part of a balanced feed mix. For different stages of growth or production, adjust the proportion of grains as needed (e.g., more for growing chicks, balanced for laying hens).

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Mealworms

• Mealworm farming is considered environmentally friendly compared to traditional animal feed sources like fishmeal, which can contribute to overfishing and habitat destruction.
• Using mealworms can be a more ethical choice as it involves fewer ethical concerns compared to some grain production practices.

Grains

• Grain production involves significant land use and water consumption. Opting for organic or sustainably grown grains can mitigate some environmental impacts.
• Grain farming has fewer ethical concerns related to animal welfare compared to some other feed sources.

Aspect	Mealworms	Grains
Nutritional Content
Protein	~50%	Varies (e.g., corn is lower in protein)
Fat	~30%	Generally low in fat
Carbohydrates	Moderate	High in carbohydrates
Vitamins and Minerals	Rich in amino acids (leucine, lysine) and various vitamins	Varies by grain type; generally provides a balanced mix
Cost and Availability
Cost	Higher, generally more expensive	More economical
Availability	Varies, but generally available in specialized stores	Widely available in feed stores
Health Benefits
Protein and Energy	High protein and fat for growth, egg production, and recovery	Provides essential carbohydrates and energy
Egg Quality	Improves flavor and size of eggs when fed in moderation	Supports overall health and production
Feeding Guidelines
Usage	Supplement; not primary feed, recommended up to 10% of total diet	Primary feed; should be part of a balanced diet
Quantity	Feed in small amounts, adjust based on flock needs	Provide as a substantial part of the diet
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Sustainability	More eco-friendly, lower environmental impact compared to some traditional feeds	Grain production involves significant land use and water consumption
Ethical Concerns	Fewer ethical concerns compared to animal-based feeds	Generally fewer ethical concerns compared to some animal feed sources

This table highlights the key differences between mealworms and grains to help you make an informed choice for your chickens.

Between Mealworms and Grains,which should i choose?

When choosing between mealworms and grains for your chickens, it's important to consider several factors. First, evaluate your flock's specific needs: if extra protein is required, such as during molting or high egg production, mealworms can be a valuable supplement.

On the other hand, grains are more appropriate for general energy and carbohydrates. Budget and availability also play a crucial role; grains are generally more economical, making them a suitable option if cost is a concern. However, if your budget allows and you aim to provide a high-protein boost, mealworms are beneficial.

For a balanced diet, combining both mealworms and grains can offer comprehensive nutrition, with grains serving as the base feed and mealworms providing additional protein. Additionally, consider sustainability and ethical implications; mealworms are a more eco-friendly choice compared to some traditional feed sources. By assessing these factors, you can make an informed decision on whether to use mealworms, grains, or a combination of both to best meet your chickens' needs.

Both mealworms and grains have their benefits and nutritional value in favor of the healthy growth of your flock. However, insect feed is more protein, fat, and calcium-rich when compared to grains. In addition, they provide all essential nutrients at once in a balanced proportion. As a result, mealworms overpower grains in the mealworms vs. grains discussion. 

Looking for Chicken Feed?

Now that you know the differences and benefits, you can feed insects to your chickens without any hesitation. Fly Grubs offers premium quality, all-natural dried BSFL, which are highly beneficial for growing healthy chickens. 

Their chicken feed is sustainable, organic, and grain-free, created to support your chickens' immune system naturally. Moreover, it's FDA approved and comes in a resealable package made from recycled plastic, making it an environment-friendly product. 

Looking to provide the best nutrition for your chickens? Look no further than FlyGrubs' premium collection of mealworms and mixes! Our carefully curated selection ensures that your chickens receive the highest quality nutrition, essential for their growth, health, and overall well-being.

Order your pack of Fly Grubs at an affordable price from our website or reach out to us for any queries at emily@flygrubs.com