Raise Mealworms in 9 Practical Steps: Healthy Chicken Diet

Chickens require balanced diets. Minerals and vitamins allow them to perform necessary body functions, lay strong eggs, and fight off infection. Fats and carbohydrates supply their bodies body with energy while proteins give them a steady supply of amino acids.

If you want to add some more protein to your chickens’ diet, mealworms are an excellent option. However, they can cost you over time. But why buy mealworms when you can easily grow them yourself?

You can raise mealworms easily. With something as small as a mini 3-compartment drawer from the dollar store, you can have your own mealworms to feed to your chooks. Of course, the amount of mealworms you need to produce determines the size of the drawers to grow them in. You can also use plastic bins if you already have some in your storage.

Learn everything you need to know and be inspired to have your own mealie farm by reading this great tutorial we’ve found for you – see link below! It is very informative and addresses the most common problem encountered when you raise mealworms – moisture!

BTW, this is also a project that kids can have fun with. So if you have little ones at home, why not involve them and learn how to grow your own mealworms together!

Do you want to start growing your own mealworms for the chooks?

How to Raise Mealworms

Materials

• Plastic 3-Compartment Drawer
• Plastic Bin
• Screening Material
• Wheat Bran (substrate)
• Cardboard, Egg Carton, Toilet Paper Tube, or Layers of Newspaper (where worms like to hide)

Tools

• Cutter
• Drill
• Hot Glue Gun

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Housing

Choose either a plastic 3-compartment drawer or a larger plastic bin based on the scale of your mealworm farm. Clean the container thoroughly with warm, soapy water to ensure it’s free from contaminants. Rinse well and dry.

Step 2: Modify for Ventilation

Use the drill to create small ventilation holes in the top and sides of your chosen container. Make sure the holes are small enough to prevent mealworms from escaping. Space the holes evenly to ensure good air circulation.

Step 3: Add Screening

Cut a piece of screening material using the cutter to fit the top of the container. Attach the screening securely over the ventilation holes using the hot glue gun. This will allow air in but keep pests out.

Step 4: Prepare the Substrate

Fill the bottom of the container with a generous layer of wheat bran, about 2-3 inches deep. This will serve as both bedding and food for the mealworms.

Step 5: Create Hiding Places

Place pieces of cardboard, segments from an egg carton, toilet paper tubes, or layers of newspaper inside the container. These structures provide hiding spots for the mealworms and help mimic a natural environment.

Step 6: Introduce Mealworms

Add your mealworms to the container. Start with a couple of hundred mealworms if you’re using a smaller drawer or more if you’re utilizing a larger bin.

Step 7: Maintenance

Stow the container somewhere cool, dry away from direct sunlight. Check often to make sure the substrate stays from overly moist since extra moisture can cause mite and mold problems.

Step 8: Harvesting

Once your mealworms develop into beetles, they will procreate and produce fresh larvae. After a few months, you can start gathering mealworms by sifting the bran and returning any beetles or larvae to the container to carry on the cycle.

Step 9: Ongoing Care

To keep wheat bran fresh and clean, replace it every few months or as needed. To avoid colony health problems, routinely remove dead mealworms and beetles.

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You can get a step-by-step tutorial from Trish Brown over at Backyard Chickens!

Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms for Chickens

An outstanding source of protein, mealworms can greatly improve chicken diets. They not only offer vital nutrients but also are low-cost, simple things to grow at home. Learning how to raise mealworms will help your chicken be stronger, healthier, and produce more eggs, so benefiting their health. Mealworms should be included into your chickens’ diet for their following nutritional advantages in great detail here.

High Protein Content

Because mealworms are so high in protein, they are perfect for chickens, especially for growing chicks and laying hens. Development of muscles, feather creation, and general growth all depend on protein. Choosing to raise mealworms gives you a consistent supply of premium protein that can boost chicken health and help to increase egg output.

Essential Fats and Energy

The practice to raise mealworms ensure a supply of good fats that chickens’ energy demands depend on. These fats not only provide energy but also assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are absolutely vital for the welfare of your birds.Especially in colder months, regularly including mealworms in their diet guarantees that chickens have the energy required for daily activities and preserving body temperature.

Vitamins and Minerals

Important vitamins including B12, which is vital for the nervous system and the red blood cell synthesis in chickens, are found in mealworms. Among the minerals they offer are iron, potassium, copper, zinc, and selenium.

From enzyme generation to bone health, these minerals are absolutely vital for many different kinds of body operations. When you raise mealworms, you guarantee your chickens receive these vital nutrients naturally.

Amino Acids

Mealworms’ protein contains every one of the amino acids chickens need. The building blocks of protein required for both health and productivity in poultry are amino acids. They help with important tasks including immune system performance and tissue healing. Choosing to raise mealworms helps you to improve the diet of your chickens by adding these essential elements, so enhancing their general condition.

Digestibility

For chickens, mealworms are quite digestible, thus they can readily absorb and use the nutrients they offer. Mealworms are a great addition to extra feeding because of their great digestibility. The act to raise mealworms at home guarantees that your chickens get nutrient-dense meals that support their health and helps lower feed costs.

Sustainable and Cost-Effective

Besides their nutritional benefits, mealworms are sustainable to produce and can be raised in large quantities without substantial inputs of food or space. They can be grown on organic waste materials, making them an environmentally friendly feed option. Additionally, when you raise mealworms yourself, you cut down on the costs associated with purchasing commercial chicken feed supplements.

Easy to Integrate

Including mealworms into your chickens’ diet is easy. They can be presented fresh or dried, or as a mix-in with other foods. Mealworms’ adaptability qualifies them as a sensible choice for many chicken growers.

Including mealworms into your chickens’ diet provides a lot of advantages beyond only basic nutrition. Choosing to raise mealworms not only gives your chickens a better food source but also lets you practice environmental sustainability that might save money and boost your self-sufficiency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Troubleshooting common issues in mealworm farming is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive colony. When you raise mealworms, you may encounter a few challenges that can impact the growth and health of your mealworms.

Understanding how to identify and address these problems effectively can enhance your ability to raise mealworms successfully. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting the most common issues faced by mealworm farmers.

Issue 1: Moisture Control

Moisture is one of the primary concerns when you raise mealworms. Excessive moisture can lead to mold growth and attract pests like mites. To manage moisture levels, ensure your mealworms’ habitat has adequate ventilation. If the substrate feels damp, add dry wheat bran or oatmeal to absorb the excess moisture. Regular checks and adjustments are crucial to prevent moisture-related issues.

Issue 2: Temperature Fluctuations

Mealworms require a consistent temperature range, typically between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, to thrive. When you raise mealworms, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of their environment. 

Fluctuations can slow down growth or even kill your mealworms. If temperatures drop, consider using a gentle heat source like a heat mat. Conversely, if the area is too warm, relocate the mealworm farm to a cooler location or increase air circulation.

Issue 3: Overcrowding

Overcrowding can severely impact the health of your mealworm colony. It can lead to insufficient food supply, stunted growth, and higher risk of disease. To avoid this, divide your mealworms into additional containers as they grow or as their numbers increase. When you raise mealworms, giving them enough space is crucial for their development and overall health.

Issue 4: Pests and Predators

Pests, particularly mites, and predators like rodents, can pose significant threats to mealworm colonies. To protect your mealworms, maintain a clean and controlled environment. Use covered containers with fine mesh to prevent entry. If you notice pests, isolate the affected mealworms and clean the habitat thoroughly. Regular maintenance is vital when you raise mealworms to keep these threats at bay.

Issue 5: Poor Nutrition

The diet of your mealworms directly affects their growth and the nutrition they provide to your chickens. When you raise mealworms, feed them high-quality grains like wheat bran or oatmeal. You can also supplement their diet with slices of vegetables for moisture and additional nutrients. Avoid moldy or spoiled food, as it can cause health issues within the colony.

Regular Health Checks

Conducting regular health checks is essential to ensure your mealworms are growing as expected and are free from diseases or pests. Observing their behavior and condition during routine maintenance can help you catch and address potential issues early. This practice enhances your ability to raise mealworms successfully and sustainably.

Understanding and addressing these common issues can significantly improve your success rate and efficiency in mealworm farming. Regular monitoring, adequate space, proper diet, and environmental control are crucial when you raise mealworms. These practices ensure a healthy mealworm colony, providing a valuable protein source for your chickens and reducing feed costs.

Conclusion

Raising mealworms offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to supplement your chickens’ diet with high-quality protein. This practice not only enhances the overall health and productivity of your poultry but also reduces reliance on commercial feeds. Additionally, engaging in mealworm farming promotes environmentally friendly practices by utilizing organic waste as feed.