How many mealworms can I give my chickens?

Treat them as a treat: a small handful per few hens, keeping all treats to a small share of the diet so layer feed stays the main food.

Do dried mealworms need refrigeration?

No. Keep them sealed in a cool, dry place. Grub Frenzy is listed as needing no refrigeration.

Are BSF larvae better than mealworms?

They differ: BSF larvae are often promoted for their calcium content. Compare listed nutrition on each label.

Are Happy Hen nesting pads reusable?

They are made to be replaced when soiled; the maker says they can be composted.

Happy Hen Treats Mealworms, Grubs & Nest Pads

What Happy Hen Treats makes

Happy Hen Treats makes treats and nesting supplies for backyard flocks. In our catalogue:

Mealworm Frenzy: dried mealworms in a 30 oz resealable tub or a 5 lb resealable pouch, so you avoid storing live worms.
Grub Frenzy: 30 oz of dried North American black soldier fly larvae; no refrigeration needed, per the listing.
Excelsior nesting pads: fifteen 12 x 9.5 in aspen excelsior pads made in the USA, which can be cut to fit and composted after use.

Who Happy Hen Treats suits

Dried insects are the treat hens chase hardest, which makes them useful for training birds to come when called, for taming new hens and for coaxing the flock into the coop at dusk. The 30 oz tub suits a small flock; the 5 lb pouch suits larger flocks or daily use. Keep treats a small share of the diet, around 10% is a widely used guideline, so the complete layer feed stays balanced.

Mealworms and BSF larvae differ in protein, fat and calcium; compare them in mealworms vs black soldier fly larvae.

Excelsior pads give hens a clean, springy nest and help keep eggs clean, which matters if you sell or share eggs.

Alternatives from other brands

Manna Pro sells Farmhouse Favorites dried mealworms (listed at 50% protein) and Mealworm Munchies; Scratch and Peck makes Grubs BSF larvae; Fluker's and Adaman offer other insect treats. For nest pads, Cackle Hatchery, Eaton Pet & Pasture and MagJo make aspen pads.