Gutloading meal worms

[geckoluv2187]

I never used to gutload my mealworms, but recently, I noticed they are dying sooner. I just need to make sure I'm doing this right:
I bought some Zilla gutload, and I was going to put a layer of that in a container, throw some slices of carrots or potatoes in and then put the mealworms on top of that. The box says to let them gutload for 24 hours, should I take them out of the fridge for that time? Or will they eat while they are in the fridge?? And can I just leave them in the gutload stuff or do I need to put them in a different container after 24 hours?

 

[SanDiegoLeos]

well it really depepnds on how many you have and how many leos you have...if you only have a few hundred mealies then go ahead and leave them in a container outside the fridge with gutload and also carrot or potatoe slices for hydration...if you put them in the fridge it will for sure slow down the gutloading process

 

[geckoluv2187]

yea I only have a couple leos, so we never have more than one or two hundred mealies at a time.

 

[Ccrashca069]

I just leave my mealworms out. I buy about 100-200 at a time. I just pour some gutloading stuff and carrots then mix it around alittle. I have 8 leopard geckos and 3 box turtles that eat them.

 

[GoGo]

Fridgerating your mealies WILL kill them...eventually >>.

Even though we used to order them by the thousand, wed leave ours out in a container, sure some pupate/turn to beetles but you STILL loose less than in the fridge.

 

[geckoluv2187]

is their life span shorter out of the fridge?

 

[Ccrashca069]

I don't buy refridgerated mealworms. The last 2 batches that were, half of the mealworms were dead.
So I would say the life span out of the fridge is longer.

 

[Stitch]

They go through their life span quicker in warmer temps. They can last longer in the fridge. The cooler temps slow down their growth. But most refrigerators are too cold so the worms wind up dieing. Keeping them in temps between 55-65 will drastically slow down their growth. Even when you do place them in the fridge you need to take them out periodically to warm up and eat.

 

[moosassah]

I keep mine on the door of the fridge where it is the least cold. I pull them out every 1-2 weeks for a day to feed. I also keep a bucket of them out as day to day feeders. This has gutload & carrot or potato pieces in it.

 

[geckoluv2187]

How long is their life span outside of the fridge? How long do I have before they turn into little beetles??

 

[Stitch]

How long is their life span outside of the fridge? How long do I have before they turn into little beetles??

That all depends on how old they are when you buy them and how warm you keep them. I have had some that are adult size last me 3-4 weeks at temps around 65-75. I breed my own mealies so I have them from babies to adults to beatles.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Although it really isn't possible to gut 'load' any larvae, they still need to be fed. I make my own gutload using 10-grain cereal from the bulk bins at the supermarket mixed with 10% Vionate, and feed them fresh sweet potatoes, carrots, and collard greens.

I go through about 12,000 mealworms a week, so I really don't know how long they last. I keep them in my laundry room at normal temperature becausue it seems like once they are refrigerated they become too lethargic and the geckos aren't that interested in them.

 

[PrototypeGeckos]

I go through about 12,000 mealworms a week, so I really don't know how long they last.

WOW, thats alot of mealies Marsha. But your geckos are nice and healthy and thats all that matters.

 

[efx*]

I just chop up organic apples and throw them in there and I keep them out for about a day or so.. I do that one time a week..

 

[scottd]

ok im a little lost as well. im usually a cricket guy but have been adding more mealies to their staple diet. so when u get mealies they arent in cereal stuff? is that why u make your own food? or do you take them out of the original stuff to let them get more nutrients cause the stuff they come in sucks?