Mealworm farming

[ZakoHero]

I can't decide who to buy from. And can't decide what type of system I want, 3 draw, tote, or just an aquarium. *le sigh* I have a bearded dragon, too, who loves mealies. I just gotta sit down and decide. *searches web* oh look! A squirrel!

LOL!!You could buy from anywhere!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote:

 

[Mavrk]

I can't decide who to buy from. And can't decide what type of system I want, 3 draw, tote, or just an aquarium. *le sigh* I have a bearded dragon, too, who loves mealies. I just gotta sit down and decide. *searches web* oh look! A squirrel!

As to who to buy from. Go with price and availability. If those are close, go with reputation. If you want them faster, then get it locally (although online is still pretty fast).

As for the system. You have time to decide and you can always change. I personally would start with whatever you have lying around. The system you end up can also depend on how many chickens you have to feed (plus the lizard).

Now I have to let my dogs out because they see a squirrel and are whining to go out.

 

[lorililly]

Is this something good to do for the chickens ??

 

[bobbieschicks]

I've been scooping out cups of worms and beetles or the chicks lately. Once they figured out how to eat past the substrate they were quite pleased.

 

[showbarnmom]

As to who to buy from. Go with price and availability. If those are close, go with reputation. If you want them faster, then get it locally (although online is still pretty fast).

As for the system. You have time to decide and you can always change. I personally would start with whatever you have lying around. The system you end up can also depend on how many chickens you have to feed (plus the lizard).

Now I have to let my dogs out because they see a squirrel and are whining to go out.

See...there's my issue. I've got extra of each system. Lol. I've got 12 chicks, only half will get to stay once they are grown. So I'm sure I would buy 1000 every other month and not have to worry about breeding. There isn't anyone really local other than the pet store, so it'll be best to buy online.
*goes back to searching eBay*

Oh look! A shiney purse and new shoes! Wait.....oh well lmao.

 

[Mavrk]

Is this something good to do for the chickens ??

A lot of us give our chickens mealworms as treats. They are high in protein (something like 58% if I recall). And the chickens love them. So they are good for "training" the chickens as well. Some people use it to get them to come when called, or go to their coop when told, etc. I only have 4 chickens, so the thought of spending the money (even every other month) on mealworms just increases the cost of the eggs I have yet to receive So I opted for spending the money once and breeding them out. With 2 kids, I always have some extra baby carrots or half eaten apples or extra potatoes, etc. lying around. The rotten stuff goes to my red wiggler composting. some of the fresher stuff goes in with the mealworms. Wheat bran is cheap too, and 5 lbs will last quite a while.

 

[Mavrk]

See...there's my issue. I've got extra of each system. Lol. I've got 12 chicks, only half will get to stay once they are grown. So I'm sure I would buy 1000 every other month and not have to worry about breeding. There isn't anyone really local other than the pet store, so it'll be best to buy online.
*goes back to searching eBay*

Oh look! A shiney purse and new shoes! Wait.....oh well lmao.

Okay, I'll make your decisions since you are distracted by shiny things

If you have a 10 gallon aquarium sitting around, use that. Contact Amy and see if she has 1000 worms for you to buy. http://www.westknollfarm.com/contact.html

Or buy those new shoes... It's really up to you

 

[showbarnmom]

Okay, I'll make your decisions since you are distracted by shiny things

If you have a 10 gallon aquarium sitting around, use that. Contact Amy and see if she has 1000 worms for you to buy. http://www.westknollfarm.com/contact.html Or buy those new shoes... It's really up to you

You already know me so well! I do like shiney objects. I'm going to see about ordering from her

 

[bowen012]

I see others who have opted to raise some kind of cockroach instead of meal worms. Of the two, I have no plans on raising an insect I can't stand in or around my house -- so cockroaches are out. Even if I would get a lot of pleasure out of seeing the chickens consume the nasty critters. I figure I've chosen the lesser of two "evils." Besides mealworms aren't that bad an option when you really think about it. Now fly maggots...that would peak my gross-out meter!

I have a colony of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (my 5y.o. thought they were neat). As pets for the time being but may start offering them up to my chickens once I get their new coop/run built. On the roaches themselves, they really aren't bad. I was hesitant to allow them as pets because of the perceived yuck factor, but they're nothing like American cockroaches that populate at insane levels. I bought 2 males/2 females, and have them in a 30g tank with maybe a couple hundred roaches. Virtually 0 maintenance (drop a potato or apple in once a week or so) and they get their food/drink needs from it. You could put a pair in a tupperware container, poke some holes in the top and just grab a few out at a time for your chickens with no hassle. If anyone wants a few to start a renewable feed source with, or colony for pet/entertainment/education; let me know. Free with your shipping.