Tony O-P.

I have no idea if this will reach "those in authority" but if it does. How do I go about changing my user name? Cheers, Tony.

HI Tony, I will run through my simple method in easy order, I am not saying that this is the only or even the prefered method, but it has worked for me.
1, Purchase a small supply of mealworms from a pet shop or other supplier.

2, Obtain a container, for instance a 1 kg. icecream tub or something along that line.

3, Partly fill the container, approx. 1 inch, with porridge oats, ready breck or whatever the cheapest is, they are not gourmes so the basic stuff will be good enough, and put the mealworms in.

4, Add a source of moisture, a slice of potato or a slice of apple will surfice, this should be removed and replaced about once a week to ensure that it does not introduce mould to the set up.

5,Place the container in a warm dry atmosphere and leave well alone apart from changing the moisture source as described.

The sequence of events that should follow are, the mealworms will shed their skins as they grow eventually turning into nymphs (affectionately nicknamed 'aliens' and you will see the reason for this as you observe their development) following this stage they will progress to Darklin beetles, which are the adult stage. These beetles will then mate and eggs will be laid in the oatmeal eventually completing the cycle and becoming small mealworms, as these grow they will go through several stages of skin sheding until such time as they are large enough to harvest as bird food.

I hope that this has been of use to you, should you encounter any problems please feel free to PM me again and I will attempt to help, by the same token, if you should descover anything of interest regarding this procedure I would appreciate your input. I repeat, I am not an expert on the subject and am willing to learn from more knowledgable people on the subject.

Good luck with your project and remember that patience is paramount.

Keith

Hi Tony,
Thanks for the message. Yes, I've heard of 'clarty' too!
Funny what we remember. I didn't think 'scratting' was that old! LOL

Take care,
Tracey