Mealworms and More

Can Mealworms Live Without Substrate?

Can Mealworms Live Without Substrate?

When it comes to raising mealworms, one question often arises: can mealworms live without substrate? Understanding the role of substrate in their habitat is crucial for anyone interested in breeding these versatile creatures, whether for animal feed, fishing bait, or even as a sustainable protein source for human consumption. The Importance of Substrate for Mealworms Mealworms, which are the larval form of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor), require a proper substrate to thrive. Unlike many other insects, mealworms utilize the substrate not just for nourishment but also as a bedding material. The substrate serves multiple purposes: Nutritional Source: Mealworms consume...

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What Mealworms Eat: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Diet and Care

What Mealworms Eat Grains and Bedding: Mealworms thrive on a diet of dry grains, such as oats and wheat bran, which also serve as their bedding. A thick layer of these materials provides comfort and nutrition, aim 1/2-1" thick. Fruits and Vegetables: Mealworms enjoy a variety of kitchen scraps, including: Lettuce Potato peels Apple cores Banana peels However, be cautious about moisture levels; limit wet food to about 30% of their total diet to prevent mold growth. Polystyrene: Research has shown that mealworms can digest polystyrene, a common plastic. They can break it down and excrete harmful chemicals, making them...

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Mealworms for Chickens: Benefits, Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines

Mealworms for Chickens: Benefits, Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines

If you’re looking to boost your chickens' diet, you might be wondering about live mealworms. Are they good for your flock? Spoiler alert: yes! Let’s dig into the nutritional benefits of mealworms, how to feed them, and what to consider when sourcing high-quality mealworms. Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms for Chickens High Protein Content: Mealworms are a fantastic source of protein, containing up to 50% protein by weight when dried. This makes them an excellent choice for growing chicks and laying hens alike. In contrast, live mealworms contain around 20% protein due to their high moisture content. This difference is essential...

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How many live mealworms in a pound?

How many live mealworms in a pound?

Curious about mealworms and how many fit in a pound? This blog post explores the average weight of live mealworms at Midwest Mealworms, revealing that you can expect around 5,000 in a pound. We also introduce Midwest Mealworms, a small business dedicated to providing medium-sized mealworms averaging 3/4 inch in length. Learn about the natural size variations and the benefits of choosing our healthy mealworms!

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