Best Mealworm Feeder for Bluebirds

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Bluebirds are beloved backyard visitors, and offering them food can help attract these colorful songbirds while supporting their health. Mealworms are a top choice for feeding bluebirds, providing essential protein and fat, and a well-designed mealworm feeder makes serving this treat easy. Feeders range from simple dishes to designs with features that contain the mealworms, protect them from rain, and discourage larger birds from stealing the food. When selecting a feeder, consider placement, frequency of use, and practical details like size, material, and ease of cleaning and refilling. We tested ten mealworm feeders to find the best options for attracting bluebirds to your yard.

  • Kingsyard Metal Bluebird Feeder

    10

    We recommend this sturdy metal feeder for its durability and ease of use, though it may not be fully squirrel-proof.

    10

    We recommend this sturdy metal feeder for its durability and ease of use, though it may not be fully squirrel-proof.

    Pros

    • Durable metal construction
    • Easy to fill and clean
    • Attractive blue color

    Cons

    • Not completely squirrel-proof
    • May rust at connection points
    • Smaller than some other feeders

    We tried out this Kingsyard bluebird feeder and found it to be a solid choice for feeding mealworms. Its metal body feels sturdy and well-made, unlike plastic feeders that can crack or break. The blue color looks nice in the yard and seems to appeal to birds.

    Filling the feeder is a breeze. We just lifted the top lid and poured in mealworms or other bluebird treats. The glass bowl inside keeps food fresh. Cleaning is simple too – we could remove the tray and rinse everything out.

    While it’s marketed as squirrel-resistant, we noticed smaller squirrels could still squeeze through the openings. But it did keep larger critters out. We saw some rust forming where the hanging ring attaches, so we’d suggest storing it in a sheltered spot when not in use. It’s not as big as some feeders, but works well for smaller yards or feeding a few birds at a time.

  • Woodlink Dome Bluebird Feeder

    9.7

    We think this versatile feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds to your yard.

    9.7

    We think this versatile feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds to your yard.

    Pros

    • Adjustable dome keeps larger birds out
    • Durable polycarbonate construction
    • Holds various foods bluebirds love

    Cons

    • Tray could be bigger
    • Assembly can be tricky
    • Dome adjustment has limitations

    We really like how this feeder caters to bluebirds. The adjustable dome lets us set the perfect height to keep bigger birds away while giving bluebirds easy access. We found it works great for offering mealworms, which bluebirds go crazy for.

    The heavy-duty polycarbonate build impressed us. It stands up well to the elements and should last for years. We appreciate that it’s UV-resistant too, so it won’t get brittle in the sun. The clear dome and tray let us easily see when it’s time for a refill.

    We did wish the tray was a bit larger to hold more food. But it’s still roomy enough for seeds, fruits, and a good amount of mealworms. The versatility is nice – we’ve used it for different foods to attract various small birds. Just be ready to spend a few extra minutes on assembly. It’s not too bad, but some parts can be fiddly to put together.

  • Kingsyard Bluebird Mealworm Feeder

    9.5

    We think this feeder is a great choice for anyone looking to attract bluebirds and other small birds to their yard.

    9.5

    We think this feeder is a great choice for anyone looking to attract bluebirds and other small birds to their yard.

    Pros

    • Keeps mealworms fresh and dry
    • Easy to refill and monitor food levels
    • Durable metal construction

    Cons

    • Small perches may need modification
    • Takes time for birds to discover
    • Slightly flimsy design

    When we tested this feeder, we were impressed by how well it kept mealworms dry. The secure lid and drainage holes worked together to keep the food fresh, even on rainy days. This meant less waste and more happy birds in our yard.

    Refilling the feeder was a breeze. We loved the clear compartment that let us see when food was running low. The top-filling design made it easy to add more mealworms without taking the whole feeder down.

    We did notice that the perches were a bit small for some birds. We solved this by adding silicone straw pieces over the perches. It took a few days for bluebirds to start using the feeder, but once they did, they visited often.

    The metal construction held up well against squirrels and larger birds. We liked the antique copper finish, which looked nice in our garden. While the feeder felt a little flimsy when we first hung it up, it proved sturdy enough for regular use.

  • Mosloly Caged Bluebird Feeder

    9.4

    We think this sturdy caged feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds while keeping larger birds and squirrels out.

    9.4

    We think this sturdy caged feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds while keeping larger birds and squirrels out.

    Pros

    • Durable metal construction
    • Large 2-pound seed capacity
    • Keeps out squirrels and big birds

    Cons

    • May exclude some desirable birds like cardinals
    • Can be heavy for some hooks
    • Assembly required

    We tested this Mosloly caged bird feeder and were impressed by its solid build quality. The metal construction feels very durable and should hold up well to outdoor use. We like that it has a 2-pound seed capacity, which means we don’t have to refill it as often.

    The cage design works well to keep out squirrels and larger birds. We saw lots of small birds like chickadees and finches using it, but larger birds couldn’t squeeze through the 1.3 x 1.8 inch openings. This helps ensure the seed is available for the smaller birds it’s meant for.

    One downside is that it also keeps out some medium-sized birds like cardinals that many people enjoy feeding. The feeder is also on the heavy side at nearly 8 pounds when full. We needed a sturdy hook to support it. Assembly was straightforward but did take a little time and effort.

    The roof helps protect the seed from rain and snow. We appreciate that you can take it apart for cleaning. You can also put a smaller feeder inside if desired. While not perfect for every situation, we think this is a good option for attracting bluebirds and other small birds while discouraging pests.

  • Kaytee Mealworm Delight

    9.3

    We think this Kaytee mealworm treat is a great choice for attracting a variety of wild birds to your yard.

    9.3

    We think this Kaytee mealworm treat is a great choice for attracting a variety of wild birds to your yard.

    Pros

    • Attracts many bird species
    • High in protein
    • Easy to use

    Cons

    • Pricey for the amount
    • Some birds may prefer live worms
    • Can attract unwanted critters

    We tried out the Kaytee Wild Bird Food Mealworms and were impressed with the results. These dried mealworms are a hit with bluebirds, robins, and woodpeckers. We noticed increased bird activity in our yard within days of putting them out.

    The 17.6-ounce bag lasted us about two weeks with daily feeding. While it’s more costly than regular birdseed, we think it’s worth it for the variety of birds it brings. The worms are easy to scatter in feeders or mix with other seeds.

    One thing to watch out for is that these treats can attract squirrels and other small animals. We had to adjust our feeder placement to keep the mealworms for the birds. Despite this small issue, we found these dried mealworms to be a top-notch way to feed and watch wild birds.

  • Cedar Bluebird Mealworm Haven

    9.1

    We think this feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds while keeping larger birds away.

    9.1

    We think this feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds while keeping larger birds away.

    Pros

    • Made in the USA from solid cedar
    • Easy to fill with hinged roof
    • Clear viewing windows to watch birds

    Cons

    • Takes time for birds to get used to
    • Limited space for mealworms
    • May not work for all bluebird species

    We tried out this cedar bluebird feeder and were happy with how it performed. The solid construction feels sturdy and built to last. We liked that it’s made in the USA from real cedar wood.

    Filling the feeder is a breeze thanks to the hinged roof. We just lifted the top and sprinkled in a layer of mealworms. The clear windows on the sides let us peek in to see when it needs refilling.

    It took our local bluebirds a few days to figure out how to use the feeder. Once they got the hang of it, they seemed to enjoy having their own private dining spot. The small openings kept bigger birds from stealing the mealworms.

    We noticed the feeder doesn’t hold a ton of food at once. For us, this meant refilling it more often on busy bird days. But the upside was that the mealworms stayed fresh and didn’t sit around too long.

  • Kingsyard Adjustable Platform Feeder

    9

    We think this feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds and other small birds to your yard.

    9

    We think this feeder is a great choice for attracting bluebirds and other small birds to your yard.

    Pros

    • Adjustable dome keeps food dry
    • Sturdy metal base resists tipping
    • Multiple compartments for different seeds

    Cons

    • Dome may not fully block sideways rain
    • Some larger birds can still access food
    • Plastic parts could crack over time

    We’ve been testing this Kingsyard feeder for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The adjustable dome is a standout feature. We can easily raise or lower it to control which birds can access the food. This works well for targeting smaller birds like bluebirds while deterring larger ones.

    The metal base gives this feeder a solid feel. Even on windy days, it stays put without tipping over. We like that it has separate compartments too. We’ve tried putting mealworms in one section and seeds in another. This variety seems to attract more birds to our yard.

    One thing to note – while the dome does a good job keeping the food dry in most weather, very heavy or sideways rain can still get in. The plastic parts also feel a bit less durable than the metal base. But overall, we’ve found this feeder to be a worthwhile addition to our backyard. The birds in our area seem to agree, as it’s become a popular spot for them to visit throughout the day.

  • Erva Bluebird Haven

    8.7

    We recommend this feeder for its smart design that caters to bluebirds while keeping pests at bay.

    8.7

    We recommend this feeder for its smart design that caters to bluebirds while keeping pests at bay.

    Pros

    • Blue glass cup attracts bluebirds
    • Mesh barrier stops larger birds and squirrels
    • Durable powder-coated finish

    Cons

    • Mesh may be too small for some bluebirds
    • Glass cup needs frequent cleaning
    • Pricier than basic feeders

    We’ve tested many bluebird feeders, and the Erva Bluebird Haven stands out. Its blue glass cup is a real draw for bluebirds. We found it easy to clean and refill, which is key for keeping mealworms fresh.

    The wire mesh around the feeder is a smart touch. It lets smaller birds in but keeps squirrels and big birds out. We watched as bluebirds zipped in and out while starlings were left frustrated outside.

    One thing to note – some users say their bluebirds struggled with the mesh size. We didn’t have this issue, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. The powder-coated finish held up well in our tests, even after being out in the rain for weeks.

  • Wildlife Sciences Mealworm Feeder

    8.7

    We think this mealworm feeder is a decent option for attracting bluebirds, but it has some flaws that may frustrate some users.

    8.7

    We think this mealworm feeder is a decent option for attracting bluebirds, but it has some flaws that may frustrate some users.

    Pros

    • Durable stainless steel roof
    • Adjustable roof height
    • Built-in hanger for easy mounting

    Cons

    • Roof adjustment can be tricky
    • Mesh bowl may bend with heavier birds
    • Larger birds can still access food

    We tested this Wildlife Sciences mealworm feeder in our yard for several weeks. The stainless steel roof looks nice and should last a long time. We like that you can adjust the roof height to keep bigger birds out.

    The powder-coated mesh bowl is a good size for holding mealworms. But we noticed it can bend a bit when larger birds land on it. This didn’t seem to cause any major issues, though.

    We had some trouble getting the roof to stay in place at first. After some fiddling, we got it working better. Still, it can slip down sometimes and need readjusting. The built-in hanger made it easy to hang from a branch or hook.

  • Pacific Bird Galvanized Mealworm Feeder

    8.6

    We recommend this feeder for attracting bluebirds and other insect-eaters, though it has some design flaws to consider.

    8.6

    We recommend this feeder for attracting bluebirds and other insect-eaters, though it has some design flaws to consider.

    Pros

    • Easy to fill and clean
    • Holds lots of mealworms
    • Weatherproof design

    Cons

    • Bottom can detach unexpectedly
    • Squirrels may figure out how to access food
    • Some users report rusting issues

    We tested this galvanized steel mealworm feeder from Pacific Bird and Supply Co. The rooftop design did a good job keeping the mealworms dry during rainy days. We liked how simple it was to fill and clean thanks to the twist-lock top.

    The feeder holds a good amount of dried mealworms. We only needed to refill it once a day, even with lots of hungry bluebirds visiting. The large hanging ring made it easy to hang from our bird feeding station.

    We did run into some issues with the bottom detaching. A few times we found it on the ground with mealworms spilled out. The connection between the top and bottom could be more secure. We also noticed some clever squirrels figured out how to access the food.

    While we enjoyed watching the variety of birds this feeder attracted, the design flaws give us pause about recommending it wholeheartedly. It works well when everything stays in place, but the detaching bottom is frustrating. For those willing to keep an eye on it, it can be a nice option for feeding mealworms to bluebirds and other insect-eating birds.

Buying Guide

When choosing a mealworm feeder for bluebirds, we recommend considering a few key factors.

Size and Capacity

Look for feeders that can hold enough mealworms for multiple birds. A capacity of 1-2 cups is usually sufficient for most backyard setups.

Material

Durable plastic or metal feeders tend to last longer outdoors. Wood can work too, but may require more maintenance.

Design

We prefer feeders with:

  • A clear container to easily see when refills are needed
  • A roof or cover to protect mealworms from rain
  • Perches for birds to rest while feeding
  • Drainage holes to prevent moisture buildup

Ease of Cleaning

Choose feeders that come apart easily for thorough cleaning. This helps prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Bluebird-Friendly Features

Some helpful features include:

  • Entrance holes sized for bluebirds (about 1.5 inches wide)
  • Blue coloring to attract bluebirds
  • Shallow feeding trays bluebirds can easily access

Mounting Options

Consider how you’ll hang or mount the feeder. Look for models with built-in hooks, loops, or flat bases for different setup options.

By keeping these factors in mind, we can select a mealworm feeder that will work well for attracting and nourishing bluebirds in our yards.