Mealworm farming

[luvmesomechicks]

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Veggies, apples, potatoes,

I use broccoli as well as some cactus I have in the backyard.

 

[cullenf27]

Quick Question how much time does taking care of meal worms consume:/

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

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I wouldn't give them any water beyond that which might be contained within a potato, carrot or apple. Water is the enemy of your mealworm colony; it promotes the growth of a whole host of microbial agents that feed on mealworm larvae and pupae. If you start seeing dark brown or black larvae or pupae (which are dead), there is too much moisture in the colony. You can get excessive moisture in the colony simply by feeding high water content vegetables. You can sometimes get away with feeding high water content vegetables/fruits (e.g. watermelon rinds) if you use small amounts and/or have lots of mealworms. I wouldn't ever add water to the colony though. Good luck!

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

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I spend less than five minutes a month.

 

[cullenf27]

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I spend less than five minutes a month.

Thank You

 

[hannakat]

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Keep repeating it and I will eventually remember all this!

I only started thinking about this again 2 weeks ago so for me to have this much stuffed into my head by now is pretty good!

And thank you, Hannakat, for all the work you are putting into helping us! I am glad you are my mentor in this endeavor!

You're welcome... but I think we are pretty much in this thing together! Some things I remember quickly (like what to do with mealworms) but the IMPORTANT stuff....geesh....good thing my DH is so smart!

 

[hannakat]

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I spend about 15-20 minutes a day fussing with them but this is still very new and very interesting to me. I love learning new things and seeing how they develop has been very interesting.

This amount of time is completely optional!

 

[ima57boomer]

Is this something you do in your house? I would be concerned that there would be 'escapees' that would find their way into my pantry food. I'm like the other poster. I can't believe I'm actually considering doing this. Lordy. And just think, 3 months ago, I didn't even have chicken one. Now I have ten 8 wk. old birds that I'm a slave to..well, sort of. They are fun and I've developed a special bond with a couple of them, so it's only natural that I would want the best for them.

 

[hannakat]

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Hi! Sounds like you're 'committed' now!!

They sure have a way of reeling us in!

Yes, mine are in the house. I keep them mostly in the office unless I'm 'playing' with my farm....then they are on the dining room table. I work best on the table with my little 3-drawer set up...so yes, you read correctly ~ dining room table.

The worms really don't go far from the food source (the grains, oats, meal...) so there's no worry about them. The beetles don't fly and as long as there's a couple inches of plastic or glass from the top to the substrate (the grains, oats, meal...) and the top of the container, they can't get out. AND even if one got out, I doubt that it could ever make it to your pantry. AND there would have to be a male and a female escape together for any reproduction ..... so ... it is my firm belief that my pantry items are very safe.

Hope this helps!

 

[luvmesomechicks]

Is he dead or is it gonna turn into a beatle soon?