I just bought a kit from the link below... Let you know what I think about it. I could have done it without the kit, but it's always good to start with proven containers/lids/food then branch out.. with shipping is $37.. and I get some waxworms with it.

Here is a link that might be useful: waxworm breeder kit

I would be curious to see how this turns out for you. I was always afraid to try waxworms since the adult moths can fly. Also, I didn't like the idea of the sticky stuff they need to be kept on. But maybe it's not as hard as I think it is. Do let us know how that turns out for you.

I will!! I really hate feeding mealworms in any quantity, since they say they are deficient in nutrients. But to buy waxworms.. WHEW! pricey!!

I guess I get the most fun out of seeing the birds eat what I give them..

Who says they mealworms deficient in nutrients? I have seen this before, but I forgot where. I wonder if this is hearsay or true nutritional information.

Kendra, I agree with your concern about flying insects! I think the mealworms would have to be the nutritional equivalent of potato chips for me to switch over...but maybe Crafty's kit has a way to deal with that?

Thanks,

Ann

I think I read they are deficient in calcium on the sialis site and they aren't to be given out in too much quantity. It was like 20 mealworms per bird per day. I think supplementing with waxworms would be good.

I got the kit the other day, it was EASY to set up. I should have adult waxworms in about 60 days. There isn't much to do in the mean time, not like raising mealworms. YOu keep them sealed up just about until you harvest them for the birds. So the flying moths aren't an issue. From what I've read, the hatchling are so small that they could get out and invest your home, that's the real problem! So sealing up the culture is really important! The kit came with a rubber band thingy to seal the edges. I'm thinking I would need 6-8 cultures to have a consistent supple... They look like really fat white maggots, euw!! LOL!

Last year I lost the male while four babies needed feeding. I did everything I could to help the female. I didn't know then to buy crickets...I'm just looking for options.

I found this page, which has nutritional content of some of the more commonly fed insects.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nutritional Content Page

Do we know what bluebirds need for an ideal diet?

I'm sure a natural, varied diet would be best. Hard to imagine that any one bug is the perfect bluebird diet.

But IF Ca is the only problem with mealworms, it's easy to add Ca.

A

That's true.. adding ca is not difficult at all.

Right now I just wish they would come back to my feeder, they havn't been here for several days. BUMMED!!

I just realized why my birds havn't been coming to my window feeder, my cat has finally been let out now the fledgings are old enough. She was grounded for some time when the babies were young.