How to breed mealworms

[Brandon.O]

Hey guys, im doing a science project on mealworms, i dont know what im supposed to be doing with them but all of the sudden im curious about breeding them for the birds outside.

What do i do ?

[Smulkin]

I've got no experience in that field myself - but if no one else does google

+"breeding mealworms"

[Python-77]

I've got no experience in that field myself - but if no one else does google

Yahoo search works well to--Here is what I found in a quick search I am going to start this tonight and see how things turn out in the next couple weeks. These large beetles may make a nice snack food for my Savannahs. (after they lay there eggs of course)

http://www.icomm.ca/dragon/mealworm.htm

[Shelby]

It's EASY. I have mine in shallow plastic drawers. Give them a couple inches of oats/cherrios/puffed rice/wheat etc etc. I give them the same food mix that my mice and rats get.

Put a moistened paper towel in for them to drink from. Don't put this on top of the food because it will mold. Re-wetten the towel every other day. You can also use fresh fruits/veggies, but I'm too lazy for that.

Add mealworms. The more the better. From hatching to pupae stage is 3 months. Pet store bought mealies should take a week or two to pupate. Remove pupae daily to a separate small container for the two weeks it takes for them to metamorphose into beetles. The beetles can be put back with the mealies. Just wait awhile and eventually you'll see tiny baby mealworms.

That's it.

[Brandon.O]

Thanks shelby !

Can i keep them outside or do they need to be kept cool ?

[Shelby]

You don't want to roast them. I just keep mine at room temperature. I wouldn't go much above 80 degrees.