wheat bran is the most popular substrate for mealworms. it contains enough protein and other goodies that mealies love, plus it's small enough in size to sift using kitchen sieves or gold panning sifters (like these: tinyurl.com/bucketsifter).
Oatmeal is also common. It's more readily available...
If you're like me, you have a mealworm farm at home to help feed your birds. You've done lots of research and have decided to hand-pick your pupae from the worms so they aren't cannibalized. At first it was fun and even therapeutic, but now it has become a tiring chore. If you don't keep up with...
If you're like me, you have a mealworm farm at home to help feed your birds. You've done lots of research and have decided to hand-pick your pupae from the worms so they aren't cannibalized. At first it was fun and even therapeutic, but now it has become a tiring chore. If you don't keep up with...
Hey folks, I'm a long-time lurker and first-time register. I first found this site years ago when my city lifted its BYC ordinance and allowed us to raise our own. I currently have 6 hens and a Peking duck in my self-built coop. I have a variety of breeds, most of which I've forgotten their...
You're right - mealworms can take the moisture from the air if needed. The reason farmers use veggies is to obviously increase the amount of moisture, and to expedite the life cycle process. Worms can take up to 12 months to go through one cycle without added moisture, and as quick as 3 months...
There are plenty of online suppliers of mealworms (including myself). Mealworms shouldn't be a large part of a bird's daily diet (4-10% max), but are a great supplement, especially during winter when natural insect foraging drops off.
The only real issue you might want to be concerned with is if the worms have been treated with a growth hormone. regular mealworms and superworms are fine, but stay away from 'giant mealworms' or any other similar named worms.