RE: Found a baby bird, what to feed it? Urgent help needed!
The actual species, Tenebrio molitor, the larvae are what are called mealworms in the U.S., and they do have a high amount of chitin in the shells. It can pose a problem to some species of reptiles, like bearded dragons, buy they are easily digested by other baby reptiles like leopard geckos. I don't know much about the digestive systems of birds, so I'm not sure what to tell you. I would think dusting a few with a little calcium powder would be a good idea, and watch to make sure he's still pooping. As long as that continues, he's obviously able to digest the shell of the worm.
I would think silkworms would make a better feeders too. But that is based on the nutritional requirements of specific reptile species. The thing that makes me think that is that most birds regurgitate food for their babies so it is partially digested. Of course,, that baby looks like it is close to fledging, and I'm not sure where they can digest what...
Sorry I'm not of much help. Do you have access to any soft bodied feeder bugs? Waxworms, hornworms, any soft bodied caterpillars?