Mealworm farming

[onafixedincome]

Quote:
Um...why?

You can easily just move your critters to a container that is good indoors, no need to start over completely. Speaking as a cat-laden person (literally, she's sitting on my shoulders

), a standard 'critter' lid for a 10gallon aquarium does the trick beautifully. The glass aquarium is heavy enough that it's not LIKELY to get dumped, and the top is usually sturdy enough to support a lounging feline who just can't stay away.

Mind you, I said LIKELY!

But so far, it's been working pretty well for me over time with various cat-attractive entertainment centers like when I raised mice....! Good luck and have fun!

 

[onafixedincome]

Quote:
Sure you are! Let's see... Food. Moisture. Warmth. If you don't move quick enough, something to climb on.

*whispering* I think mine are plotting to drive me 'round the bend....someone must have told them how short a trip that is....but I swear, they are! When every pupa so far that's been around for any decent amount of time has gradually gone black and croaked....management hasn't changed, so WHY ARE THEY DYING!?!?!??? AUGH!!

See? More entertainment for the little bugbrains, right there.

I think perhaps I need to have 'that talk' with them, the one that starts "Now kids, if you want to be a free mealie when you grow up--should you live that long--you need to manage your pupation successfully. So here's a nice little documentary film on YouTube, called "Pupation and You". Now, class, watch quietly and eat your bran while I run to the office...."

 

[Gypsi]

Quote:
Sure you are! Let's see... Food. Moisture. Warmth. If you don't move quick enough, something to climb on.

*whispering* I think mine are plotting to drive me 'round the bend....someone must have told them how short a trip that is....but I swear, they are! When every pupa so far that's been around for any decent amount of time has gradually gone black and croaked....management hasn't changed, so WHY ARE THEY DYING!?!?!??? AUGH!!

See? More entertainment for the little bugbrains, right there.

I think perhaps I need to have 'that talk' with them, the one that starts "Now kids, if you want to be a free mealie when you grow up--should you live that long--you need to manage your pupation successfully. So here's a nice little documentary film on YouTube, called "Pupation and You". Now, class, watch quietly and eat your bran while I run to the office...."

 

[jpsbcfc]

my thinking about starting over was that they have had a few weeks now at lower temperatures so overall it maybe quicker to start over.

also the containers they are in are clear plastic, not an issue in a dark garage but more of an issue inside the house.

 

[andrea98]

I doesn't take long for them to warm up... I agree with the 10gal tank with critter lid .. Don't reset your progress .. Just dump em all in the tank with some oats & go from there

 

[Gypsi]

I threw a blanket over my clear sided bins, and I believe my worms and beetles are a lot happier. Lots of natural sunlight in the room they are in.

 

[onafixedincome]

....And I always thought that those films were totally useless! I guess not, because I HAVE A BEETLE!!!

S/He's pretty lonely, don't see any others close to finishing up, but hey...IT'S A BEETLE!!

Nobody ever answered the question: Do tiny pupae make tiny beetles, and does it matter?

 

[Kassaundra]

Yes the smaller pupa will make smaller beetles. Don't think it matters much they still do their beetle thing making more.

 

[onafixedincome]

Thanks! Still wondering about why you get two sizes, but I guess something has to keep my brain busy!

 

[bloom_ss]

Quote:
I think I have more sizes than I can count! LOL I have some that are pretty small, but I guess they are only small considering the first ones that turned to beetles in my tub were some of the bigger ones. Who knows, maybe the smaller ones are average size and the large ones are just giants. LOL I'm just happy they are doing what they are supposed to be doing and my chickies will have LOTS of treats!