Mealworm farming

[WestKnollAmy]

That is the little flock that I always got attacked by when I went into the brooder room or even the tractor so now that they are old enough to free range and their tractor is right at my carport, I can sneak out without them seeing what I am carrying. However, they do keep an eye out and when they see me put something down they make a mad dash for all the treat bowls. I couldn't get my camera up fast enough to show them flying towards me.

Oneofseven, it gives you that warm fuzzy to see them gobble down the mealies and ask for more. I, too, wish I had enough to feed every bird on my farm all they want every day but alas, I haven't gotten that far.

 

[kevinhannan]

Anybody in the UK who wouldn't mind posting me a tub of mealworms *please*?
I will pay postage of course!

I'd like to start a mealworm farm. Thanks very much.

 

[reereechickens]

Hi! I would like to maybe keep mealworms but then again I may be too wimpy for these. If I get a spider on me I can flick it off no problem or an inch worm not to bad but cornworm I can't stand along with any catepillar. I think if I wore gloves I could handle them. I have bought the freeze dried ones in the store and they are not too bad. I guess my questions are:
1. How often do you have to handle them?
2. Do they bite? Stick on you?
3.Should I maybe just stick with supporting others and buy dead mealworms?

I have a basement that in the winter will get down to 50 degrees, too cold?

Thanks for any answers!

 

[kevinhannan]

@ rrc,

- you could wear latex gloves which will solve a lot of issues.
- I have used a germinating mat and old bed-electric blanket to get the temps right
for mealworm production - although you can go colder if you want to just keep them alive
(I think just above freezing is the coldest as they go into 'suspension' if you get my drift.)
- I don't know about biting; I never tried to let one!

 

[reereechickens]

Quote:
Thanks! I think I mainly hate catepillars b/c they are squishy, bite, and they will stick to you. I will have nightmare about tobacco worms!!!

I guess if they creep me out and I cant do it I just give them to my chickens and support those that can farm them! But I just know how much my chicknes love them SOOO much.

 

[kevinhannan]

@rrc;

can't you bargain with someone adult/kid/whomever?
-they do your mealworm farm, you give them eggs/chicken?

 

[reereechickens]

Quote:
Great idea!

 

[kevinhannan]

tell you what - if you can find out if it is legal for me to post you dead mealworms,
I'll do so next year after my farm is up and running.

 

[galanie]

They don't bite. They don't stick to you. In fact, it's almost impossible to hold one they slip away so fast! They aren't slimy, they have a hard coating.

Nearly all the yucky things about other worms are absent in mealies. Except that they are still worms. But no biting, sticking, fuzz, or squish. And the beetles can't fly.

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
Dead? They turn black and mushy...don't think sending dead would work too well