The Buzz on Our Mealworm Farm: Sustainable Protein from Our Michigan Homestead
Hello, friends! We're the folks behind our little slice of paradise in White Cloud, Michigan—a 9-acre wooded homestead where we nurture everything from egg-laying chickens and feeder pigs to inoculated mushroom logs, vibrant gardens, and homemade products.
Our family is all about living close to the land, using natural methods to grow and create. We craft handmade plush chickens and other fun items, and we even grow our own loofa sponges organically without any commercial or chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Today, we're excited to dive into one of our favorite projects: our mealworm farm.
What started as a simple way to boost our chickens' diet has blossomed into a thriving part of our small business. If you're thinking about starting your own mealworm farm—whether for your backyard flock, pet reptiles, fishing trips, or wild bird feeders—we've got tips, insights, and a peek into how we do it sustainably.
Why Mealworms? Our journey with mealworms began out of necessity and curiosity. With a flock of happy, free-ranging chickens, we wanted to provide them with a nutrient-packed treat that was better than store-bought options. Mealworms are loaded with protein, fats, and essential amino acids, making them an ideal treat for overall bird health, especially during times of stress like when they are molting. Plus, they're a hit with reptiles like bearded dragons, or as fishing bait for panfish, or even scattered in bird feeders to attract bluebirds.
As a family, we value sustainability, community, and quality. Everything we do on our homestead reflects that— from sourcing local wheat bran for our mealworms' bedding to using natural amendments in our gardens. We're not just raising bugs; we're building a cycle of life that supports our animals, enriches our soil, and now, shares high-quality products with you through our Shop. Our mealworms are raised with care, free from chemicals, and harvested at peak freshness. Buying from us means supporting a small, family-run operation that's passionate about ethical farming and eco-friendly practices.
If you are inspired to set up your own mealworm farm, it’s easier than you might think!
Here's how we manage ours, with practical advice to get you going. Remember, mealworms (the larval stage of darkling beetles) thrive in a controlled environment and the full life cycle—from egg to beetle—takes about 4-6 months under ideal conditions.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Housing: We use affordable ten-drawer plastic craft carts (like those from a big-box store). Each drawer separates the four life stages. Start with 4-6 drawers if you're just beginning with 500 to 1,000 mealworms.
Bedding/Substrate: Opt for wheat bran—it's nutritious and affordable. We source ours locally to support Michigan farmers. You'll need about 1-2 inches per drawer. Avoid oats or other grains as these tend to mold easily and are harder to sift through. Your bedding will also need to go through a heat treatment or a long freeze treatment to guard against grain mites.
Moisture Source: Water gel crystals (available at pet stores or online) work wonders without causing dampness issues. We use these and also add fresh greens from our garden, like carrot tops or lettuce, for extra hydration and nutrition.
Environment Control: A humidifier keeps humidity around 50-70%, and in Michigan's chilly winters, we use a mini-split heater to maintain 70-80°F in our dedicated "mealworm room." A simple thermometer and hygrometer are must-haves.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Mealworm sheddings and frass can cause an allergic respiratory reaction. We use full face respirators when sifting or separating each drawer and during prolonged times in the mealworm room.
2. Understanding the Life Cycle: Mealworms go through four stages: egg, larva (mealworm), pupa, and adult beetle. We actively manage this to keep things efficient.
Beetles and Eggs: Darkling beetles love the dark! Place them in a drawer with fresh wheat bran. They lay hundreds of eggs over 1-2 weeks at the bottom of the drawer. We swap the beetles to a new drawer every two weeks, leaving the old one with the old wheat bran to hatch eggs into tiny mealworms (about 1-2 weeks later). Beetles don’t eat the substrate/wheat bran as much as they did during their larva stage. They like more of the fresh veggies and do need moisture or they could start eating their own eggs.
Growing Mealworms: Once hatched, the babies munch on the bran. When they've eaten most of it (every 2-4 weeks), we sift them out using a fine mesh screen. This separates the mealworms from the frass (manure) and shed skins.
Pupae and Harvest: Set aside 10-20% of mature mealworms to pupate (they curl up and turn white). These become your next beetles. Harvest the rest when they're 1/2 to 1 inch long—perfect size for treats. Note: Pupae should be in a single, spaced-out layer or they could suffocate.
Pro Advice: Sifting is key! Do it weekly to remove frass, which prevents mold and keeps your colony healthy. Use gloves if you're squeamish, but honestly, it's fascinating for kids and adults alike. Again, use full face respirators to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Daily Care and Troubleshooting
Feeding and Moisture: Supplement bran with veggie scraps 1-2 times a week. Water crystals provide safe hydration—avoid open water to prevent drowning or bacteria.
Herd Management: Like tending any livestock, check daily for signs of stress (e.g., cannibalism from overcrowding). We "herd" by rotating drawers and culling if needed.
Common Issues: Too dry? Add more crystals or greens. Too humid? Increase ventilation. In cold climates like ours, consistent warmth is crucial—mealworms slow down below 60°F.
Bonus Perk: Frass Magic! That sifted frass isn't waste—it's gold! Packed with balanced nutrients and chitin from shed skins, it boosts plant defenses against pests naturally. We mix it into our garden soil for our loofas and veggies. Try it in your pots or beds for healthier plants without chemicals.
Our Commitment to Quality and Community
At the heart of our mealworm farm is our family's dedication to doing things right. We're a homeschooling crew who believes in teaching our kids responsibility through hands-on work. No shortcuts here—our mealworms are raised humanely, with natural inputs, ensuring they're safe and nutritious for your pets or projects. By selling them as chicken treats, reptile food, bait, or bird feed, we're extending that homestead spirit to you. Plus, every purchase helps us expand our offerings, like our handmade crafts and mushroom logs. Ready to try our premium mealworms or explore more? Head over to our Shop page to learn more about our other homestead goodies. We'd love to hear from you—drop a comment below if you're starting your own farm, or share your tips! Feel free to ask questions! Thanks for joining us on this buggy adventure.
Until next time, keep it natural!
Warmly,
The 9 Pines Homestead Family
