Question on raising supers...

[ZooKeeperKarin]

I'm just about to try and raise my own supers. I was talking to the owner of the reptile store that I buy from and he says he has trouble getting the eggs to hatch. He thinks they dry out or something. Maybe the humidity too low? Has anyone else here had problems like that? What do you do?

 

[fl_orchidslave]

It took what seemed like forever to start seeing the first baby worms hatch. I'm having to rotate the beetles to a new container every week or two at the most. Once they get going they are very prolific! I kept a baby carrot in the container for the beetles to eat and babies as well. They need to be at least 80 and regular inside daylight. My lizard room stays mostly closed with the vent blocked with a magnetic sheet so there is good humidity for the animals and feeders.

 

[ZooKeeperKarin]

Hmmm... I wish I had a reptile room (Oh, honey!!! I've got another thing to put on your honeydew list!). Maybe someday! :main_yes:
I could add an overhead light for heat. What would you think of that idea? Summertime temps are in the mid 70's for the room they are in. It's air conditioned, but it's not real cold.

My mealworms and beetles seem to be thriving, so I would think it might be okay for supers, too. They are in the same area.

Thanks for your input!

 

[fl_orchidslave]

They do generate some of their own heat, I don't know about a light for heat. AC does remove humidity and if it gets too low, even with potato slices the worms will dry up. Last winter I had a box of worms in a damp garage and it was cool but quite humid and they did just fine. They were just stored, not breeding. Only food they had was pig chow and wheat bran bedding. You might try some different locations around the house and as long as the beetles stay alive they will breed.

 

[ZooKeeperKarin]

Thanks. I think I will try moving them. We only have window air conditioners and my husband's office (spare room) stays a little warmer. I could keep that door closed.
I feel guilty keeping the supers in the tiny compartments watching them for days now fighting to get out! But I have one that has started to curl up! Maybe I'll have a pupae soon!

 

[fl_orchidslave]

I told my 5 1/2 year old grandson the story of the worm-pupae-beetle-baby process with details as he listened with great interest. A couple hours later I tested him. He remembered everything! A few weeks later I asked him during a phone conversation some questions about the process. Little boys love bugs! It wouldn't suprise me if he tried making beetles just so he could feed them carrots Good luck with your colony

 

[ZooKeeperKarin]

lol! Thanks!