MBTP Bulk Dried Mealworms - Treats for Chickens & Wild Birds, 5 Lbs Review (2026)

What it is

MBTP sells these as dried mealworms in bulk, with this listing sized at 5 pounds, positioned as a treat for chickens and wild birds rather than a staple feed. The mealworms are described as 100 percent natural with no additives, preservatives, or fillers, and the product is labeled non-GMO, which appeals to keepers who want a simple, single ingredient treat rather than a processed snack mix. Because the same bag works for both a backyard flock and wild birds at a feeder, any extra can be repurposed outdoors rather than sitting unused in a pantry.

Where the protein comes from

The mealworms are raised on what the manufacturer describes as a fully vegetarian diet before being dried, and dried mealworms in general are valued as a treat because of their high protein content compared with typical scratch grains or table scraps. That protein density is especially useful during a molt, when hens are regrowing feathers and their protein needs increase noticeably compared with normal laying periods, or as a reward when hand taming chicks or training hens to come when called. Because they are dried rather than fresh or freeze dried, they store easily without refrigeration.

Storage and shelf life

Kept in a cool, dry place, dried mealworms can last up to about two years, according to the manufacturer, though that assumes the bag is resealed properly after each use to keep moisture and pantry moths away from the contents. A 5 pound bulk bag is a meaningfully larger quantity than the small snack sized bags sold at pet stores, so transferring some into a smaller airtight container for daily use while keeping the bulk of the bag sealed will help preserve freshness longer. Watch for any sign of clumping or a musty smell, both signs that moisture has gotten into the bag.

How to feed them

Because dried mealworms are protein rich and calorie dense relative to a hen's balanced feed, they are best offered as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, generally following the same rule of thumb applied to any chicken treat: keep treats to a small share of overall daily intake so the complete layer or grower feed still supplies most of a bird's nutrition. Scattering a handful in the run encourages natural foraging behavior, since chickens will scratch and peck through bedding or grass to find each one, which is a useful way to break up boredom during long stretches of bad weather when a flock is confined to a coop or covered run. Hand feeding a few at a time also works well for taming or bonding with younger birds. Since the bag also markets to wild bird feeding, leftover mealworms can go straight into a platform feeder without waste.

Where it fits against rivals

Among chicken treat options, dried mealworms in bulk like this one tend to score well for how much hens enjoy them and for their protein value, generally landing above basic scratch grain treats that are mostly carbohydrate and lower in protein. Compared with black soldier fly larvae treats, which some keepers and reviewers rate as an even richer protein source, this MBTP bag offers solid value at its price point for a 5 pound quantity, especially for keepers who also want a bag they can share with wild birds rather than a product limited to poultry alone.

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