Raising feeder insects

[Kassaundra]

Took some pics of a recent molting.

 

[Kassaundra]

Well, started a second colony of "cousins" for my roaches. Mealworms, just started the new colony a couple of days ago. I am following a simplified plan of raising them, no moving from one bin to another, just raising them in one space from egg through to adult. It will be interesting to see how it goes, and compare both colonies to see which provide the most food for the girls w/ the least investment in time, money, and energy.


Here are some pics of their first feast.

So far even though I like my roaches, have to say much less of a yuck factor.

 

[CluckyJay]

Awesome! I am still waiting on mine to get here, lol.

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
OHMYGOODNESS! That is soooooooooooo cool!

 

[Kassaundra]

I put some cantaloupe rind in the colony thinking they would clean the fruit off the skin and I'd retrieve the shriveled up skin out today. Boy was I wrong, they ate it all, there isn't a speck left, guess that is a huge success.

It was my own home grown so no icides to worry about.

 

[hannakat]

I found someone close by who raises the roaches! So exciting.

So, if I just take males, how many do I need for a feeding? Those things are sooo big... if I gave each bird their own, is one enough for a healthy treat?

What would I need to keep a few males healthy until they became the next treat?

I don't have anything to heat a container for them so would they even stay alive at regular house temps?

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
Yes, they will definately stay alive at house temp, but they won't be very active (which is fine for what you want). Just put them in a small bin w/ some vent areas (metal house screen works well) put a cardboard egg carton for a house, some cat food and the same kind of veggies that you put in for the mealies for moisture. They will be happy as be until they are a chickie treat.

I never have found out how many for a good portion either for treat or main protien, but I can tell you they will eat as many as you care to toss their way!!!!!!

Your chickies will be sooooooo happy.

 

[hannakat]

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[animalover]

I usually make sure each chicken gets several roaches. They can eat them pretty quickly. I always make sure to leave at least a couple of winged males behind. I also feed the not fully grown males, which have a tapered bottom (the females bottom is more rounded). I seem to always have enough roaches. I posted my first YouTube video today, of the chickens eating the roaches:

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
Cool, mine get so excited for the roaches too. Do you feed them every day? How big is your colony?