I spent $2.99 for 50 meal
worms. I think the container probably
cost more than the value of 50 worms. I
have heard that it is really easy to raise your own, so I figure why not!
Here's How:
1.
Get a small plastic tub for a container. Inexpensive clear
containers with vented snap on lids are available at pet stores.
2. Place 1-2 inches of
substrate (which mealworms will eat) in bottom. Use oat bran or unmediated
poultry feed.
3. Place 1/2 a potato or
apple on substrate (supplies moisture and food).
4. Add a small container of
live mealworms from the pet store.
5. Replace potato/apple
every couple of days (do not let it get moldy).
6. The mealworms are the
larval stage; within 3 weeks they should pupate, then in another two weeks
beetles should emerge.
7. The beetles will lay
eggs, which are minuscule and very difficult to see. When these hatch, the
larvae are also very small.
8. The beetles will die,
while the larvae will grow and repeat the cycle.
9. After one life cycle the
colony should be well established and you can start using them for treats/food.
10. Once feeding mealworms
from the colony, you can offer a variety of vegetables and fruit (e.g. carrots,
orange, greens) to increase the nutritional value of mealworms for your pet.
11. Do not allow mold to grow
on the food or substrate.
12. Add bran/oats as
necessary to maintain the substrate level. Start with fresh substrate
occasionally (especially if mold or damp conditions develop).
13. If you have too many
mealworms, place the whole container in the fridge, as this will stop their
development.
14. Simply rewarm to room
temperature when ready, and the colony will resume development.
Tips:
1.
Do not change the substrate until the colony is
well-established, as eggs and tiny larvae will be lost and the cycle
interrupted.
2. Once you have lots of
mealworms, it is fine to completely clean out the substrate - filter out the
mealworms, discard the substrate, and start over.
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