Mealworm Feeder

by Pat and Larry Hunter

This feeder was designed to keep out unwanted mealworm robbers, such as robbins, bluejays,

and other large birds. Yet it give access to the mealworms for the smaller birds, such as the bluebird.

3 wire panels (14 X 14 Inches) used in the wire storage units called (Organize It) or similar product

4 wood sides (2 X 14 3/4 inches)

staples and plastic ties to assemble

Screen for bottom

2 of the panels are cut in half then used for sides and door.

The door is 6 1/4 X 14 inches (Note this is 1/4 inch shorter then the sides)

Sides are to be 6 1/2 X 14 inches (This allows for the sides and back to be inserted into the top grove).

(1) 2 X 2 X14 3/4 inch piece of wood is needed for the mounting bracket for conduit pole.

Drill 11/16-inch hole in center 1 1/4 deep. Various mounting brackets can be used. Can also be mounted

directly on to deck rail..

1 - Cut a 1/8 inch grove centered in the top edges of 3 of the sides.

Need to be 1/4 inch deep to receive wire panels.

2 - Cut a mortise in the bottom of all 4 sides that measures 1/2 wide and 3/16 deep. This will

give you an inset to staple screen to the bottom and cover with strips of wood 1/4 inch thick.

3 - Assemble wood frame, then fasten the screen to the bottom and cover with wood strips.

4 - Set the wire panels in top groove. Back one first (mark location of end wires and enlarge

grove with 1/4 inch drill bit so larger end wire will slip into the grove. Repeat for the side panels.

5 - Mark location of staples to hold wire sides into grooves. Remove panels and pre drill holed

for staples. Reinstall panels and fasten with staples. I use white insulated staples and drive

them in with a long punch.

6 -If you are NOT using a slick sided bowl inside of feeder to contain the worms, you

will need to line the inside with close fitting material of you choice. I cut clear plastic strips from

an old recessed light panel and screwed them to the inside. Meal worms will climb out if they can!

We like placing them in a bowl in the center of the feeder so the Downey Woodpeckers and Blue Jays

 can’t reach in and help themselves.  In this case the lining need not be installed.

7 - Fasten full panel with plastic ties for roof.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor!