Has the sight of a squirmy mealworm ever made you say, “Yum”? No? You certainly aren’t a bird or a lizard! Though they may give you the creeps, these small creatures are a veritable meal for our feathery and reptilian pals.
Picture your reptilian friend curled up under a heat lamp, its beak pressed over a succulent mealworm. Similar to a magician’s illusion, the worm vanishes in an instant. Reptiles such as bearded dragons and geckos consider mealworms to be the equivalent of filet mignon for animals. Why are they attractive? Protein packs a powerful punch! They give the animals the fuel they need to develop and thrive, as they are rich in nutrients.
Now what about our feathered friends? It is rather fascinating to watch a bird snooping on a mealworm. Everything from cardinals to chickadees goes ga-ga for these squiggly treats. They eat mealworms to fuel their long migrations or short fly-bys in the backyard. If you put some in your bird feeder, you can see them swooping in like shoppers on Black Friday at the mall.
Our terrestrial arthropods will be our first stop next. Your hedgehog could be interested in eating mealworms, too. Additionally, a writhing mealworm can bring joy to the day of amphibian keepers. Has a frog ever stalked its prey before? From the comfort of your own kitchen, it’s as if a wilderness documentary were being staged.
Worm farming? No problem at all! They are most at home in low-care settings. In most cases, a container of sliced potatoes and oats will do the work. Keep in mind that when these worms transform into beetles, they can become rather nimble. Amazing Houdini couldn’t compare to those!
Moderation is essential, of course. The nutritional value of mealworms is undeniable, but they certainly shouldn’t take center stage. Keep your pets’ stomachs full and their tastes varied by giving them a variety of insects and treats.
Taking care of animals, whether they’re scaly, feathery, or spiney, can feel like a juggling act at times. Everything becomes worthwhile when you give them a mealworm, though. Just remind yourself, “Bon appétit, little buddies!” the next time you see a jar of these wormy delights.
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