Mealworm farming

[evemfoster]

Kind of like an edible sponge.

Exactly.

I should mention. If it gets real dry i make a log cabin like stack of them with the driest cobs in the bedding and the freshly soaked ones on the top. I find it saves the bedding if i goof up and put the fresh cobs in too wet the water will slowly soak into the cobs its sitting on.

 

[kubotafoot]

Microwave by the cup full....Kills creatures FAST!

 

[kubotafoot]

I had some cucumber "ends" and seeds left over from pickling they other day and threw them into the bin. WOW.....like WOW!!!! I never saw them attack moisture so darn fast! Within minutes they'd dragged it under and all you saw was circles of meal worms drinking. Guess I was under watering my colony, as since I have added more veg's for moisture, they are producing a lot more.....Live and learn!

 

[estamets]

My first mealie babies are hatching! I started with 2000 worms about 3 months ago, which have cycled through their life stages, and I've been waiting (and disappointing the chickens every time we check the bin) for the new ones to arrive. Today I saw my first few tiny tiny baby mealworms. They're pretty adorable. You know, for worms.

 

[Latestarter]

Now wait another couple of weeks and you'll be thinking "I need a BIGGER bin!" You'll be amazed at how many you'll have once they all hatch and get big enough to see! I started mine in march with 5000 split roughly in 1/2 into 2 large containers. I still have several hundred beetles running around and tens of thousands of worms at all stages of life, and have started seeing pupa from the 2nd gen worms! I now have 3 containers going and they are all thriving! I've been bringing my chickens worms about every other day and not even making a dent in the general worm population! It's awesome! and the birds are loving it too!

 

[Lavmoon]

I started my first Mealworm farm this week with 200. I just ordered some of the beetles(1000) online so that I can have different stages going at one time. I'm excited how easy and cheep this is compared to buying freeze dried mealworms at $20 a bag! With all worms and beetles together so far it will have cost me $30.

 

[kubotafoot]

Look around for good prices.
I started with 5,000 meal worms and they cost 31.40 from Rainbow at Amazon with free shipping! They are not all the same age, so you get pupa, beetles and worms pretty easily at a great price. Just keep them watered and warm....they do the rest! Welcome and good luck!

 

[estamets]

  Now wait another couple of weeks and you'll be thinking "I need a BIGGER bin!" You'll be amazed at how many you'll have once they all hatch and get big enough to see! I started mine in march with 5000 split roughly in 1/2 into 2 large containers. I still have several hundred beetles running around and tens of thousands of worms at all stages of life, and have started seeing pupa from the 2nd gen worms! I now have 3 containers going and they are all thriving! I've been bringing my chickens worms about every other day and not even making a dent in the general worm population! It's awesome! and the birds are loving it too!

That would be a great problem to have

 

[Dipstick]

I had some cucumber "ends" and seeds left over from pickling they other day and threw them into the bin. WOW.....like WOW!!!! I never saw them attack moisture so darn fast! Within minutes they'd dragged it under and all you saw was circles of meal worms drinking. Guess I was under watering my colony, as since I have added more veg's for moisture, they are producing a lot more.....Live and learn!

This is a BIG issue. Most people under water. Can they survive on a minimalist diet? Of course, but can they THRIVE on it? The answer is "No." You MUST give them the maximum water source if you wish them to not only thrive, but become massively productive. Like gravity, this is a foundational "Law" in this subject.

 

[estamets]

This is a BIG issue. Most people under water. Can they survive on a minimalist diet? Of course, but can they THRIVE on it? The answer is "No." You MUST give them the maximum water source if you wish them to not only thrive, but become massively productive. Like gravity, this is a foundational "Law" in this subject.

Has anyone tried watermelon rind? I always have the rind left after the chickens finish with it. Do you think it's too wet?