Mealworm farming

[SherrieT]

I've had mine going about 2 weeks now. Started out with 5000 but gave about 1000 to grandson to start his own.
These things are getting BIG. They are about twice as big as they were when I got them.



I'm starting to see quite a few pupa but just a few beetles and I'm not sure where they went. Don't see them now.

My question is, is this container large enough? It is 12 x 20 and the worms and substrates are about 2" deep. They seem to really crowd up in the corners.



Little gourmets! They love asparagus trimmings. Most of the ones I gave them are already buried.

Thanks!
Sherrie

 

[Ivywoods]

My worms are starting to morph! I found my first pupa today!

So now I am wondering how long it will take for the pupa to turn into a beetle.

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

I've had mine going about 2 weeks now. Started out with 5000 but gave about 1000 to grandson to start his own.
These things are getting BIG. They are about twice as big as they were when I got them.



I'm starting to see quite a few pupa but just a few beetles and I'm not sure where they went. Don't see them now.

My question is, is this container large enough? It is 12 x 20 and the worms and substrates are about 2" deep. They seem to really crowd up in the corners.



Little gourmets! They love asparagus trimmings. Most of the ones I gave them are already buried.

Thanks!
Sherrie

Someone had 10,000-20,000 in a ten gallon fish tank... They seemed to know what they are doing, so since you only have 4,000 I would say you are fine. But I don't really know.

 

[azhenhouse]

Someone had 10,000-20,000 in a ten gallon fish tank... They seemed to know what they are doing, so since you only have 4,000 I would say you are fine. But I don't really know.

Here is the info on the fish tank. I actually pulled my 15 gallon tank out of the yard sale pile, and started using it to grow my worms. I think it is going to be fine, and I like that it was free. lol
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-raise-mealworms

 

[HetaChick]

I need to start doing this!

Not only does my chicken love them (she runs when she hears the bag of dried ones even XD) My family likes fishing and all that so I may be able to double up uses here.

(Sorry if you guys have talked about this) But where are you ordering from? I'm really interested in starting this.

 

[bj taylor]

i'm going to have to pay more attention to this thread. the idea of growing these ugly little things is ick, but the length of this thread convinces me it's a pretty serious idea. too bad i couldn't convince hubby to get into mealworm growing and i wouldn't have to mess with that reality - not a chance.

 

[OkChickens]

I need to start doing this!

Not only does my chicken love them (she runs when she hears the bag of dried ones even XD) My family likes fishing and all that so I may be able to double up uses here.

(Sorry if you guys have talked about this) But where are you ordering from? I'm really interested in starting this.

I ordered from www.nyworms.com! They have good prices and they have really fast shipping also!

Nate

 

[yankeefan]

I kinda want to start mealworming, but it seems kinda gross.....

Go for it !! It's not really gross at all. The worms are not slimy and there's hardly any odor to a colony at all. Fresh veggies every few days and some patience is all it really takes.

 

[so lucky]

I agree with previous posters: Mealworms are not gross or smelly or icky. They are very interesting and easier to keep track of than red wigglers. A friendly fisherman at the local lake insisted I take his leftovers from his day of fishing (maybe 30 mealies) back in October. I used stuff I had here at home, spending no money. I now have thousands of various sizes mealies, and the chickens love them. Go for it!

 

[chickenpickens]

My 9 X 13 cake pan of 1000+ multisize mealworms from Westknollamy just before I put them in their wheat bran this last Thursday. Thanks Amy!

I need to start doing this!

Not only does my chicken love them (she runs when she hears the bag of dried ones even XD) My family likes fishing and all that so I may be able to double up uses here.

(Sorry if you guys have talked about this) But where are you ordering from? I'm really interested in starting this.

HetaChick,

The picture above are the mealworms I received from Westknollamy last week. She could not have been better to work with!!!!!! If you pm her, she will take great care of you!

Laurel