Mealworm farming

[hannakat]

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This is my mealworm farm snapshot (also found in my signature line)......
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=59623-mealworm-fam-experiences



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I don't understand why it would stink? Mine have never 'stunk' although there is an earthy, oaty kind of smell. Did the substrate get wet? It might be better to top it off and see what happens. Maybe use only low moisture veggies like carrots and celery.

Even at that age, the beetles are still laying eggs but if you choose, you can just feed them to the chickadees and start over. The wormies, on the other hand, I'd try to correct whatever is making it smell.

Good luck!

 

[Klwright1122]

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About 10-12 days they should turn to beetles....mine r in a container with a handful of wheat bran and a piece of celery. As they hatch I move em into a larger rubbermaid sweater box w fresh substrate. The pupae should be a creamy white color--maybe a tinge of yellow but if they r black they mite b dead. As they change into beetles they will b creamy white to a light tan and eventually turn dark brown, almost black after a day usually. They won need anything until they turn into beetles..which is y I have just a handful of wheat Bran and a small piece of veggie. They don't stay in my holding container long--but in case they hatch during the day or night when I'm not around they have "something".

 

[hannakat]

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It can take a couple weeks for them to morph into beetles so be patient. If they turn totally black, yea, you can throw them out, feed it to the chickadees or just let the farm consume it. When they are pupae, they need no food source.

Once they start morphing, you'll be surprised!! They are a light cream color at first and turn darker over a matter of days until they are black beetles..... that's when the egg laying starts!

 

[gale65]

Thanks everyone. These wormies must be hungry-the parsley I put in is almost gone. There are also 2 beetles in it. I got 1000 so I'm going to give a few to the chicks today and see how they like it.

 

[hannakat]

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fyi...You can also give them grass, dandelion, weeds of any kind..... just as long as you haven't sprayed your yard but if you can find weeds and dandelion, then I guess it's safe!!!

 

[gale65]

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fyi...You can also give them grass, dandelion, weeds of any kind..... just as long as you haven't sprayed your yard but if you can find weeds and dandelion, then I guess it's safe!!!

good to know! We do not spray the yard at all.

 

[Chickangel79]

Quote:
This is my mealworm farm snapshot (also found in my signature line)......
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=59623-mealworm-fam-experiences



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I don't understand why it would stink? Mine have never 'stunk' although there is an earthy, oaty kind of smell. Did the substrate get wet? It might be better to top it off and see what happens. Maybe use only low moisture veggies like carrots and celery.

Even at that age, the beetles are still laying eggs but if you choose, you can just feed them to the chickadees and start over. The wormies, on the other hand, I'd try to correct whatever is making it smell.

Good luck!

SOrry I meant the beetle bin smells, kind of ammonia like smell. THe worms are fine. It's not damp and all food is removed before it goes off.

 

[weeders n feeders]

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Peafowlmom, read through these pages cause there's a plenthora of good info but to just get started quick- get yourself a bin or bucket then go to Wild birds on Hwy 17 in West Ashley and get a small tub of worms from them. They've got the best price around. Stop by a Tractor Supply on your way home and pick up a bag of bran flakes ( about $8) and stop by the grocery store and get some potatoes and carrots. Dump some of the bran in your bucket,add the worms, cut potatoes and carrots in half and add them and wait. In the first few days keep an I on the vegis. Wild Birds sell some HUNGRY worms. Mine demolished several carrots and a large potato overnight for the first few days then settled into a more sedate eating pattern.

 

[sillybirds]

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Are there any dead beetles in that bin? Dead beetles do have a peculiar odor. That's probably what you're smelling.

 

[Chickangel79]

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Are there any dead beetles in that bin? Dead beetles do have a peculiar odor. That's probably what you're smelling.

ONly about five to ten at a time, I clear it out each night (they are kept in my bedroom )