Mealworm farming

[Mavrk]

So I got some wheat bran and put it in the oven at 130 for 20 minutes. I let it cool in the oven, then I went to get it out and notice some live beetles. While I know I am looking to farm related beetles, I figured it is best not to have these around. Is there any harm in baking the wheat bran for longer?

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

So I got some wheat bran and put it in the oven at 130 for 20 minutes. I let it cool in the oven, then I went to get it out and notice some live beetles. While I know I am looking to farm related beetles, I figured it is best not to have these around. Is there any harm in baking the wheat bran for longer?

Not as much harm as the infesting beetles. Make sure the oven is up to temp and then put it in. Maybe you should increase the temp to 140?

 

[Mavrk]

Those things are persistent. I put it for another 20 minutes and a few were still alive (that I could see). I am increasing to 140.

 

[DMRippy]

Suggest putting the bin in the bright light or sun for a while first--the live beetles will burrow and all the deads are on top. Makes scooping them out with a cat litter scoop much easier. Dump the bodies in a pan and the ones that crawl out were just sleeping. Blow dryer on low should get the skins out, but don't forget to wear a mask and keep your mouth shut. (Go ahead, ask me how I found that one out! LOL!)

Those are great suggestions too. I will try the light and cat litter scoop.

 

[DMRippy]

Quote: Thanks, forgot that part!

 

[DMRippy]

Do you mean window screening? Is that what you use? Thanks for the info! Interesting idea with the blow-dryer, I'll have to try that! Thanks again!

Yes. I use that on the bottom of my bins so the egg, little worms and frass fall through.... Now that I have my bins fixed again. Going to let them go for about 2 weeks and then dump the frass and babies in another bin to grow.

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
I turn the oven on 200 degrees and keep them in for 15-20 mins so the BRAN is at 130-140 degrees. I leave them in the oven till it cool down. I don't know if a oven temp of 130-140 would get the BRAN to that temp in 15-20 mins.

 

[Mavrk]

I turn the oven on 200 degrees and keep them in for 15-20 mins so the BRAN is at 130-140 degrees. I leave them in the oven till it cool down. I don't know if a oven temp of 130-140 would get the BRAN to that temp in 15-20 mins.

That makes sense.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I use wheat bran for all containers but beetles. rolled oats in theirs and a layer of bran underneath the oats.. they don't seem to have the "balance issues" in it. (HELP I'VE FALLEN ON MY BACK AND CAN'T GET UP)

I am buying a lot of grain now for Fermenting Feed so I always have it on hand. This helps keep it rotated and used up.. but i still bake a bunch up, then freeze about 10 pounds ahead. my bins are up to 7 now, a 3 drawer, a 1 drawer and 3 shoebox totes. If i have a disaster at least i am covered

I have 2 drawers with wormies i can see and pick out now also... very happy with the progress. I also have a working waxworm farm now too, these are more for fishing, and my Oscars treats but am curious if they are a good protein for chickens too.. an going to research it.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

The crickets won but soo not doing those, mealies sure beat the waxworm... here's the info i found!
Grubco offered this info
http://www.grubco.com/nutritional_information.cfm

Nutritional Information

To keep you better informed, our products have been analyzed by an independent lab. We are the only live food producer to publish a nutritional analysis. We have done so for years and intend to continue our commitment to quality and consistency.
NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

​

Crickets​

Meal Worms​

Wax Worms​

Super Worms​

Fly Larvae​

Moisture, %​

69.07​

62.44​

61.73​

59.37​

68.18​

Fat, %​

6.01​

12.72​

22.19​

17.89​

7.81​

Protein, %​

21.32​

20.27​

15.50​

17.41​

15.58​

Fiber, %​

3.2​

1.73​

7.69​

6.80​

3.46​

Ash​

2.17​

1.57​

1.02​

1.20​

1.40​

Ca, ppm​

345​

133​

283​

124​

874​

P, ppm​

4238​

3345​

2161​

2320​

2405​

CA/P ratio %​

0.081​

0.040​

0.131​

0.053​

0.363​