Topic of the Week - Feeding mealworms, bugs etc.

[teachchickmi]

I feed mine mealworms and they seem to not care too much for them. When we’ve let them out to free range, a few of them have JUMPED and killed moths… I was cheering them on.

 

[Perris]

I have been growing mealworms to feed to my flock since early in 2020; I describe the set-up and progress here
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/first-attempt-at-mealworm-farming.1350136/

It is still thriving, and providing as many mealworms as I require for the flock, for very little cost. Live mealworms turn wheat bran and raw vegetable waste such as outer leaves, tops and tails etc. into good quality nutrition, including complete bioavailable protein.

Other useful websites for those thinking of starting a mealworm farm or who are interested in edible insects include
https://mealwormcare.org/life-cycle/
http://www.fao.org/3/i3253e/i3253e.pdf (Edible insects)

and, behind a pay wall, but the abstract is available to all
https://doi.org/10.1603/0022-0493-95.1.214 (Use of tenebrio molitor as broiler feed)

As my flock free ranges from dawn till dusk, they also consume assorted insects and other small animals that they catch during the day, including amphibians, reptiles, birds (fledglings fallen from nests) and mammals.

 

[Kenya Mwangi]

raw vegetable waste such as outer leaves, tops and tails etc.

Hello May I ask what is the meaning of "outer leaves, tops and tails etc.?

 

[Perris]

Hello May I ask what is the meaning of "outer leaves, tops and tails etc.?

The outer leaves of e.g. a cabbage or cauliflower, which are typically discarded during preparation of the veg, and the leafy tops and stringy tails of root veg such as carrots, beets, turnips etc. likewise removed before being cooked and served to humans. Mealworm larvae and beetles can get all the moisture they need from such veg trimmings, and a variety of nutrients depending on what veg and how and where it grew and how long it's been stored. It also reduces food waste, so it's a win : win. And free!

 

[Kenya Mwangi]

The outer leaves of e.g. a cabbage or cauliflower, which are typically discarded during preparation of the veg, and the leafy tops and stringy tails of root veg such as carrots, beets, turnips etc. likewise removed before being cooked and served to humans. Mealworm larvae and beetles can get all the moisture they need from such veg trimmings, and a variety of nutrients depending on what veg and how and where it grew and how long it's been stored. It also reduces food waste, so it's a win : win. And free!

Hello Thank you! I think that is the perfect idea.

 

[The Welch Chickens]

I garden while my chickens are free-ranging, and toss them all the Japanese beetles, grubs, June bugs, and mealworms that I find. Of course, they also find insects themselves.

 

[ashleeey1515]

I'm not brave enough to try raising live mealworms yet, but my girls love the Chubby brand dried mealworms. They are not huge fans of the BSF larvae for some reason.

 

[Bruthabuz]

I do not buy or look for any "live" food for my flock. They do that for themselves, as they free range 24/7 on about a quarter acre (they always go back to the coops in the runs, which I can lock, if necessary, at night). I do feed them BSF larva once or twice a week, which they really look forward to anytime I start to open that container! They wait with baited beaks as I grab a handful and toss them out.

 

[Kenya Mwangi]

I'm not brave enough to try raising live mealworms yet, but my girls love the Chubby brand dried mealworms. They are not huge fans of the BSF larvae for some reason.

Hello Don't be afraid or not brave. You don't have to get it right on your first try. If it doesn't work, it doesn't matter because nobody has to know about some bugs that didn't breed.

 

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

My chicks get a treat of mealworms every few days. I also give them watermelon rinds, frozen greens and other vegetables that would scraps. I raise my own mealworms so I have control over what they are fed. They love grubs and other bugs they find on their own.

Don't be afraid to raise your own.