MedusA Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 Wow! What a wealth of replies. Thanks guys! I may think about breeding mealworms, though the thought makes me want to Thanks for the step-by-step guide to mealworm-faming, Janty. I have been composting the feathers, so It's a relief to find out that I won't just find them whole and un-rotted in the compost bin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I meant to say that most of the time we don't separate the pupae out. We used to do it religiously but don't anymore and it hasn't slowed things down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Thanks Jan, just one more question, how warm do you need to keep them? We have our tubs in the garage at the moment, the mealworms are cold and they look like they are dead, until you shake them then they start to move a little (probably from the shock!!) Should I put them somewhere warmer to get some 'hatching action'?!! Haven't noticed any beetles since the tubs first arrived either, and the girls ate those ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 also they can be fried and sprinkled on to a salad eeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkk think you spent just a tad too long wit your chickens BUT have to admit to thining dried ones smell yummy.... Not tried them incase you are wondering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 We keep ours in the conservatory underneath one of our chicken watching chairs. They are out of the way and the under floor heating keeps them warm and happily breeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 (edited) Well I think I could possibly keep mine in the airing cupboard We have some very nice plastic Indian Takeaway cartons that I'm sure they would feel very at home in!! As long as the Husband doesn't see them - (he wouldn't let me keep the mealworms in the fridge so that they keep a bit longer) - hence they are in the garage. I hope they don't object to the smell of chicken tikka. I have made a start this aft by hoiking out some mealies that look like their 'pupating'. Little do they know they are soon to be my 'Prize Breeding Beatles'! (Edited for spelling - I meant 'Beetles' - don't think John George Paul and Ringo would be to enamoured in me calling my beetles after them!!) Edited November 5, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 my aliens look dead? both shaed & frodge... but then I have lots Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 Maybe they've suffocated each other Sandy! The pupated ones don't move much though they look kind of unconscious! As if they've had a few too many wines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 my aliens look dead?both shaed & frodge... but then I have lots shed & fridge,,, maybe they frozen.. how long before they move again if not dead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 Put 'em in the warm for an hour or so and if they are not yet dead you should see some action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 ok fank you muchly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted November 6, 2008 Author Share Posted November 6, 2008 (Edited for spelling - I meant 'Beetles' - don't think John George Paul and Ringo would be to enamoured in me calling my beetles after them!!) I believe they were called "The Silver Beetles" before they changed their name. I'm sure they wouldn't be offended! I ordered my mealworms yesterday, though I can't say I'm really looking forward to feeding live food to my girls. After the breeding part, I will probably feel like a mealworm mother, sending her babies to their deaths. It's only the financial saving that is prompting me to do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted November 6, 2008 Share Posted November 6, 2008 I ordered my mealworms yesterday, though I can't say I'm really looking forward to feeding live food to my girls. After the breeding part, I will probably feel like a mealworm mother, sending her babies to their deaths. My DH always laughs at me (as I'm a veggie) feeding my girls the worms. But TBH they are not a thing of beauty or a joy to behold so therefore I do. I don't think they 'touch the sides' with the girls as they are so quick, can't think they can taste them at all. But BOY do they LOVE them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted November 7, 2008 Author Share Posted November 7, 2008 I'm a long-standing veggie too, Helen, hence the reluctance. I have assuaged my guilt previously in giving them dried mealworms, so this is a big step for me. I don't mind admitting I'm a little Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackgold Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Ugh it is bad enough feeding the dried ones. i put them on top of the girls mash porridge so they are rehydrated before the girls get to gobble them down. They like them nearly as much as the ones they dig up for themselves in the garden..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
