Raising mealworms is fairly easy. They are prolific breeders and are very hardy insects. It is inexpensive to start farming and quite easy to maintain. It can save you money and time looking for insects to feed your reptiles and poultry.
Breeding, as with any livestock, will take a while to get started. Once there are plenty of beetles laying eggs you will have worms for as long as you need. You can easily double or even tripple your stock within 3-4 months. All you need is a container, substrate, and a source of food and water.
ContainerThe container could be any plastic or steel box with smooth sides to prevent the worms from escaping. You can leave the container open or close it with a perforated lid.
Food
Substrate
The substrate of the container is also the food for the worms and the darkling beetles. You can use wheat bran, oatmeal, cornmeal, wheat flour, ground up dry dog food, or a mixture of these dry foods. Fill the bottom of the container two or three cm deep with the food substrate. You will have to add more food regularly since mealworms are big eaters.
Water
Slices of potatoes, apples, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, or other fruits and vegetables can supply water and also food to your worms. Never use a bowl of water since mealworms will crawl in and drown.
Temperature,
Lighting & Humidity
Keep the container away from windows and direct sunlight to prevent it from becoming too warm. A normal day and night cycle of light will be fine.
Your
colony of mealworms will reproduce more quickly during summer.
Maintenance
Any dead worms, pupae, or beetles should be removed from the container regularly. If the container begins to smell like ammonia or becomes moldy, it is time to clean the container and replace the substrate.
Any dead worms, pupae, or beetles should be removed from the container regularly. If the container begins to smell like ammonia or becomes moldy, it is time to clean the container and replace the substrate.
