Mealworm farming

[Kassaundra]

Yes, I popped it first, and so did clucky jay. I think it is just another substrate option, and the beetles especially are climbing all over it and eating it.

I figure since they aren't specialized eaters, the more variety I give them the better they will be healthwise and better they will be nutritionally for the chickens. And the more substrate options we have the better for the pocketbook and the easier if you run out of something to substitute w/ other stuff.

 

[anklebiter]

Quote:
Cool, thank you very much for the reply. Mine seem to enjoy cornmeal, so popped corn makes sense the more I think about it.

My wife will really think i've flipped when I start fixing popcorn for the mealworms. I think i'll skip the butter and salt for theirs though.

 

[TedJan92_in_Idaho]

How many are raising meal worms in the house and how bad is the odor? I have plenty of room in my incubator room

 

[anklebiter]

Quote:
Thanks for the response. Since I have the extra 3-drawer unit, I was considering this method. It seems as if it might not make a large difference. Due to the tremendous amounts of mealies people are raising using the 'large tub' method, I might just stick to doing that.

I could use the 3-drawer unit for 3 separate colonies, although they would be smaller. If I started these at different times, it would be easier to maintain a constant supply of different sizes available at any particular time.

 

[anklebiter]

Quote:
I only have 2 totes at the moment (16" x 12" x 6"), but I am using mine to feed the Oscars and the extras not needed to maintain the colonies go outside to the birds. I am thinking of expanding, just not sure how far off the deep end I want to go.

No odor problems. I don't go out of my way to separate the dead ones, although I get an occasional wild hair and do some 'house cleaning' in the bins. I have found that too much moisture adds to the odor problem more than dead ones (which get quickly eaten by the live beetles/mealworms).

 

[Kassaundra]

Mine are also inside, there is an earthy odor, but not stinky or offensive, and you can only smell it right at the colony bin. I keep mine in the spare bedroom and keep the door closed so the pets don't get curious and for better temp control.

I had a thought just popped into my head. For those concerned about odor, earth worms love coffee grounds I wonder what a sprinking of coffee would do? If it would affect the mealies in any way, it would add a pleasant odor (not that the mealies have an unpleasant odor, just if there are any ultra sensitive noses.)

 

[gale65]

The celery was an epic fail. They prefer parsley, lettuce or bread.

 

[Mommato5]

Quote:
My mealies are in the kitchen (on the counter next to the microwave in a 3 drawer bin right now) and you honestly can't smell ANYTHING unless you open a drawer and stick your nose in it. LOL

 

[Gold Griffin Chicken Mom]

I don't remember corn husks in a picture, but the person with the corn cobs said the worms ate the interior of the cobs and hid inside. Instant cave.

 

[galanie]

Quote:
I have a bin in my kitchen and one here in the computer room. Can't smell a thing unless you stick your head in the bin. Even then, it's not a bad smell, just a bit earthy.