HI folks,
I was just wondering if anyone knows whether it's okay to put out dried mealworms at the moment - I've noticed the starlings and blackbirds taking them away for chicks, so I was concerned they wouldn't be getting enough water from them. So I've been soaking the mealworms in warm water for 5 minutes or so before putting them out, to rehydrate them. It's a bit more laborious, but this seemed the best option - I already bought a load of dried mealworms and didn't want to spend out extra on the more expensive live ones now.
Second question! How often should I clean my feeders and birdbath?
As you can tell, I've only just started doing this, and I'd be grateful for any advice :)
Hi Louise welcome to the forum.
You are doing the right thing in soaking the mealworms, allowing the chicks to get water.
As for cleaning the feeders, i give mine a good clean once a week in a weak solution of bleach and washing up liquid and then rinsing them well, the trays i have on the feeders i clean every other day, you may find some clean their feeders more regular than me.
Regards Alan
My photos are on Flickr and Website
Thanks Alan,
That sounds like a sensible plan to me. I bought a non-toxic disinfectant from the RSPB, which is just spray on then wipe off with kitchen towel, but I think they will need cleaning with washing up liquid first :)
I will carry on with the mealworm soaking! Thanks for your help :)