Mealworm farming

[galanie]

Quote:
They don't really have a cocoon as such, but when they pupate they look like "Patrick" here, the one in the center that is white:

They only stay in that stage a couple days or so. They don't move then either, so if you saw that, I can understand thinking it was dead. Hope you didn't throw out many!

 

[wyoDreamer]

What life cycle stage is best for feeding to chickens? or is any stage OK to feed?

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

I think it's best to feed the larger worms (larvae) as opposed to the pupae or beetles. Given the time and energy required to grow to the pupal stage and beyond, it would be of greater benefit to save those stages for reproductive purposes.

 

[luvmesomechicks]

No they didn't look like that galanie. Whew thought I threw some out. They were all dead ones I assume.

 

[galanie]

Quote:
It's OK to feed them at any stage. I agree with Gallo del Cielo that using the larger worms is probably the best idea. I feed the dead beetles to my adult chickens and sometime the smaller worms to my chicks though. The babies will eat the beetles too, it's just more work for them. At no stage are they "bad" for them.

 

[aggie9296]

Quote:
maybe you threw out shed skins? shriveled up brown papery things. the dead ones usually turn black.

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
x2

but the chickies love all of the stages...they do not discriminate!

AND... if you want to see some good photos of a single-container colony, look at Gallo del Cielo's link to his.....awesome ....

 

[sadies chicks]

I got my worms!

however....it seems that 75% of them are dead

What are the black ones? The smell coming from them is obnoxious. I am wondering if the other "dead" ones (not the black ones) are actually morphing in to the pupa stage? Any thoughts?

 

[CCourson05]

I leave dead and alive in there, as I think they may eat some of the bodies... Not really sure, but I had several dead ones, and now I can't seem to find them...

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I have been meaning to raise meal worms for several years now. I am glad I found this thread so I can join in with you all. I have to get it set up! This is too easy and cost efficient to pass up. I should have been doing this for years now sicne I raise so many chicks year round.

I always wanted to do the 3 drawer method. As soon as I purchase one at Dollar General I will be ordering the meal worms and get started.


I have heard funny horror stories of people putting the tubs under their deck or in the garage and the chickens finding it and knocking the tops off. They gorged themselves on all of it and the owners had to purchase more starter!
I think maybe inside my house would be better.