Sifting Mealworms

[Mruro]

Hello. I need the help of everyone here. I am now trying to feed about 80 geckos and its taking way too long to sift through the bedding to get the mealworms. I would like to hear from my fellow gecko owners on how they get the mealworms separated in order to feed the geckos.

The medium that i am using as bedding for the mealworms is purina chicken feed. I would like to still use this as the bedding, but would appreciate any ideas or routines. Thanks

 

[PaulSage]

It takes me less than 60 seconds to sift mealworms out of Pro Gutload (from Pro Geckos) to feed ~300 geckos. I use the metal-screened sand sifters (I think they're made by ESU) to separate the worms from the gutload. Piece of cake.

 

[eyelids]

I use Pro Gutload too and since it's mostly powdered it makes sifting a breeze like Paul said. I use an old school metal flower sifter, but I think it's time for an upgrade... Where'd you get your's Paul?

 

[PaulSage]

I don't remember where I got them, but here's a link to the kind I have:
http://www.reptilesource.com/?item|ZM62300

It's made by Zoo Med, not ESU.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I use my own gutload for both crickets as feed and mealworm bedding, and only use enough at a time for them to eat in about 24-48 hours. Once the bedding turns to droppings in the mealworm container, it's very easy to sift using an old-school metal mesh strainer. After feeding the geckos, I just add more gutload to the remainder of the mealworms.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

It takes me less than 60 seconds to sift mealworms out of Pro Gutload (from Pro Geckos) to feed ~300 geckos. I use the metal-screened sand sifters (I think they're made by ESU) to separate the worms from the gutload. Piece of cake.

I do the exact same thing! It really doesn't take long (unless I want it to).

 

[pawsfoot]

Yea, my gutload is kinda like powdery flakes so when I sift through it it only takes a couple seconds to get enough for all my geckos to eat, but I only have 6 so what do I know.

 

[eyelids]

I don't remember where I got them, but here's a link to the kind I have:
http://www.reptilesource.com/?item|ZM62300

It's made by Zoo Med, not ESU.

Thanks Paul! I ordered 2... 1 for sifting bugs and 1 for sifting cat poo...

 

[Mruro]

Thanks for the Replies

I will definitely use everyone's suggestions about the gutload. It has been taking me about 1 hour lately to separate my mealworms. This has been a real drag on my evening social life with the family. Thank you very much for the input.
Peter McCarthy

 

[RaiQuee]

I do the exact same thing as Paul Sage. In fact, I even have the same exact gutload and sifter!! It's nice! Only pain I see is when they molt. I also sift those up too Anyone got secrets to that?

 

[PaulSage]

I do the exact same thing as Paul Sage. In fact, I even have the same exact gutload and sifter!! It's nice! Only pain I see is when they molt. I also sift those up too Anyone got secrets to that?

The molts usually end up at one end/corner of the tubs due to the mealworms' wiggling around near the warmer end of the tub, so I just hold that end of the tub over the trash can and blow them out. Doing a few isn't so bad, but after about 5-6 I get a little light-headed. I've wondered if using a can of compressed air (from a distance) would be safe, but for now I'll just settle with the dizziness. lol

 

[eyelids]

The molts usually end up at one end/corner of the tubs due to the mealworms' wiggling around near the warmer end of the tub, so I just hold that end of the tub over the trash can and blow them out. Doing a few isn't so bad, but after about 5-6 I get a little light-headed. I've wondered if using a can of compressed air (from a distance) would be safe, but for now I'll just settle with the dizziness. lol

LOL! I was going to say the same thing about blowing them into the trash. :main_laugh: It can be messy though...