Mealworm farming

[OwensMom]

I think that we have to realize that the first life cycle that we raise under our own conditions will be different from the ones that we bought. There has be some adjustment to our enviroment which HAS to be different from the one(enviroment) that they came from. There will be a certain % of loss and maybe some difference in size. But when you think that Gallo in Tuscon has had her bin going for 20 yrs with great success and her enviroment is warmer and drier than mine, These insects must be highly adaptable.
I think that we have to go with the flow. We may want maximum production but in reality that may not happen for a few generations. Only the strong (and adaptable) survive and that is a good thing. REally the success of the bin is out of our control. We can influence that success but we are not in control. Nature is and She will dictate the timing of the bin. So relax let the bin progress. Enjoy the journey.
By the way I got all the above info from an old sage worm who promptly pupated. See ya in the next stage!!

 

[BeccaSmith]

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Very well said! I have found about a half dozen dead in my new colony....I was concerned but now I am not after reading this!

 

[tresgallina3]

I have a very small flock of 2 hens (2 very happy hens). Buying thousands of meal worms would be not a good move on my part. My husband tells me that buying meal worms from the pet store is not good because that is how chickens pickup parasites. Any thoughts on this?

 

[oneofseven]

Quote:
According to Imsteins Theory of Chicken Relativity, "If 2 chickens are walking on a train from back to front at the speed of light, four chickens will spontaneously appear at the end of the journey. " Hence the beginning of Chicken Math. You may get more chickens before the Spring comes.

Go ahead and buy the 1000 and let them grow. You will be suprised how fast they get eaten.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

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Maybe he's thinking of earthworms in the wild possibly carrying parasites? I've never heard of mealworms being a problem, especially domestically raised mealworms.

 

[OwensMom]

According to Imsteins Theory of Chicken Relativity, "If 2 chickens are walking on a train from back to front at the speed of light, four chickens will spontaneously appear at the end of the journey. " Hence the beginning of Chicken Math.
Between Chicken Math and Mealworm Philsophy we have a University started.

Becca glad that you arent worried anymore. These things are tough. Just enjoy the adventure!!
tresgallina3 the worms are kept in a controled enviroment and will only have whatever you provide. Don't know how they could become contaminated with parasites. As WoodlandWoman has suggested your husband could be confusing them with earthworms.

 

[BeccaSmith]

Out of about 1500...what would be a normal amount of worms die-off due to their new environment? I've had them for about a week or so and I've found about a dozen dead so that isn't too bad I guess...but the more I poke through the bin the more I see several that have just died and not turned black yet.....they just look stiff and lifeless and aren't moving so I am assuming they are dead and that this isn't part of their cycle.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

They are not dead unless they are black. If they look lifeless and are not moving they may be about to pupate. That is what mine do.

 

[OwensMom]

Depends Becca. Sometimes the imobile ones are waiting their turn to pupate. It depends on the enviroment that they came from. Packaging, handling, temp in route, temp at your house, how much the enviroment that they came from differs from your own enviroment. When breeding another organism, there are so many variables. If you followed the guidlines that were laid down here that is the best that you can do. Why worry about what you cannot control?
Ask again about mortality % when you are on gen 3. Then the colony will be stable and I won't have any more answers for you!!!!
Hannahkat HELP!!

 

[BeccaSmith]

Quote:
Yes you have a very good point....why worry what you cannot control....I'll try and control my worrying...lol. I have only been picking out the ones that turn black or are partially eaten looking....not sure if that is what is going on with the dead ones but that is how it looks. They have plenty of food with the carrots, potatoes, celery, apple, but only some seem to feed on them....the rest must be eating the wheat bran and oats. Thanks again for the reassurance!