Mealworms... my story. Almost impossible not to raise them!

[b.hromada]

This may be a silly question, but are the super mealworms the same as the regular mealworms? And if not, how do you raise those?

Just asking, because at times I've bought a lot of the super mealworms, and those things are HUGE!

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

b.hromada :

This may be a silly question, but are the super mealworms the same as the regular mealworms? And if not, how do you raise those?

Just asking, because at times I've bought a lot of the super mealworms, and those things are HUGE!

Some are different species, but at least until recently most super mealworms were standard mealworms treated with insect hormone which delays or prevents maturation. The result is that they keep molting and getting larger. I don't know about the newer species of large worms that are available. The problem is that you often don't know what you are getting. They do look like a giant meat-snack though! It would be great if they were as productive as the regular mealworm. If anyone has a long-term colony of the super worms, please advise us.​

 

[b.hromada]

Oh, so thats it? I figured it had to be something! My girls go crazy for those humongous things!

I guess when I get some regular ones, I will start raising them. You say its so easy. I hope that I can grow some, it would be a lot cheaper, right?

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

It can be as cheap as a few dollars a year (for the bran) for all the mealworms you can grow. For vegetables, just use scraps from your kitchen. You definitely can grow them, anyone can.

 

[b.hromada]

It doesn't take long, I take it?

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

Super worms are a different species. Giant mealworms are the ones treated with hormones, the adults of these larvae are sterile. The bedding and food requirements for superworms are the same really, though you may need more space depending on how many super worms you keep since they grow about 2 inches and a half long. When they pupate is up to you. Once the worms reach a resonable size (1.5 inches at the least, 2+ inches is best) you have to seperate them into dark, quiet containers. Film canisters work best, but any small dark compartment will work. After about a week, the worms should remain motionless and form a C with their bodies, only the black ones are dead, and then they pupate. After a few weeks, they turn into beetles. Big beetles. And then you seperate them into a different container, since adult superworm beetles will eat their larvae. 2 dozen adults can give you several thousand, if the hatch is succesful. They need to be kept warm, 75 degrees plus. Unlike mealworms these are more tropical and cannot be refridgerated. The downside? They take about 2X as longer to complete the cycle than mealworms. Around 6-8 months.

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
Do you raise these types too?

 

[Muggsmagee]

b.hromada :

It doesn't take long, I take it?

They are easy to care for...but the life cycle takes several weeks. If you buy mealworms now, it could take 3 to 5 months to see them go through their life cycle and start to lay eggs. It depends on their environment (the colder they are the slower they grow). Keep in mind to give them ventilation and don't allow the carrot, apple, or potato to mold. Moisture in the tub is fine in moderation (mealworms and darkling beetles are experts at finding a source of moisture), but remember to allow air in, otherwise it gets musty and gross. Our worms are in a huge tub of wheat bran. We tried the oats, but they weren't eating them.

(Oats = waste of money. Wheat bran has been perfect...easy to sift through to get the medium to larger worms.)

Also, darkling beetles don't tend to fly, but that doesn't mean they can't. Keep a cover on them...our negligent kids had to wrangle a half dozen (flying) darkling beetles seeking new accomodations in the den!

I like the roach idea...however, in the cold northeast I don't think that would be an easy protein source for us to grow for our chickens. If they require 90 degrees and above to breed, that means heat lamp and electricity...$$$. Mealworms are easy, inexpensive (we got 5,000 for $30) and can be stored in a cool basement, den, bedroom...just about anywhere! Plus they are an excellent bluebird and robin treat.

 

[b.hromada]

Thanks! this is some great advice everyone is giving!

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

b.hromada :

Quote:
Do you raise these types too?

I do currently, to add a little variety to the diet of my reptiles. My birds love 'em but the colony doesn't produce fast enough for extras.​