Mealworms are widely recognized as a nutritious and beneficial food source for reptiles. They are not really worms, but the larvae of darkling beetles. Adding these to a reptile’s diet is going to boos their health and immune system. Sure you can buy mealworms, but why not make your own farm?
You can create a mealworm farm for reptiles using a plastic container. Put grains in it and add the mealworms. You can feed these mealworms to reptiles as they are nutritious.
How Many Mealworms to Feed Reptiles?
Adult reptiles can eat up to 7 mealworms every other day. Younger reptiles can be given 3 mealworms also every other feeding day.
Most reptiles can live on just mealworms alone, but I recommend a balanced diet. While mealworms are nutritious and ideal for other animals including chickens, variety is important.
Introduce meallworms to their diet slowly. Just give your reptile one and observe. Chances are they will like it so follow the feeding frequency given above.
Don’t give too many to baby and juvenile reptiles. Their digestive system is not yet fully developed and may have trouble absorbing too many mealworms.
The Benefits of Mealworm Farming For Reptiles
You are probably asking, why farm mealworms when you can purchase them? True you can buy mealworms, but farming offers many benefits.
First it is easy. You just need a container, preferably glass or plastic so the mealworms can’t get out. Put 2-3 inches of oats or other grain in it and place the mealworms inside.
That’s it. You can let the mealworms feed on the grains or add bits of fruits and vegetables. Varied diet leads to healthier mealworms, which is what you want before feeding them to your reptiles.
Second, it can be self sustaning. By letting some of the mealworms grow into beetles, they will lay eggs and produce more mealworms. You can have a constant supply of healthy food for your reptiles.
Mealworms are easy to handle and store. You can purchase them from pet stores or online retailers anytime. You can also be keep mealworms alive for relatively long periods and supply your reptiles with live prey.
One final reason: reptiles like mealworms. Some reptiles can be picky, so giving them mealworms might encourage them to eat more. Adding it to their diet is an easy way to improve their health.
Mealworms Nutrient Facts
Mealworms provide reptiles with essential nutrients and vitamins. Because they are widely available, it is easy to farm them for your reptile pets.
Reptiles require a balanced diet that includes different nutrients. Mealworms provide an excellent combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates they need. Let’s take a look at their nutrient profile.
Protein. Mealworm larvae are rich in protein, which is crucial for the growth and overall health of reptiles. Protein supports muscle development, reproductive functions and the production of enzymes and hormones.
Healthy fats and vitamins. Mealworms contain healthy fats that provide reptiles with an energy source. These fats are necessary for maintaining proper bodily functions.
Fats get a bad rap, but they promote healthy skin and scales. Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, are present in mealworms too.
Fiber. Reptiles need fiber for proper digestion, prevent constipation and stimulate gut health. It aids in maintaining a healthy digestive tract, ensuring vital nutrients are absorbed.
Hydration. Mealworms have high water content which provides reptiles with an additional source of moisture. Proper hydration is vital for reptiles as it helps regulate body temperature. It also supports organ function and aids in shedding.
I want to add that despite their many advantages, mealworms should not be the sole dietary component for reptiles. Variety is key in creating a well-rounded diet.
Mixing mealworms with other feeder insects, such as crickets, roaches, or silkworms, can ensure a diverse nutrient intake for reptiles.
How to Keep Mealworms for Reptiles
Here’s a guide on how to keep mealworms for reptiles. It’s a good idea to note these down while planning your farm.
Sourcing mealworms
- Purchase live mealworms from a reputable supplier. Pet stores or online specialty retailers often sell them.
- Ensure that the mealworms are healthy, plump, and active. Avoid buying any that appear sick or withered.
Choosing containers
- I suggest plastic or glass containers. It should be transparent so you can see waste buildup and at least 6 inches high so they cannot get out.
- The container should be well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which may lead to mold.
Bedding / substrate
- Place a suitable substrate at the bottom of the container. Rolled oats, wheat bran, or a mixture of both make excellent mealworm bedding.
- The substrate should be around 1-3 inches deep. That is necessary for mealworms to pupate and burrow.
Feeding
- Well-fed mealworms will lead to healthy reptiles. Feed the worms grains, fruits and vegetables. Mix things up to balance their diet.
- Make sure there is enough food for your mealworms. Replenish regularly and discard old, rotting food.
Water
- Mealworms require moisture to thrive. A small dish of water or a water gel medium is ideal.
- Don’t put too much water in the dish as it could soak the substrate.
Temperature and Lighting
- Maintain a controlled environment. Mealworms do well between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
- Do not expose them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as it can be fatal. Indirect or dim light is fine.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Regularly clean the container to prevent waste buildup, mold growth and unwanted odors.
- Remove any dead or dark-colored mealworms promptly as they may indicate fungal or bacterial infestations.
Harvesting Mealworms
- As your mealworms grow, choose appropriate-sized ones to feed to your reptiles. Sort them according to size and remove excess beetles or pupae.
- Use feeding tongs or a scooper to transfer the mealworms to your reptile’s enclosure.
How Long to Breed Mealworms for Reptiles?
Breeding mealworms does require some time and patience, but it is rewarding. Plus you will end up with a constantly food supply for your pet reptiles.
On average, it takes approximately 3-4 months to complete a full generation cycle from egg to adult beetle, and an additional few weeks for the adult beetles to lay eggs and initiate a new cycle.
Mealworm Life Cycle
Several factors affect the breeding time of mealworms. These include temperature, nutrition, lighting, moisture and others.
Egg and larvae stages. The life cycle of a mealworm starts with the egg stage, which typically lasts around 1-2 weeks. After the eggs hatch, the mealworm larvae emerge.
Mealworm larvae, also known as “worms” are the most commonly used as reptile food. They go through several molting stages and shed their outer exoskeleton as they grow.
It takes about 8-10 weeks for a mealworm to reach its full size, which is typically between 1-1.25 inches (2.5-3 cm).
Pupal stage. Once mealworm larvae reach their maximum size, they enter the pupal or metamorphosis stage. During this stage, the mealworm molts for the last time and transforms into an adult beetle.
This takes roughly 1-2 weeks. Adult beetles are typically dark-brown or black.
Laying eggs. After adult beetles mate, the female lays eggs. Females can start laying as soon as a week after emerging. This goes on for 1-2 months.
Female beetles lay hundreds of tiny, white eggs. These take about 1-2 weeks to hatch.
As the mealworms go through their various stages, I recommend moving them into separate containers. This is key for the survival of the colony and providing your pet reptiles with food. This also lets you continuously cycle through the different life stages.
I have to emphasize that environmental conditions greatly impact the breeding process. Mealworms thrive in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and 40-60% humidity.
If you can keep the mealworms in this condition, they will breed faster and lay more eggs when they turn into beetles.
Conclusion
Breeding mealworms for reptiles can be a cost-effective way to provide your pets with a nutritious food source.
The breeding process may take a few months to complete a full generation cycle. But with proper care and suitable conditions, you can establish a sustainable mealworm colony.
