Starting new mealworm colony, some questions

[Zencoran]

hi everyone I started my m mealworm colony 8 days ago, with about 100 beetles (i have a friend who was raising mealworms and he gave me beetles) and i have some questions. First, I'm using grinded quacker oats, is that fine? Second, I'm using cricket quencher fortified with calcium as the water source, I put it on bottle caps so it doesn't touch the oats and I see the beetles eating it, is it ok for them? And third, how long till I get mealworms? I see beetles on top of each other so im guessing they're reproducing. Thanks!

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[Franklinj480]

I'm no expert but everywhere I've read suggests potatos, carrots, apples, or oranges as a hydration source. My colony is devouring the orange slices I'm using right now, I need to replace them every day. I don't see why the cricket quencher wouldn't work but if its on bottle caps they won't be able to get to it from underneath.

But you're talking about just the beetles, so its most likely perfectly fine

 

[vctkiller]

hi everyone I started my m mealworm colony 8 days ago, with about 100 beetles (i have a friend who was raising mealworms and he gave me beetles) and i have some questions. First, I'm using grinded quacker oats, is that fine? Second, I'm using cricket quencher fortified with calcium as the water source, I put it on bottle caps so it doesn't touch the oats and I see the beetles eating it, is it ok for them? And third, how long till I get mealworms? I see beetles on top of each other so im guessing they're reproducing. Thanks!

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Grinded Quacker Oats - Yes, their fine, But I do find after grinding them it sticks onto mealworms like calcium dust, so I prefer just regular ungrounded oats.
As for your water source, I have never used cricket quencher. I find it easier to cut up carrots or a potato for their water/food source.
It would take several months before your mealworms actually get to feeder size. In about a month a so, your still questioning if you have any babies, remember the mealworms are very small, (TINY). If you feed them, and provide the right temperatures, breeding mealworms is a breeze. :main_thumbsup:

 

[Euphillia]

My set up is a 3 drawer thing. My beetles are on top with the bottom cut and covered with screen. Eggs fall thru into the second drawer. I feed them cereal/carrots/oranges. I have been keeping my mealies in whole wheat flour because 1) its SUPER easy to sift and 2) they grow like crazy.

I also feed the mealies carrots and oranges as a hydration source.

 

[Zencoran]

Ok so some reason, the cricket quencher grows moldy every day, how do I make it last longer?

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[Tico]

I have been Using baby carrots that have been soaking in water in the frig and my feeders eat them up !

 

[Mallie]

I don't believe you don't need the water source. They get moisture from the food you leave in for them. I used carrots and an occasional potato. Make sure you don't let the food get moldy. After a month I would take out all the beetles and move them into a separate container. You probably won't see any mealworms but they're in there! It'll take a few months for them to grow to a suitable size but at least your beetles will have plenty of time to lay more eggs for you! Best of luck!

 

[Zencoran]

Can I use the flukers orange cube as the food source in my colony? It has d3 and calcium plus other vitamins, so I wouldnt have to dust mealworms.

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[megaggie2002]

Why are spending money on fluker's products when you can buy baby carrots and potatoes way cheaper?!?

 

[Zencoran]

Why are spending money on fluker's products when you can buy baby carrots and potatoes way cheaper?!?

Well my leo eats at random times(sometimes not for 2 weeks) so i cant really dust her food with reptivitamins and calcium, but this flukers cube thing has d3 and calcium so my mealworms would be gutloaded. Anyone know if its safe for a mealworm colony?

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Well fed worms provide nutrition captive geckos need. Feed them some vegetable/fruit items. When you feed your gecko, the worms still need to be dusted. If they aren't eaten, they can be put back in with the others. No loss, just a little effort to do the right thing.

 

[Zencoran]

so its been 3 weeks and i still dont see any little worms in the oats. did i do something wrong? ive giving the beetles fresh produce every day (spinach, apples, carrots, cricket quencher) and they are in about 80 degree temps 24/7

*edit : I just saw like 10 mealworms about 3cm long on the surface. Looks like I'm sifting some beetles

 

[fl_orchidslave]

They're really tiny. You'll see the oats moving before you see teenie worms.