First attempt at mealworm farming

[CindyinSD]

You're right, the plastic or softer material screens will not work. I had to look around for what I wanted. This roll was on the floor tucked away and I had to ask if they had any small wire mesh screen back there. Sounded like they never ever sell it, except to people like me

That's funny about the dollar store. I have some drawers but, well, like everything, wanted to go BIG!

I think I do, too, but I can only get a package or two from the pet store for now. It's still too cold to order online and have them survive the trip here... so I figured I could start with this and see whether I hate doing it. Ideally I would raise enough for mealworms to be a significant source of protein for my flocks, but that's gonna depend on how well I tolerate their poop dust (fris, isn't it called?) and whether they can be made to grow well here without spending too much on extra heat for them in winter.

Anyway... for once I'm starting small as opposed to biting off more than I can chew.

 

[Cathy F]

Yesterday I bought my first live mealworms and set them up in what I hope will be a suitable mealworm farm. I am starting this thread to chart its progress and share the experience with those thinking of doing the same - and, no doubt, as we go on, to ask for help from those who have already been there, done that! Youtube is great for the initial research stage, but nothing beats Q&As with other people in real time for a proper understanding of something, as Sokrates might have said.

Hi, I have started raising mealworms too and have questions, so thanks for starting this thread. I bought 500 to start and they have all turned to the beetle stage, but after a month, I'm not seeing any eggs or new mealworms. Do you think it's possible I didn't get both males and females in my 500? Or do I need to wait longer?

 

[Perris]

I wish I knew @Cathy F - you are ahead of me in this adventure! I have been relying on this site for timings: http://mealwormcare.org/life-cycle/ and on the maintenance page it says

"It is helpful to have a second container to aid in raising mealworms and keeping them odor free. After your colony is going strong, you can move any beetles to the second container where they will begin a new colony.

By the time the second colony is established, the original container should have very few mealworms. You can move any remaining worms to the second container and the original container can then be cleaned and prepared to repeat the cycle."

 

[CindyinSD]

I've read that the adults will eat the eggs. For this reason people put them in a plastic box with the bottom removed & replaced with a fine mesh metal screen. They place a second container under the first, with bedding, for the extremely tiny eggs to drop into. I've bought a small stack of plastic drawers for this purpose but (true to my nature) I haven't started with them yet.

OTOH, I did process two roosters today and before plucking, practiced caponizing on them, so there's that to plead in my favor. Thanks for reminding me! Maybe I can remember to work on that later this afternoon.

 

[Perris]

yes I read that too, but since they lay the eggs, there must be a period when beetles and eggs are in the same container, surely? I'm using a stack of 3 plastic drawers, mealworms in the bottom, moving pupae up the middle one, and when any beetles emerge I'll move them on to the top drawer. When the bottom drawer is completely empty of mealworms I'll clean it out so the beetles get a nice clean home to lay more eggs in, and the one they left should turn into the mealworm drawer as their first eggs hatch; at least that's how I think it works! Hopefully this rotation can continue indefinitely

 

[Cathy F]

I've read that the adults will eat the eggs. For this reason people put them in a plastic box with the bottom removed & replaced with a fine mesh metal screen. They place a second container under the first, with bedding, for the extremely tiny eggs to drop into. I've bought a small stack of plastic drawers for this purpose but (true to my nature) I haven't started with them yet.

OTOH, I did process two roosters today and before plucking, practiced caponizing on them, so there's that to plead in my favor. Thanks for reminding me! Maybe I can remember to work on that later this afternoon.

CindyinSD, thank you very much for that info. I'll give it a try! I find it hard to believe that out of 500 mealworms I didn't get both males and females. Makes more sense they're being eaten.

Good for you with the roosters!

 

[Cathy F]

yes I read that too, but since they lay the eggs, there must be a period when beetles and eggs are in the same container, surely? I'm using a stack of 3 plastic drawers, mealworms in the bottom, moving pupae up the middle one, and when any beetles emerge I'll move them on to the top drawer. When the bottom drawer is completely empty of mealworms I'll clean it out so the beetles get a nice clean home to lay more eggs in, and the one they left should turn into the mealworm drawer as their first eggs hatch; at least that's how I think it works! Hopefully this rotation can continue indefinitely

I've read that too. Maybe I should move my beetles out and see what happens. Thanks!

 

[Cathy F]

I wish I knew @Cathy F - you are ahead of me in this adventure! I have been relying on this site for timings: http://mealwormcare.org/life-cycle/ and on the maintenance page it says

"It is helpful to have a second container to aid in raising mealworms and keeping them odor free. After your colony is going strong, you can move any beetles to the second container where they will begin a new colony.

By the time the second colony is established, the original container should have very few mealworms. You can move any remaining worms to the second container and the original container can then be cleaned and prepared to repeat the cycle."

Perris, thank you for this info. I'll try moving the beetles and let you know if it works in case you end up with the same issue.

 

[Perris]

thanks @Cathy F ! much appreciated.

 

[Perris]

scores of pupae this morning; still waiting on the first beetle to appear though