Mealworm farming

[Drivernumber22]

And also...my bucket I've been keeping them in, some how it got very most, is this bad or good?

 

[estamets]

And also...my bucket I've been keeping them in, some how it got very most, is this bad or good?

Bad because it can get moldy. Try leaving it open for a day or two to dry out.

 

[chickenALD]

So an up date on my colony. I start it in May I have three plastic bends of small worms. They are growing but slowly how do I get them to grow faster? Also on the worms how do I tell if the oats is used up? Any way to make the cleaning faster?
Thanks for any help

 

[Latestarter]

If you see oats, then they are not all used up. With bran it's a little more difficult as it's about the same as the frass (poop) If your colony is growing slow, they may need more moisture - veggies... give them baby carrots and or apple slices. If they disappear (the veggies) in a day or 2, then that's most likely the problem. Cleaning? what's that?

 

[dstinett]

I only clean mine once a year. Twice if use anything other than potatoes carrots and whole wheat bread

 

[Dipstick]

Do you have a picture of your drawer that has the screen....and do you just remove them with your hands to clean the drawer.....I am wanting to start my own, any info would be great!

If you are asking me, I do not use that system, so I cannot help you. I use screen based bins for sifting the entire colony, but not for general life if that makes sense.

 

[Dipstick]

If you see oats, then they are not all used up. With bran it's a little more difficult as it's about the same as the frass (poop) If your colony is growing slow, they may need more moisture - veggies... give them baby carrots and or apple slices. If they disappear (the veggies) in a day or 2, then that's most likely the problem. Cleaning? what's that?

LOL.... love your thoughts on cleaning!

I learned to use the full sized carrots which I cut in strips longways. Half, then each half in half again. I end up with 4 long strips with good surface area. Not much left tomorrow. Bran and lots of veggies. Same temps as you enjoy.

 

[Dipstick]

And also...my bucket I've been keeping them in, some how it got very most, is this bad or good?

Get a large wide flat container, and dump everything into it, and spread it out. Put it where a fan can blow the air around to speed the drying process. stir the bedding often until mostly dry. Remember that the worms will enjoy the moisture to an extent, so you do not have to dry it completely, but also do not feed ANY vegetables until the bran is dry. Your worms are like little shop vacs and they will suck that moisture up. Also if the environment is high 90's F that will help speed the process.

Remember, do not panic. They do not have you to babysit them in the wild... and they survive just fine. In the rain, the drought, the snow, the............

 

[estamets]

Get a large wide flat container, and dump everything into it, and spread it out. Put it where a fan can blow the air around to speed the drying process. stir the bedding often until mostly dry. Remember that the worms will enjoy the moisture to an extent, so you do not have to dry it completely, but also do not feed ANY vegetables until the bran is dry. Your worms are like little shop vacs and they will suck that moisture up. Also if the environment is high 90's F that will help speed the process.


Remember, do not panic. They do not have you to babysit them in the wild... and they survive just fine. In the rain, the drought, the snow, the............

...the bottoms of pasta packages...

 

[zarafa121]

Very interesting reading and appreciated! I startd a small mealworm operation last week, and so far, so good. One thing has me wondering, though: do the pupae move? I've seen one or two wiggle, but most look lifeless. The worms themselves are very lively and doing well. I am using chicken scratch for their food, but I think I will switch to bran or oatmeal. Thanks for your help!