MEAL WORMS AS FOOD FOR PETS 
ered worms are the young or larval stages of a 
ie beetle (Tenebrio molitor), that luckily for pets 
but unluckily for grain dealers, breeds con- 
stantly and most prolifically. These insects 
are eminently fitted to be made into beef- 
steak for birds, toads, fish, and many other pets. 
To breed meal worms it is necessary to buy a 
hundred or so of a regular dealer in bird food. 
These should be placed in a two-gallon jar, or a 
tight box, containing a mixture of bran, corn- 
meal, oat-meal, and graham flour, or almost 
any uncooked breakfast food; bran alone will do, but 
a more varied diet seems to make for more rapid 
growth. There should be four or five inches of this 
mixture in the bottom of the jar, and upon it should 
be scattered a few shavings or bits of shingle for the 
insects to hide under. After the meal worms have 
been introduced to their new home, cover the jar with 
a piece of very fine wire gauze. This will admit the 
air, and if cloth is used instead of the wire gauze, the 
beetles will eat their way through it and escape. 
Place the jar in a dark, warm situation, for warmth is 
very necessary to the rapid multiplication of these 
‘insects. If these directions are followed, in the course 
of a few weeks there will be produced an ample stock 
of food for a reasonable number of pets. 
More of the food mixture must be added as the 
worms develop and devour it. 
To capture the meal worms take out a handful of 
the mixture, spread it out upon a paper, and pick up 
the insects with forceps. 
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