How do I farm mealworms?

Mealworm Farm Growing Overview

  1. Step 1: Find a Container. An old aquarium, plastic storage tote, or similar item will do.
  2. Step 2: Prepare Your Container. Thoroughly clean and dry your container.
  3. Step 3: Add Your Substrate.
  4. Step 4: Add Mealworms to Your Far.
  5. Step 5: Feed Them and Let Them Grow.
  6. Step 6: Collect Your Mealworms.

Is it easy to farm mealworms?

A DIY mealworm farm is a cheap and easy way to make treats for your farm fowl from the comfort of your own home. Mealworms are grub-like larvae of darkling beetles that are a protein-filled feed perfect for chickens. They are also used as feed for other domestic birds, reptiles, and fish.

How long does it take to farm mealworms?

3-4 months
Mealworms take 3-4 months to be fully grown. The goal is to rotate the drawers at an interval where they can be set aside for three months and the mealworms to grow to full size. If you have two Worm Trays, rotate them every 3-4 months.

Is it hard to raise mealworms?

Everyone who has a small flock of chickens should raise mealworms, not because they need them, but because they love them. It’s very easy to do and once set up they are virtually maintenance-free and very inexpensive.

Do mealworm farms smell?

Mealworms don’t stink. The bad odor coming from the colony is brought about by decaying dead bodies and frass lying around in the container in which the mealworms are being kept. As such, the colony will only stink if the worms are not given proper care.

How do you start a mealworm colony?

STARTING YOUR COLONY:

  1. Obtain an initial supply of live mealworms. You can start with as few as 150 but we recommend starting off with at least 500 at a time.
  2. Prepare your breeder box.
  3. Add bedding to the container.
  4. Let them grow!

Why do my mealworms smell like ammonia?

Frass: As the mealworms consume the bran, a fine, dusty or sandy residue will settle out on the bottom. Eventually, shed exoskeletons and waste products (frass) will build up, and a slight ammonia odor may be detected.

Can mealworms make you sick?

EFSA says mealworms safe for human consumption: ‘An important milestone towards commercialisation’ The European Food Safety Authority has published its first scientific opinion on an insect-derived food. The conclusion? Mealworms are safe for human consumption.

How many mealworms do I need to start a colony?

STARTING YOUR COLONY: Obtain an initial supply of live mealworms. You can start with as few as 150 but we recommend starting off with at least 500 at a time. Your initial supply will take a few months to begin producing a sufficient supply.

What is the lifespan of a mealworm?

between 3 and 12 months
Mealworm beetles are slow moving, but their ability to fly allows them to easily travel and infest new areas. Adults live between 3 and 12 months.