6 replies to this topic

[NotAxo]

Hello reader, I need some help with my mealworm culture

Disclaimer : I am not completely sure if this is the correct place to post this, any help is appreaciated

So I read crystals topic on feeder insects and I bought myself a culture of 100 mealworms. The package arrived in 5 days, and only about 20 deaths. There are more than 120 live worms, and I love the way they arrange everything. I bought from Pro-meal company. I would recommend to anyone in India. Even a 10rs cash back on sending a video of feeding the mealworm to pets. I'm not gonna get more invested in it, its on the amazon page.

I divided the culture into approximately 2 equal halves and put them in seperate bins. The bottom is filled with Quaker oats, the non flavored original type. I fed them slightly raw jackfruit strips and when I checked, they were happily munching on the strips.

should I do anything else to the culture? Or am I doing things the correct way?

Thank you for any replies

ill send photos of everything tomorrow morning

[ANTdrew]

The biggest thing to look out for is mold! I do NOT recommend oats as they tend mold very quickly. If you can, get wheat bran as their bedding. Also, do not leave juicy fruits in there for a long time. A few carrot chunks once a week is plenty of moisture.

[Artisan_Ants]

You’ll have to be able to remove any pupae as they will later become darkling beetles and having them inside the same box would be bad as they can eat the mealworms and they can be eaten by the mealworms as well which in both ways is very cruel so I would consider to keep an eye out for that (just a suggestion as I don’t know what the setup look like for yet.

[ANTdrew]

You’ll have to be able to remove any pupae as they will later become darkling beetles and having them inside the same box would be bad as they can eat the mealworms and they can be eaten by the mealworms as well which in both ways is very cruel so I would consider to keep an eye out for that (just a suggestion as I don’t know what the setup look like for yet.

I have not run into problems with this if the container is big enough. I do not sort out adult beetles from my culture.

[Stubyvast]

Yep I do have some cannibalism in my mealworm farm, however this can be remediated by separating them. but all in all, it's not entirely necessary so long as the container is big enough, like Andrew said. otherwise, don't worry too much about it. I even fed them some weeds and they loved it! They like drier environments and get their moisture from carrots, cucumbers, etc etc.

[NotAxo]

Yes, I'm aware of the considerations surrounding cannibalism. I have a slightly smaller container prepared as well. The texture and moisture of the jackfruit are quite similar to that of carrots, though ripe jackfruits are notably more juicy, so I won’t be using them. I will be vigilant about checking for mold, but the oats are fairly dry. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find wheat bran in my area, despite my search.

[NotAxo]

Here's some photos 

 

(Larvae Count is 15 at the present)

 

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Thanks for giving me tips!

Edited by NotAxo, August 1 2024 - 12:29 AM.