Mealworm farming

[LaBella]

I just want you all to know I am reading this WHOLE thread. I happen to have grown mealies for my dearly departed Wartly, and my run away Fred (common toad, and eastern box turtle respectively).

I don't know if anyone knows some of the things I know, but I guess I will find out eventually, then I can add my 2 cent to the worm bin, and join in the crazy worm fun. I think I have found my new home, reading the posts I read was like hearing myself the first time I started growing my own mealies. And it NEVER got old for me.

Just so you all know, I'm on page 50. I'm wondering how Willamina grew up, and now I am worried about dinosaur chickens eating fingers while looking for worms.

And now back to As the Worm Wiggles...

 

[DMRippy]

What size screen have you got on the top drawer? Is that using something like rolled oats? Do you put fruit and vegetable leftovers in both levels? Or do the goodies go mostly to the growing worms?

Thanks!

It is window screen... needs to be metal.... they eat the other stuff. Wheat bran is what i use. I feed both levels but I don't feed the bottom much.

 

[Alaska Fowls]

Anybody know if rice bran is a good substrate for mealies?

 

[Cebarmlds]

I just want you all to know I am reading this WHOLE thread. I happen to have grown mealies for my dearly departed Wartly, and my run away Fred (common toad, and eastern box turtle respectively).

I don't know if anyone knows some of the things I know, but I guess I will find out eventually, then I can add my 2 cent to the worm bin, and join in the crazy worm fun. I think I have found my new home, reading the posts I read was like hearing myself the first time I started growing my own mealies. And it NEVER got old for me.

Just so you all know, I'm on page 50. I'm wondering how Willamina grew up, and now I am worried about dinosaur chickens eating fingers while looking for worms.

And now back to As the Worm Wiggles...

Welcome LaBella!!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Do any of you guys think its worth it to take out what beetles I can salvage before I dump my farm?

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Do any of you guys think its worth it to take out what beetles I can salvage before I dump my farm?

If you can distinguish between the mealworms and the invaders, I'd pull out all of the good beetles, larvae and pupae and give the remainder to the chickens. Be sure to wash out the colony container before re-stocking it with new bran and the good guys. Also, you have to think about future re-infestations. The invaders likely came in through contaminated substrate, or were able to somehow immigrate to the colony. Heating the substrate prior to adding it, and/or putting a barrier over top (one that does not limit air exchange too much) will help keep most other things out.

 

[Tikkajazz94]

If I were to buy more stock, raise them all and sell the babies.... Do you think there would be a profit?

 

[Tikkajazz94]

Sorry it sent more then one.... I'm doing this by cell phone

 

[Mavrk]

Yay, babies! I decided to take a closer look at my bin and picked up a small handful of bran. I sifted through and saw a few baby worms about 1/4" long and really skinny. So my new generation is growing. Now I just have to wait for them to get big enough to feed some to the birds. How long until they are ready? 1 month, 2 months?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Yay, babies! I decided to take a closer look at my bin and picked up a small handful of bran. I sifted through and saw a few baby worms about 1/4" long and really skinny. So my new generation is growing. Now I just have to wait for them to get big enough to feed some to the birds. How long until they are ready? 1 month, 2 months?

Yeeehaw! a few weeks, you will be a god to your chickies!!!!