Yes, I am talking about the darkling beetle. However, we know this creature more commonly in its beginning stage, known as a meal worm. As a homesteader, if you raise chickens or ducks, this would be a great bug to raise. Meal Worms are a delightful treat to these fowl. It’s not a ‘necessary’ treat, but it’s icing on the cake, if you know what I mean.
Meal worms are not difficult to raise. In fact, their up keep is minimal. I keep mine in a quart sterilite container in about 2″ of layer crumble and some oats…yes, my duck food. That crumble doesn’t have to be changed out, unless the texture becomes sandy. I like to put zucchini slices in as a food source. In no time, they will eat through that veggie. I suggest removing that in one or two days before the smell or rot starts overwhelming the container. My beetles are kept in a separate container until their eggs hatch, then I will be removing and transferring them to another bin.
They are also used for reptile food, great bait while fishing, and I’m sure there are other sources listing ways to use meal worms. Here’s my setup, originally started and portioned to me by my grandparents. Their production center is MUCH larger than mine.
Health, Life, and going back to basics 