Mealworm farming

[pigeonguy]

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​

I may have to start raising Brown crickets again along with the meal worms. They are so easy if you have a large aquarium and cardboard egg cartons and a jar of water with a hole punched in it with a cotton string protruding out the top and just feed like meal worms. Some people say they stink but I never had that problem. They are noisy though if you don't like that sound. Thing is I do.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I may have to start raising Brown crickets again along with the meal worms. They are so easy if you have a large aquarium and cardboard egg cartons and a jar of water with a hole punched in it with a cotton string protruding out the top and just feed like meal worms. Some people say they stink but I never had that problem. They are noisy though if you don't like that sound. Thing is I do.

if i add any more bugs my DD's will run away, and DH will prolly divorce me! JK but ugh way too many things going. Crickets wouldn't bother me a bit. I like them to fish with too! I am sprouting, fermenting, raising wormies and waxies. on top of the 50+ critters so far...

but love every bit of it.

 

[mstricer]

Quote: They stink

 

[mstricer]

I can't find wheat bran. I have been using wheat germ, I thought it would be the same, its not.
Here's what I found, they both have benefits.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/148686-difference-between-wheat-bran-wheat-germ/
So is it okay to use?

 

[Slinglings]

wheat bran is a lot cheaper. Where have you looked for it? Do you have any whole foods type grocery stores with bulk food bins? That's usually the place to find it. It should be about 80 cents a pound. wheat germ is high in fat and will become rancid. wheat bran is fairly shelf stable, it will last for a very long time if kept dry.

Feed stores will sometimes have it, like stores that sell chicken feed.

walmart online and amazon prime have it fairly cheap with shipping included if all else fails...

 

[WildflowerJLH]

I get my organic wheat bran for $0.50 per pound from Azure Standard, but that is only helpful if you already order with them.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I can't find wheat bran. I have been using wheat germ, I thought it would be the same, its not.
Here's what I found, they both have benefits.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/148686-difference-between-wheat-bran-wheat-germ/
So is it okay to use?

If your local farm/feed store doesn't carry it, they can order it also... or you can just use regular feed your chickens eat...NON-medicated. Rolled oats do work well also. Good luck! Also forgot to mention, i got my wheat bran for like $15 for 50# at Tractor supply. It was in the horse feed section.

 

[pigeonguy]

They stink

Not if the habitat is kept dry. Rice helps with that.
Just so you know that"s about crickets.

 

[Tikkajazz94]

nce I've been treating my birds with mealworms, some of the girls have been nicer to me, and I can pet them YAY!!!!

 

[lbrtyldy]

Botulism? Has anyone heard of issues with this like there are with meat buckets and maggots? I am just about ready to find a place to order some meal worms to get going with this but don't want to give my girls botulism if it's an issue. Thanks!