Cockatiels need all nutrients for their bodies to function well. Their main meal which is pellets or seeds contains most of the nutrients although some are in small amounts.
Some of the nutrients are supplemented by offering treats that are rich in those nutrients. Most bird owners offer vegetables or fruits to their birds as treats.
Vegetables and fruits mainly consist of a variety of vitamins and minerals which are essential for the birds’ body.
However, the owners forget that the birds also require proteins to repair the worn-out tissues. The big question is which can be the best source of proteins for cockatiels?
So, can cockatiels eat mealworms? Absolutely yes. Cockatiels can eat mealworms and it makes a good treat variety in the birds’ diet.
Mealworms contain calcium, vitamins, and proteins. However, it should be served in moderation. It should be between once to thrice per week.
Cockatiels in the wild feed on insects hence it comes automatically to them when they are served with mealworms. They enjoy eating mealworms.
You can introduce the mealworms to the diet by providing them alone or mixing them with other food. Feeding it alone enables you to know the reaction of the food to your birds.
Are Mealworms Safe for Cockatiels?
Mealworms are safe for cockatiels but they should not be the only thing served to the birds. Like any other animal, they require a balanced diet.
It should be provided to the pet bird 1 to 3 times a week. It should not make a major part of the birds’ diet. It should just be served as a treat.
Mealworms do not contain any toxic substance hence they cannot cause harm to the birds. Mealworms served to your birds should be from a reputable source. Inferior worms could be contaminated and may harm the birds.
The worms need not be substituted as they will not have the same benefit to the birds as the mealworms. Contaminated worms could make the birds sick. You can find quality worms locally or online via Amazon.
Are Mealworms Healthy for Cockatiels?
Yes, mealworms are healthy for the cockatiels. They contain nutrients that are not found in cockatiel’s main meal.
It provides the birds with proteins and amino acids which are sometimes absent in the birds’ main meal. Minerals like calcium, zinc, potassium, and iron are found in mealworms which is good for the birds’ bones.
It also contains various types of vitamins that are needed by the birds’ bodies. Cockatiels need around 12 different types of proteins in their bodies.
Mealworms contain vitamin B; that is B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, and B9. They are also a good source of vitamins D, E, and K. The vitamins are essential for cockatiels’ overall health.
As they receive all the minerals they need, they remain alert, active and their feathers look much healthier and shinier.
Mealworms are healthy for cockatiels and they should be served as a treat to them once or thrice a week to supply them with all nutrients they need.
Do Cockatiels Like Eating Mealworms?
Yes, they do like eating mealworms. As any other animal, while introducing the mealworms in the diet, they may prove not to like it but as they get used to it, they like it.
Through eating mealworms your pets will be exposed to a diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and proteins. The worms should be introduced to the diet slowly be slowly.
In the beginning, they should be served in small amounts. They should be served alone for the owner to study the reaction of the meal to their bodies.
The minerals contained in mealworms enable the birds to remain alert, active and their feathers look healthier and shinier.
Remember mealworms are rich in fats and when served in large amounts the birds will gain weight which may eventually make them obese.
The birds enjoy eating mealworms as they like trying a new variety of treats and this enables them to enjoy eating other types of food.
Do Cockatiels Eat Dried Mealworms?
Cockatiels can eat dried mealworms. In fact, they like the dry once due to their crunchy texture and taste.
Dried mealworms are more nutritious. Nutrients are concentrated in them. It is rich in proteins and vitamins and also contains some minerals in them in small quantities which are essential for the birds’ body.
If your bird lacks minerals and proteins in their bodies, the most recommended source of proteins is mealworms as it will also have some minerals which are essential for the birds’ body.
The mealworms are found locally or in online stores via Amazon. Although getting a good supplier is a challenge. Some suppliers may mix with other worms which may make the birds sick. You need to get a reliable source to get the mealworms.
Mealworms should not be the main food offered to the cockatiels. The main food should be offered then mealworms to be served as a treat.
Are Mealworms Good for My Cockatiels?
Yes, they are good for cockatiels as they are highly nutritious. They contain calcium, a variety of vitamins, and proteins.
100 grams of mealworms can offer 440 calories, 19g fats, 150mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 15g carbs, 9g fiber, 55g proteins, and 0 sugar.
The mealworms also contain minerals which include; calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and copper. It contains vitamins; A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, and B9
The minerals assist in their bone formation making them have strong bodies. Proteins repair the worn-out tissues on their bodies.
All the vitamins help boost their immune systems. Mealworms are good for cockatiels as they will get some nutrients that may be absent in the main meal.
How to Prepare Mealworms for Cockatiels?
First, you have to ensure your mealworms are from a reliable source and they are clean. They should be served in small amounts.
It depends on the owner of the birds. You can prepare mealworms for cockatiels in two ways; These include; feeding the birds with mealworms separately or mixing the mealworms with either fruits or vegetables.
Feeding mealworms separately is the most recommended way, especially when beginning to feed your birds with mealworms. This will enable you to know the side effects of mealworms on your pets.
You can put the mealworms in a bowl and place them in the cage and observe how your pets are feeding on them.
Mixing mealworms with vegetables or fruits is best for the birds that are picky. By combining different tastes are in cooperated hence they enjoy varied tastes and flavor.
In Conclusion
Cockatiels can eat mealworms. It is highly recommended for your birds as it is highly nutritious. You can purchase it online via Amazon. Although it is found locally, it may have been mixed with other worms which may your cockatiel sick.
The mealworms should be offered in small quantities as it contains some fats and if consumed in large amounts a lot of fats may accumulate in the birds’ body resulting in obese.
The nutrients contained in the mealworms make the birds to be alert, active and they appear healthy and shinier.