Giant mealworms are an excellent source of protein and nourishment for certain animals like amphibians and reptiles. Whether you are raising wild birds, reptiles, trout or even amphibians, all these feed on giant mealworms. As a protein-packed food source, giant mealworms serve as cost-effective resources in keeping certain animals alive and properly nourished. Giant mealworms are not your regular-sized worms- these are over-sized worms that normally measures 1.3” long and 0.15” in diameter. They may be ginormous and intimidating, especially for first-timers who are handling worms, but these are what your small animals need to thrive and become nourished.
Grow or purchase your mealworms online
There are two (2) ways on how to can sustain the requirements for giant meal worms- you can grow giant mealworms or you can order these from trusted online sellers. Growing giant mealworms are similar to growing ordinary mealworms. The only difference is that these giant mealworms involve one crucial step, and that’s the introduction of growth hormone that allows these worms to grow in size. This option can be labor-intensive for many since there’s a need to worry about the containers, feeding the worms and making sure that the living containers get the right amount of moisture.
If you don’t have the time and patience for the dirty work, then an alternative is to order these mealworms from pet stores or online stores. Prices for giant mealworms vary by store, and online sellers often offer discount pricing for bulk orders.
Recommended maintenance and storage
Whether you want to raise these giant mealworms or you decide to order for convenience, keep in mind that there are recommended handling and maintenance protocols. If these were ordered in cups, then the worms should be stored in a refrigerator with temperatures that range from 42°-55° F. At this temperature range, the worms will become dormant thus these will last for a long period of time.
Worms that have been ordered online and in bulk can be transferred into plastic containers, provided these have aeration holes. When keeping the worms at room temperature, its recommended to add 1” layer of ‘bed’ that’s made from a combination of cornmeal, wheat bran or chicken mash. Moisture is a critical component of growing worms, and should be complemented by worm nourishment like raw carrots or potatoes. Worms should not be placed under direct sunlight.
Handling giant mealworms may seem tiring and complicated, but it actually pays off in the end. If you are raising amphibians as pets or you’re into fishing, having a well-maintained and steady source of worms allow for a stress-free and convenient hobby.
