Mealworm farming

[galanie]

I HAVE BEEN WIPED OUT!!!!!!!!!


All my mealies are gone, disappeared!!!

I have tracked down the issue and have installed safty measures.  I never did put the lid on my bins, they couldn't crawl out, they were in the dresser set up so I never thought it was ness.  Well appearently rodents eat mealies.  We had a mouse (trapped that sucker and fed him to the chickens) and he ate all my mealies while I was at work (2 days).  Now I have the lids on (drilled holes for ventilation) and I also smeared vasoline on the edges where the lid meets the bin to act as a barrier against ants while I was at it (two bird one stone and all)  Anyway I should have plenty of eggs in the bins so I'll see how it goes.

That's awful! But like you said, you should have plenty of eggs. It just stinks to have to wait for them to grow up though.

 

[ScottM]

okay, this thread is already out of control so I'll add another question,

If I want to maximize production, what is best? More surface area or more cubic feet/depth?

I know that feed, humidity and heat may be more of a factor but I'm deciding on containers. Tks

/Scott

 

[OkChickens]

I HAVE BEEN WIPED OUT!!!!!!!!!


All my mealies are gone, disappeared!!!

I have tracked down the issue and have installed safty measures. I never did put the lid on my bins, they couldn't crawl out, they were in the dresser set up so I never thought it was ness. Well appearently rodents eat mealies. We had a mouse (trapped that sucker and fed him to the chickens) and he ate all my mealies while I was at work (2 days). Now I have the lids on (drilled holes for ventilation) and I also smeared vasoline on the edges where the lid meets the bin to act as a barrier against ants while I was at it (two bird one stone and all) Anyway I should have plenty of eggs in the bins so I'll see how it goes.

Im sorry to hear about that Kassaundra. We have a cat that is a great mouser! She found us a few months ago and I havent seen mice since!

Nate

 

[OkChickens]

okay, this thread is already out of control so I'll add another question,
If I want to maximize production, what is best? More surface area or more cubic feet/depth?
I know that feed, humidity and heat may be more of a factor but I'm deciding on containers. Tks
/Scott

Surface Area. about 2-3 inches deep and long and wide make it easier to raise more worms.

Nate

 

[hannakat]

I HAVE BEEN WIPED OUT!!!!!!!!!


All my mealies are gone, disappeared!!!

NO WAY!!!!

btw ~ drott3 ~ YEY!!!!

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
Out of curiosity, why more surface area?

 

[OkChickens]

From what I have read, I have seen articles said the area that that touches more air gives a better environment for better success. An example would be a 12x12 bin 2-3 inches deep would be better than a 12x6 bin and 6 inches deep. I think 3 inches of bran for worms in plenty and there in no need for deeper. This is my opinion that I use for my mealies.

Nate

 

[Kassaundra]

Im sorry to hear about that Kassaundra. We have a cat that is a great mouser! She found us a few months ago and I havent seen mice since!

Nate

My cat recently died of feline leoparsy, it was our second one in the past couple of years to get it, makes me very nervous to get another, but Gary loves cats, it's only a matter of time before I come home from work and he has brought one home.

 

[onafixedincome]

Oh, no!! I am so sorry to hear that--they didn't go for the dubias, did they? Yes, rodents love mealies and beetles too. Know someone who feeds both to their pet rats and mice...

Hugs and rooting for zillllllions of eggs!

 

[onafixedincome]

okay, this thread is already out of control so I'll add another question,
If I want to maximize production, what is best? More surface area or more cubic feet/depth?
I know that feed, humidity and heat may be more of a factor but I'm deciding on containers. Tks
/Scott

Out of control?! US!?!??? I surely hope so!

For the worms, I agree that 3-4 inches of bran bedding works great as long as there is plenty of room for them to spread out and eat and move. But...for the beetles...they, too, are looking much happier in their new 'home'--about 8 inches of bran in a 24x30-or-so tall storage container. There are beetles at all levels in the box from top to bottom, too, breeding and feeding and active, so I have to conclude that it's as successful as any other method.