Mealworm farming

[kilby]

That is strange? Worms do carry a parasite that can make chickens sick though so maybe it's for the best. Frustrating I agree. Mine do fine on earth worms. I prefer it. Much faster. Extra protein in the winter, that sort of thing now.
Maybe, if it was all they had to eat they might eat some and like 'em.

have fun

 

[Kassaundra]

Lessor mealworms are vectors to poultry disease (Alphitobius diaperinus)
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/poultry/lesser_mealworm.htm


Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus) are not the same insect and are completely okay to feed to all kinds of fowl

http://www.sialis.org/raisingmealworms.htm



Earthworms also pose a potential problem w/ chickens called gapeworm

http://poultrykeeper.com/digestive-system-problems/gape-worm-or-syngamus-trachea

 

[showbarnmom]

As long as they have grit you can start as early as day 3 (at least I have w/ all my chicks) I brood on sand so they have grit from day one.

So mine that are 2 weeks and 7 weeks should be fine? I have them on a chick starter. Is that enough?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Quote: Does anyone know how to get rid of them? I REALLY don't want to loose my colony!

 

[Kassaundra]

So mine that are 2 weeks and 7 weeks should be fine? I have them on a chick starter. Is that enough?

Chick start is enouh nutritionally for chicks, but has no grit, you would still need to give access to grit if you are going to give them any treats that would require "teeth"

 

[showbarnmom]

Chick start is enouh nutritionally for chicks, but has no grit, you would still need to give access to grit if you are going to give them any treats that would require "teeth" 

Ahh. That's what I need to know. Didn't think he had grit in it. Will pick some up on the next feed store trip. Then I will order my worms! Should I mix it in their starter or just in a bowl?

 

[Kassaundra]

Either way would work I would just give them a small bowl of it and let them have at it on thier own.

 

[showbarnmom]

Either way would work I would just give them a small bowl of it and let them have at it on thier own.

Ty

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote: Does anyone know how to get rid of them? I REALLY don't want to loose my colony!

Do they look like the larvae on this page and seem to move fast and constantly?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Higher fatalities of the worms or birds. One of groups have been discussing that mealworms shouldn't be given to poultry.

LOL, both! I meant the meat birds. I am no expert, IMO..If you feed out a mass quantity of meal worms every day, I would be concerned the CX would just keep right on eating. They would be getting a lot more protein in their diet. If i remember right, the fat content is pretty high in mealies too. If the proteins get too high, they start getting heart attacks and legs give out.They just grow so fast, they outgrow their bones, and their hearts just can keep up. The best idea to follow is get the nutritional requirements for the birds (Cooperative extension should be able to give that to you). Then create your feed plan from that.