Mealworm farming

[Emily1220]

I am planning to use the sterilite 3 (or more, chicken math you know) drawer system. Do I still need to drill air holes in the sides of the drawers for more ventilation or is there enough already? I am so excited to get started.

 

[Gypsi]

I've got something like a sterlite - only a 4 drawer system. Based on the dust that had gently sifted in over the tops, just a bit, over the years, I opted not to drill, and the worms are doing fine!

 

[onafixedincome]

And here I am again, with a couple more questions.

1) Has anyone else noticed that their pupae tend to wind up head-down in the substrate (I use whear bran) just before finishing as a beetle? Might consider that when moving pipae to other containers to minimize the 'OMG I'm a turtle, turn me OVER' issue. Mine won't grab paper to get up!

2) Can those who have beetle-stage colonies please post photos of their working bins? I'm trying to get a feel for density-for-success, as I have 240-some pupae and beetles showing up almost daily now.

Thanks to all--you rock!

 

[BeccaSmith]

I'm happy to report that I finally saw about 4 beetles yesterday in my pupa bin. Woohoo!

 

[vclark321]

cool cool cool! I am so excited for you! Me too I want ssome too!

 

[OwensMom]

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Way to go Becca

The little monsters are on the increase!!

onafixedincome, I will try to post photos later today. i suppose that density could be a minor problem but not a big one. Two of my bins have a dense population and with the exception of a few canabalized pupea, no problems. The 3rd bin is just starting up so mostly beetles.

 

[hannakat]

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No, you don't need to drill additional holes. There is space between the drawers and there are no seals so it's fine.


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Yea, they do the head-in-the-sand even when they are growing and shedding the exoskeleton. Don't know that there's an absolute perfect set up for success. Being insects, they will thrive in any container as long as they are dry and warm. I've actually gone to smaller containers for the beetles having the screen on the bottom for the eggs/wee wormies to fall through.

Check out the pictures on my mealworm page and Gallo's page. He's had success with a colony all in one 10 gal aquarium.

Glad you're having fun!

 

[hannakat]

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Let the 'tango' begin!

 

[hannakat]

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Just curious....why do you want to separate them by size? They grow so quickly! And, as soon as they are full grown start pupating so it's either feed them to the chickadees, freeze them for future use, sell them or let 'em pupate!

oh gosh....need to get my daily mealie 'fix'.....must go play in the mealie farm!!!! bye!

 

[OkChickens]

How many Mealworms do you think I would need to order for a good supply for 80 or so LF Birds?

Nate