Raising mealworms
for chickens is a smart, sustainable way to produce a high-protein feed
supplement. Chickens love mealworms, and they’re packed with essential
nutrients. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:
Why Grow Mealworms for Chickens?
· Protein-rich: Great supplement to their regular feed.
· Sustainable: Reduces feed costs and food waste.
· Low maintenance: Once set up, easy to manage.
Supplies Needed
1.
Containers or bins (plastic drawers or stackable trays work well)
2.
Substrate (bran, oats, or wheat middlings — serves as bedding
and food)
3.
Starter colony (1,000+ mealworms from a reputable source)
4.
Vegetable scraps (carrots, potatoes, apples for moisture)
5.
Mesh or screen (for separating life stages, optional)
6.
Dark, warm space (ideal temp: 75–80°F or 24–27°C)
Life Cycle of Mealworms
Understanding the
stages helps you manage your colony:
1.
Egg (4–20 days)
2.
Larva (Mealworm) (8–10 weeks) ← This is what you feed to
chickens
3.
Pupa (1–2 weeks)
4.
Beetle (lays eggs to start cycle again)
Setup Instructions
1.
Prepare your bin:
o Use a shallow plastic drawer or storage bin.
o Add 1–2 inches of substrate (bran or oats).
o Poke holes in the lid or keep slightly open for airflow.
2.
Add mealworms:
o Introduce starter worms into the substrate.
3.
Feed and maintain:
o Add small pieces of carrot, apple, or potato every few
days.
o Remove moldy or uneaten food.
o Replace substrate every few months if it becomes too dirty
or powdery.
4.
Harvesting:
o Scoop out full-grown worms when needed.
o You can dry or feed them live.
Optional: Separate Life Stages
· Use stackable trays: Keep beetles in a top bin with mesh
floor so eggs fall through.
· Keep larvae in a separate bin for harvesting.
· Helps maintain continuous production without cannibalism.
Feeding Chickens
· Live: Chickens enjoy
the movement — stimulates natural foraging.
· Dried: Roast or sun-dry
for storage and winter feeding.
· Feed as a treat or supplement — not a
full feed replacement.
o 10–15 worms per bird, a few times per week is a good
range.
Tips for Success
· Keep the colony warm, dark, and dry.
· Avoid over-moisture to prevent mold.
· Rotate bins to maintain consistent harvests.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK ON AMAZON
- Dive into the world of mealworm farming with clear, step-by-step instructions that cover every aspect of the process. From understanding the life cycle and biology of mealworms to setting up your farm and creating the ideal habitat, this guide leaves no stone unturned. Learn the best practices for feeding and nutrition, breeding and reproduction, and maintaining the health of your mealworms to ensure a thriving colony.
- This guide also delves into advanced topics like sustainable farming practices, waste management, and integrating mealworm farming with other agricultural activities. Discover how to minimize your environmental impact, recycle byproducts, and contribute to a circular economy—all while producing a high-quality product.
- In addition to farming techniques, the book also covers the business side of mealworm farming, offering insights into harvesting, processing, and marketing your mealworms. Carefully designed for beginners looking to start a small scale operation or an experienced farmer seeking to optimize your existing farm
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