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Post by matt on May 2, 2021 15:52:20 GMT
Thinking of getting some mealworms in now, since I'm feeling a little more confident about the nest. Just wondering how long I can keep them for (in the fridge)? If I can keep them a good few weeks, then I'll order more to start with, otherwise I'll get them in as required (but more postage). Also, are minis the best for chicks?
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Post by sammi on May 5, 2021 12:18:22 GMT
Hi Matt I've been buying regular size ones on a mulitisaver and get them delivered every 2 weeks. I've been keeping them cool but not in the fridge yet as it's cool enough at the moment in our house  I give them some oats to keep them going. For newly hatched I would say the minis are best to start. Our robin though now takes the regulars from me and disappears into the thick ivy and is met with the sound of baby tweets. I'm hoping it's a safe place they've chosen as we had a fox visit the other day.  |
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Post by Taz on May 5, 2021 15:41:29 GMT
Hi Matt, I keep mine in the fridge. One tub goes into the garage and I feed those some oats carrot peelings or apple cores. I just buy 3 for 2 at pets at home and usually don't need to buy too many.
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Post by matt on May 5, 2021 15:57:41 GMT
Thanks both! I have received the minis today (250g), so I'll see how they go. I've put some in the feeder already, but they don't seem to have cottoned on yet. There should be plenty of time for that, though - fingers crossed. She never did find them 3 years ago with my other nest, but I didn't have a "feeding station" then that they were already used to coming to. So I'll just put these in the shed for now, in a container with some oats and wheat meal? Or should I add some vegetable matter as well?
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Post by WildlifePaul on May 5, 2021 19:44:32 GMT
I have never kept mine in the fridge, I keep them in big containers with porridge oats and every 2 days add some sliced carrots, potato etc for moist for them.
I buy them in bulk and they always last me well over 6 weeks keeping them like this, I have never tried keeping them in the fridge but I like to grow the mini ones so as the chicks grow the worms are getting bigger thats just how I have always done it and works well for me.
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Post by pete11 on May 25, 2021 18:55:13 GMT
During the breeding season, is there an optimum time to put out mealworms?
Do people generally start dishing them out when they know a nest is happening, or is it known to encourage nesting if mealworms are available in advance?
I've read various theories that birds tend to prefer nesting sites away from busy feeding stations. If this is true, how far away from your nestbox(es) do you put out your mealworms?
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Post by WildlifePaul on May 26, 2021 11:32:12 GMT
During the breeding season, is there an optimum time to put out mealworms? Do people generally start dishing them out when they know a nest is happening, or is it known to encourage nesting if mealworms are available in advance? I've read various theories that birds tend to prefer nesting sites away from busy feeding stations. If this is true, how far away from your nestbox(es) do you put out your mealworms? I normally put them out a few days before hatching will take place, I always put them close to the nesting box for the mum and dad to find them! If you have more birds looking you could always move it more away once the mum and dad are using it and know what it is, Different members do it differently though this is just how I do it and its always worked well in terms of the blue tits finding the mealworms just before hatching starts. |
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Post by Taz on May 27, 2021 12:16:06 GMT
I do the same as Paul, the cage is about 5ft from the nest box. I put the cage out when the eggs arrive too let them get used to it/find it.
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I give them some oats to keep them going. For newly hatched I would say the minis are best to start. Our robin though now takes the regulars from me and disappears into the thick ivy and is met with the sound of baby tweets. I'm hoping it's a safe place they've chosen as we had a fox visit the other day. 
