I was wondering how long I can safely keep mealworms in the fridge for feeding out to the birds. Is it possible for them to be too old to use?
thanks
Meal worms
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gomer
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- Posts: 4484
- Joined: 23 Nov 2008, 17:41
- Location: Victoria
- Location: Victoria Australia
Between 3 to 6 months would be how long you can keep them alive in a fridge.I have gone just under 6 months before .This will depend on a few things.
Fridge temp must be just right.( to cold and they will die)
worms will need to come out of the fridge and warm up and feed during this time.
The medium that they are stored in most likley will need a freshen up if stored for a long period.
Any dead or dying worms need removing before contaminating the rest of the worms.
have them in enough medium to give them a little food and space between each other.
As for being to old as long as they are fresh they are good to feed out.
Fridge temp must be just right.( to cold and they will die)
worms will need to come out of the fridge and warm up and feed during this time.
The medium that they are stored in most likley will need a freshen up if stored for a long period.
Any dead or dying worms need removing before contaminating the rest of the worms.
have them in enough medium to give them a little food and space between each other.
As for being to old as long as they are fresh they are good to feed out.
Keeper of Australian Grass Finches
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E Orix
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- Posts: 2740
- Joined: 29 May 2009, 23:30
- Location: Howlong on NSW/Vic Border 30km from Albury
- Location: Howlong NSW
Mealworms can be kept for ages before they start to pupate
The process is not hard, two weeks in a cool dark place, then one week in the refrigerator with a very tight fitting lid. Then repeat the process. Don't forget to check the Bran and top up if needed.
While out of the refrigerator make sure that they have access to plenty of Carrots. They will be hungry and want to make up body mass lost while in the refrigerator.
Even if only kept in a cool dark place will slow them down greatly.
The process is not hard, two weeks in a cool dark place, then one week in the refrigerator with a very tight fitting lid. Then repeat the process. Don't forget to check the Bran and top up if needed.
While out of the refrigerator make sure that they have access to plenty of Carrots. They will be hungry and want to make up body mass lost while in the refrigerator.
Even if only kept in a cool dark place will slow them down greatly.