Large Scale Mealworm Breeding

[Beneath]

Hey all,
Ive been lurking these forums learning more about mealworms. I have around 80,000 mealworms right now and would like more advice or tips about breeding mealworms.

Right now I have about 30 41 quart containers. But after looking at Carls set up, Iam wondering if I should use small containers.
CARLS SET-UP

I also been useing outmeal as a bedding but I find it extreamly hard to get all the pupa's out. If anyone has a idea on how I can speed op this process, it would help.

Like i said before, if anyone would like to throw some advice or tips at me. It would greatly be appreciated.



Thanks
-Beneath

 

[ariana]

bran is easier to sift through.
the rest i have no clue about lol

 

[Beneath]

bran is easier to sift through.

Ive tried wheat bran a while ago. I was thinking of trying to make the outmeal
it a powdered form. Blend it up. I don't know lol
-Beneath

 

[Alusdra]

If you put a carrot or something on the top they will swarm it, usually- though that won't get them all out (obviously). I don't know about large versus small boxes for them, though. Perhaps try it both ways for a while and see which works better?

 

[Beneath]

If you put a carrot or something on the top they will swarm it, usually- though that won't get them all out (obviously). I don't know about large versus small boxes for them, though. Perhaps try it both ways for a while and see which works better?

Main reason i chosed the 41 quart boxes are that they are not tall but provide a great surface area 34.75''L x 16.5''W x 6''H Less hight they are, more boxes I can fit! :main_yes: Heres a link for them at walmart

 

[Barbel]

I blend up my oatmeal into a powder it makes it easier to sift.

 

[lillith]

You sound like a pro already, but I mix my wheat bran with my oat bran, and a seven-grain hot cereal. I buy it all in bulk, mix it up myself. I have it in about a 6:4:1 ratio. I add other stuff too, but those are the main three things.

Wheat bran definitely makes the sifting easier.

 

[Beneath]

You sound like a pro already, but I mix my wheat bran with my oat bran, and a seven-grain hot cereal. I buy it all in bulk, mix it up myself. I have it in about a 6:4:1 ratio. I add other stuff too, but those are the main three things.

Wheat bran definitely makes the sifting easier.

Thank you Its just been harder trying to find large scale pics or info about mealworm breeding. The pic above I found just today when looking threw mealworm supplier's websites. I would like to see the major farm like Sunshine post there pics.

I blend up my oatmeal into a powder it makes it easier to sift.

Everything going ok with it being in powdered form? Ive been looking at grain grinders, been thinking about geting a electric or hand crank one. If anyone knows any good deals or personal exp about grain grinders, feel free to comment lol.

-Beneath

 

[Wreptile]

That is a LOT of mealworms.
What are you feeding them to?

 

[acpart]

You can blend up grains in a food processor or even a blender. Be sure when you make your mixture not to include too many oily or high fat seeds. I killed off a lot of mealworms making my own mixture because I think the mealworms were getting the gutload clogged and suffocating. I don't know if your set-up involves separating the pupae from the mealworms that haven't pupated yet. I try to do that because I am still using the mealworms that haven't pupated yet for feeders. I haven't found any good way to separate the pupae from the mealworms except by picking them out. Are you planning to sell mealworms? Or do you have a huge number of geckos?

Aliza

 

[Beneath]

That is a LOT of mealworms.
What are you feeding them to?

I plan to sell them. I do have a glider though, just one glider. I also will partner with a local Beardie breeder once I have enough stock and supply him.

I do have superworm though. Just a small stock of about 6,000. They are just more work and there isen't a big target audience. With mealworm, i get bird, gliders, reptiles, small animals like hamsters etc.

You can blend up grains in a food processor or even a blender. Be sure when you make your mixture not to include too many oily or high fat seeds. I killed off a lot of mealworms making my own mixture because I think the mealworms were getting the gutload clogged and suffocating. I don't know if your set-up involves separating the pupae from the mealworms that haven't pupated yet. I try to do that because I am still using the mealworms that haven't pupated yet for feeders. I haven't found any good way to separate the pupae from the mealworms except by picking them out. Are you planning to sell mealworms? Or do you have a huge number of geckos?

Aliza

Do food processors and blenders actually make it powder? If so, that great. I can get those cheaply. The only way i can think of a good way to separate the pupae would be to sift all the worms and pick them out. Would require you to not look threw all the bedding I guess.
-Beneath

 

[clear]

Great work, sorta like what i imagine my setup. But mealies are frowned upon for bearded dragons. Hard shelled worms shouldnt be feed until they are like 15" or bigger and then superworms because they have a better nutrient value. Your setup looks good tho!

 

[Beneath]

Great work, sorta like what i imagine my setup. But mealies are frowned upon for bearded dragons. Hard shelled worms shouldnt be feed until they are like 15" or bigger and then superworms because they have a better nutrient value. Your setup looks good tho!

Thats Carls set up. I do know that they are not the best. From what I've been told, he is expanding to different animals. I haven't asked what he plans todo with the mealworm's at this time. We have been discussing bulding website together where he would sell his reptiles and mealworms on the website.

Its still in planning, Ill remember to add a note on the mealworm page at the site of recommended pets to feed.
-Beneath

 

[Paco]

Beneath... I just got 1,000,000ct of Meal worms in to start my Breeding project.

I am using Sterlite 1996 Tubs 44"x20"x7" as well as various other size tubs.

I think the most Important thing I found so Far when doing Large scale Meals is Not to overcrowd them.

They generate Tremendous amounts of Heat when in large numbers.

I first Started with 100,000 per tub. Way to many. Then went to 50,000 thats still a bit much. So I think the Magic # is going to be 30-35,000.

I use 10 Grain Flour as my main mealworm bedding and as the Base for my Ultimate Gutload formulas. Works well. I also Buy it in Large Bulk so I am getting good pricing. I will also be Re-selling all the Ingredients I use for those that want to try and Make their own Gutloads. Contact me about the 10 Grain I can hook you up.

I am trying a few different watering techniques right now as well but i think I have Figured out a routine that will will work well and give me little die off.

I should have some pics here soon. I am still doing a bit of set up.

 

[Beneath]

Beneath... I just got 1,000,000ct of Meal worms in to start my Breeding project.

I am using Sterlite 1996 Tubs 44"x20"x7" as well as various other size tubs.

I think the most Important thing I found so Far when doing Large scale Meals is Not to overcrowd them.

They generate Tremendous amounts of Heat when in large numbers.

I first Started with 100,000 per tub. Way to many. Then went to 50,000 thats still a bit much. So I think the Magic # is going to be 30-35,000.

I use 10 Grain Flour as my main mealworm bedding and as the Base for my Ultimate Gutload formulas. Works well. I also Buy it in Large Bulk so I am getting good pricing. I will also be Re-selling all the Ingredients I use for those that want to try and Make their own Gutloads. Contact me about the 10 Grain I can hook you up.

I am trying a few different watering techniques right now as well but i think I have Figured out a routine that will will work well and give me little die off.

I should have some pics here soon. I am still doing a bit of set up.

Wow, wasent expecting this kind of responce.

Ive planning to sell the second generation of the 80,000 I have now. I have to agree about the number per box though. Iam finding anything more than 30,000 seems to kill or increase the total time to pupate.

Ive done some testing to see if the ammount really does affect the growth. I started with around 80,000.
ContainerA:40,000-Took longest to find pupae
ContainerB:30,000-I noticed the first pupae in this batch.
ContainerC:10,000-Was second.

The tempature of the room was around 69 degrees 24/7 (I know 77 is prefered)
There is a huge possibility for error, but this is what I got.

Iam extreamly interested in your watering techniques. Ive been planning to use patatoes.

Interesting bedding though. Ill pm you a few questions.
Thanks
Beneath

 

[Daidra]

you could get a sand scooper that you would use to clean a bearded dragons cage with and that would make it go alot faster.

 

[Beneath]

Ive tried it, i even made a large scale one lol. I just made a bucket with mesh on the botton and shook it. Work pretty well. But still open to other idea's