Specific advice for mealworms?

[WolfeeClucks]

I'm trying to raise mealworms for my chickens (And a little for myself, I want to try eating insects).
And I just want to know two things: Do you have to keep the beetles separate from the pupae? And is it okay if some beetles escape into the wild? I ask the latter because two sources told me the opposite answer: one said they are common in the US, and the other said they're not native to North America. A few bugs goes a long way, and I don't want to ruin ecosystems!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Here's a perfect thread for you.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/492636/mealworm-farming

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join us here! I'm afraid I've never raised meal worms so can't be of much help to you.
ChickenCanoe has left you a great link to check out.

Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy BYC

 

[drumstick diva]

I'm sure your chickens will love them - but, I would never try to eat them

 

[N F C]

Mealworms are my chickens favorite treat, good luck growing them. I'll have to agree with drumstick diva though, they don't look very appealing to me

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

I've raised quite a large colony of worms over the last few months and I remove the beetles and place them in a fresh tub after about 3-4 weeks, or when I see signs of littles in the tubs. I've read that the beetles may eat the eggs and littles, whether that's true or not I can't tell you. I do put a cardboard in the tub for the beetles to sit under when they are not eating, or otherwise active, as I heard this helps keep them out of the bedding where the eggs and littles are.

I'm afraid I can't answer your second question.

Good luck with your venture and do check out the thread ChickenCanoe linked for you above. There is some good info there.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Frindizzle]

Welcome to BYC!