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Buying and Raising Mealworms

C

CaseyUndead

New member
ok.. So, my Leo seems to really LOVE mealies, and i got some "giant mealworms" last week and they're almost gone, except for the few that turned into pupae... I put them in a plastic tupperware container(with holes at the top), with some dry oatmeal and a little orange slice. I was planning on waiting for them to turn into beetles and breed, but i've read that the "giant" ones are treated with hormones that prevent them from turning into beetles and laying eggs.. So this time i'll buy regular mealworms, i guess. But for a pack of around 30 it costs like $2.50 here... So i was wondering if there's any good websites any of you know of that sell and ship mealworms at a good price? I only have my gecko and my spider to feed, so i don't need a huge amount.. but i'd like just enough to start a small breeding colony(while also having enough to feed my gecko while i'm waiting for them to breed), so that i don't have to keep buying them(2.50 for 30 mealworms is ridiculous!). I don't know how much i should start off with.. 50? 100? Any tips on keeping and breeding them would be appreciated, too :)

I also have crickets, but they aren't nearly as expensive.. and he eats *some* crickets, but he really loves the worms!(i think he's just lazy and doesn't want to go after the crickets.. heh. He'll even eat the worms right out of my hand)
 
Both of mine seem to enjoy mealworms too. I have one leo of my own and another I am taking care of for a colleague.

I really want to try phoenix worms with them. I have heard they are a big hit. As for mealworms... maybe try this guy. He sells at our local shows though I have not bought from him. I am trying to find a reliable online supplier of crickets. He was one I was considering.

Ghann's Cricket Farm- excess mealworms

Edit to add: The one problem I had w/ regards to his crickets is that I can get them cheaper at Petsmart... :(
 
Breeding mealies is easy, saved me a lot of maney haha. I actually keep mine in oat bran, just makes it easier to sift for them. I'd avoid feeding them citrus, as it can cause issues for some herps' digestion. I use carrots, not as 'wet' (so the bran doesn't go mouldy) and the beta carotine is a good vitamin.
 
I usually get my crickets and superworms from "the bug company" ... not too bad on prices and I see they do have mealworm and waxworms as well.
 
Mealies are usually not the best staple but they are very easy to keep. I've had the same colony for about 5 years.

I use a kritter keeper & feed them powdered milk, cornmeal & fish food. I also add the stems from collards & other greens when I make iguana salad.

I will periodically sift through the colony. I save the left overs in a different container b/c there are always eggs & tiny babies that sift right through.

If my colony gets a bit low on inhabitants, i start separating out the pupae so that they don't get eaten & then put the beetles by them selves to lay more eggs.

Other than throwing in some food & stems every week or two, I only fool with the colony 3-4 times per year. I fI get a little neglectful, they just eat each other.

I don't have leos but my dragons like the phoenix worms, too.
 
Thanks guys :)
Both of those sites(ghann's cricket farm and the bug company) have wonderful prices! Not sure which one i'll buy from yet...
How many mealies did you guys start your colonies with?
 
I dont raise any bug colonies sorry :( I just buy my average order of 5000 crickets and 500 superworms about every 6-7 weeks :)
 
Yes mealworms are very easy to keep and breed, just keep them on bran and potatos and they will produce. Not even worth it though, they are so cheap, I get 1000 for $8.00.
 
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