What are the best worms/larva to feed a starling

[StarMama]

I am trying to figure out what I can safely feed Ray Charles in a foraging box or even a bowl. He is 14 weeks and a few days old and is no longer happy with his young bird diet. I have found mealworms, BFL, and now Phoenix worms. The first two also bring up the question of freeze dried or live? Are any of them contraindicated based on their particular nutritional content?

The Phoenix worms are smaller, and look like a good size for him, but they are high in calcium which I don't know about. What about the best substrate for the worms to eat? My mealworms eat Rephash, which is for my toads. I don't know that it would be good for Ray.

If he has a forage is that something I stock daily or do I restock when he empties it? If he were wild on the farm he'd be free feeding, but I'm not sure what difference, if any, there is with a kept bird. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give.
Lisa and the lovely Ray Charles

 

[WillowQ]

I wonder if freeze dried waxworks or mealworms are cleaner (less germy)? They’re definitely easier to keep.
I fed my softbills freeze dried mealworms when they were nesting and my conure thought they were delicious , too.

 

[StarMama]

Thanks. I will try some of those today. I'm grateful you answered my post. This site is amazing.