Mealworm farming

[emerald eyes]

How difficult is it to raise mealworms? My chickens loved the treat in the winter, they actually squak at me until I gave them worms and would often come running to the sound of the bag rumbling. I spent $20 for a 1lb bag at Agway, but would be open to raising the worms for the wintertime.

What supplies would I need? Would an aquarium (10 gallon) be sufficient for raising them?

Thanks

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote:
They are ridiculously easy to raise. A 10 gallon aquarium would be perfect for starting a colony. Of course, once your chickens get addicted to them you'll have to add more colonies to keep up with the demand.

Here's how I raise them: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=56638-how-to-raise-mealworms You can look back at the first page of the thread for other pages on how to raise them.

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
They are ridiculously easy to raise. A 10 gallon aquarium would be perfect for starting a colony. Of course, once your chickens get addicted to them you'll have to add more colonies to keep up with the demand.

Here's how I raise them: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=56638-how-to-raise-mealworms You can look back at the first page of the thread for other pages on how to raise them.

x2

 

[emerald eyes]

Thanks,

I will look around the house for the old tank. Where do you purchase the mealworm? Could I get them at Petco? I used to get live mealworms for the bearded dragon and occassionally get a hatched beetle from being kept too long.

 

[andrea98]

On here or eBay .. I got mine off eBay 1000 for 14.00 and that was with shipping .. All arrived alive & nice!!!

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
Take some time and read the first post on this thread. On there, you will find 3 links to BYCer's (including Gallo) mealworm pages. There is also a list of places to purchase mealworms from, including 2 BYCers. I believe WestKnollAmy has an auction listing for mealworms under the "Everything Else For Sale" section or you can PM her directly, as with crazy huhn.

You can also purchase them at Petco or Ebay...where ever you feel comfortable. Start out with at least 1000 if you can.

Have fun and WELCOME to the farm!!!

Trish

 

[kizanne]

Today was the day. While I'm sure we've had babies for a while. Today is the day the kids 'found' their babies for our mealworm project. It was a day of excitement. Then of course their was the inevitable no babies box we will see if they are smart enough to figure out that they might have ended up with all boys or all girls. It was great. Can't wait til we get to do the rest of the project in January or Feb.

 

[edjanuary39]

So aside from buying a few to start, what is involved in raising mealworms? I'm new. What are the pros and cons, the things you figured out alongthe way? and any other valuable info. I would love to learn from your experience! Do I just need a tub and some dirt, what do they eat, freezing them? All you are willing to give! There is 238 pages on this thread, that's a lot to go through! Thanks!

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
The easiest way to get an idea is to start on the very first post of this thread. There you will find links to 3 BYCer's mealworm information pages. After reading over those, you'll have most of your questions answered. Whatever questions you still have after that, ask away!

It's really easy but start with the basics first by reading the links.

Welcome to the farm!!

 

[hannakat]

Quote:

I've been wondering how it went! Don't give up on the baby-less boxes yet.....the little suckers can surprise you with their ability to be invisable!!