Feeding colonies

[contracteryin]

So, I (have) started a feeding colony for my geckos with mealworms. Currently, it is very small and has near no production. I know thats' normal. However, I've heard a lot of feeder colonies get all sorts of bad stuff like diseases.
So, I was wondering from anyone who has a staple feeder: What's the best way to keep a colony healthy? Like how you take care of the ones you buy from the store, or do they need extra care?
From what I've read, you really don't need to do anything different per-say, but what do you guys think/do?
I feel so odd asking so many questions lately xD But, I suppose its the only way I'll learn, thank you in advance.

 

[BrightReptiles]

Invest in a cheap softer and lots of fine wheat bran. I don't know what is recommended but i sift and sort my worms to new bedding at minimum once a week, this is with a small colony of about 3000 large mealworms. I pull pupae and put them in a separate tub as well. Then same with beetles.

 

[BrightReptiles]

Also, I drop 2 potato halves and a carrot in every Wednesday and saturday, and it is fully eaten in that time so I rarely have to pull old food.

 

[contracteryin]

Thanks xD I'll have to invest in some of that... or wait till I get a job to continue the colony.

 

[BrightReptiles]

If you do plan to breed mealworms, you will definitely need 3 separate tubs (worms, pupae, beetles) and it is a good amount of work honestly.

 

[contracteryin]

Alright. Thank you again for the assistance.

 

[BadKelpie]

I think the key to keeping mealworm colonies mite free is to keep them dry. I keep them in open top containers and only feed moisture rich foods once a week, usually baby carrots.

 

[Kotori]

I feed my worms a carrot every 3 days now, but I was putting them in every day before without any issues. What I do is mix flour and bran, and it's easier to sift.

Tip: Beetles will die every 5 weeks. If you have alot hatching now, in 5 weeks you'll look in and they will all be dead- this is normal.