Mealworm farming

[hannakat]

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I haven't notice it but then I'm not feeding them mealies regularly yet. I'll keep this in mind, though, for when we run out of natural bugs and I start supplementing with the mealies. Very interesting!!!

 

[Kassaundra]

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I haven't notice it but then I'm not feeding them mealies regularly yet. I'll keep this in mind, though, for when we run out of natural bugs and I start supplementing with the mealies. Very interesting!!!

Here's the link

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=584557

 

[hannakat]

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Did you talk with Amy? Gallo del Cielo has also dealt with mites and other mealie farm problems in the past. The colony can live with the mites, but can you? It won't hurt them. Both Amy and Gallo ended up dumping the infested bin. If you decide to do that, just start feeding the worms and beetles to the chickens...don't let them go to waste. But make sure to keep it completely separate from any other mealie colony.

Good luck and please let us know how you decide to handle it. There was mention from one poster a while back about putting a strip of oil around the inside of the bin. That way the mites couldn't crawl out and would get stuck in the oil. I think it was vegetable oil (someone correct me cause I'm not sure of this) and she would go in there and wipe it out from time to time and then redo the oil. Wish I had marked that page...might have to go back and find it.... anyone remember??

 

[bobbyc1970]

Good Morning thought i would update

got the two three drawer system going one smaller and one extra large. the smaller with the screen. Gave up on the screen. hot glued a few times and kept falling out

but the bottom two drawers are rolling with mealworms. really theres more than can b counted. i have found putting a oatmeal lid in there with paper towel works best for humidity. they multiply and grow alot faster. carrots and potatoes is what i feed them. tried a tomato and they went crazy for it. But got moldy.

In the smaller bins i lay newspaper and cut up egg cartons.
Now on the bigger bin system i found out alot different ways i had to do things. in there i use alot more egg carton. and i still use the paper towels. works awesome. But i found not only do i add the food. i have to put some of the carrot/potato cuttings on the side of the bins. at first alot of beetles was dying. so i tried it. now they are thriving. been checking and their is alot a mealies in there

 

[RockerHen]

Hi everybody, saw this thread and thought I'd post my own mealworm story: I've had a small colony of mealworms for a few years now, but I never figured they would be this tough: Last year, I completely forgot about them (they're sort of hidden in our little shed), didn't put any oatmeal, potato, ANYTHING, for over a YEAR. Finally had that oh crap moment this summer, and I opened the bin, fearing the worst. But no, there were still hundreds of the little worms and beetles crawling around happily in an almost nonexistent oatmeal floor (it had basically become powder). I have no idea what they ate or used for moisture, these little guys are certainly survivors!

 

[hannakat]

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Sorry to hear it gave you trouble.

The hole you cut shouldn't be the entire bottom of the drawer...leave 1" or so all the way around. Cut the screen bigger than the hole, lay it in the drawer and hot glue it.

Glad mealie math is working though! gooooo wormies!

 

[hannakat]

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Thanks RockerHen! See....it's only as difficult as we make it! I'm glad your colony survived. There have been reports of forgotten colonies crashing so it's good to know this!

 

[bobbyc1970]

WOW a whole year? didnt think they could go that long
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[Kassaundra]

I have substrate in the freezer, and should be ready to start a new colony by Monday or so. You know the old saying "Don't keep all your mealies in one bin"

Those of you using paper towels for moisture / humidity, have you tried a sponge, they can be sanitized in the dishwasher, and no uness. waste.

 

[bobbyc1970]

i left about a inch and a half. But i think they do good being all together. the first colony has a couple thousand in there. its wild. the serama love them lol. the dead beatles is fun too. the keep away is a blast for me to watch then...........CRUNCH.

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Sorry to hear it gave you trouble.

The hole you cut shouldn't be the entire bottom of the drawer...leave 1" or so all the way around. Cut the screen bigger than the hole, lay it in the drawer and hot glue it.

Glad mealie math is working though! gooooo wormies!