Raising feeder insects

[animalover]

Based on what I have read online, I started with 100 B. dubia roaches from a local breeder about 4 weeks ago. They are doing well and I have lots of babies. I was able to get over the "yuck factor" pretty easily, but the rest of my family is grossed out. I have given a few to the girls, who love them. I don't want to feed too many so the colony can get established. Pet Duck Boy, how big of a colony should I have for 9 chickens? How long will it take until I can feed freely?

 

[Kassaundra]

Thanks never thought of that, and no site has mentioned it.

 

[Kassaundra]

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Yes, my family is about to commit me!!!!

They think I've lost my mind.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

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You can probably feed freely after the colony is 8 months old. Around the time the 1st or 2nd generation of babies have reached adulthood. Remember, feed adult males ONLY and feed female nymphs sparingly. One adult male can fertilise 10+ females, any extras hog the food. One dead female can equal 200+ dead future nymphs. Sexing them is relatively easy, and it can be done at 2 cms.

You're looking at the last segment of the abdomen, the males will have a smaller segment whereas the females will be much wider. This applies for dubias of almost any age.

 

[Kassaundra]

I also read the females will have little wing nubs, but the male a complete wing set.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

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As adults, yes, females and males are pretty obvious. But it is also important to save female nymphs in a colony under 500 as they are the future mothers. Nymphs on the otherhand look pretty much identical besides that last segment. (Though sub-adult males will have large wing stubs)

 

[animalover]

Thanks for the pictures - they made it very clear how to sex them.

 

[HorizonSon]

I am very interested in self-sustaining venues. What are some good "bugs" I can raise with kitchen scraps? O heard something about some particular fly? Or something or another?

 

[our 5 chickie babies]

We started raising mealworms about 6 months ago with the help of a very dear friend on here It takes a little while getting the colonys started but once they get going it is really very easy.I tried the roaches but our chickens like the mealworms better.I have a hard enough time with my wife about haveing the worms inside but she would kick me and the roaches out..LOL so I will stick with the worms..
Good luck!!
JIM&LINDY

 

[Kassaundra]

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The fly you raise for the maggots, I've seen the special composter you use for around $200, but have never done it so I don't know if you can easily raise them w/o that composter. If you live where it gets cold you won't get very many if any at all through the cold months.