where to get dung beetles?

pmckennon · Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 5 Location: Mineral Wells,TX

Last post I saw was in 2003--does anyone know where to get the "starter colony" of dung beetles that I remember being mentioned in the past??
Does anyone in the Ft. Worth area have any they would like to share?
There have been no chemicals used on our little farm (except a bit of sevin 20 years ago on a garden). Still no dung beetles on the 60 acres. Chemical fertilizer used on farms nearby.

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1084 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

What animals do you have? Are you using a chemical wormer? Give us a little more info on what your situation is.
Tony M

pmckennon · Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 5 Location: Mineral Wells,TX

Thanks for answering. We have just a few heifers 12 to 18 months of age on 66 acres. We have fed very little hay in the winter during the last two winters--nothing but grass before that. We revolve them through about five little pasturs--wish we had more fencing. We have done no worming of any kind--didn't seem to need it. We use fly parasites for fly control--sprayed them a few times with orange oil/water solution. They may have had a chemical wormer before I bought them 6 to 12 months ago. This is my family's farm and I don't remember any dung beetles in the last twenty years. Only once in that twenty years was any chemical fertilizer used. My dad did use some Sevin in his garden spot up until 15-18 years ago.

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1084 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

Check with these folks: http://www.hrm-texas.org/
I think they were working on a beetle re-introduction project.
Tony M

Eden's Garden · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 1:10 pm Post subject:

I have the little beasts running around my place - especially see them in the barns. I"ve not gone looking for them in the pasture, but I'm sure they are out there. If I had a few extra minutes, I'd start a colony. But if you want to come and collect some, I'd be fairly sure you could start your own. We'll figure out a price reasonable, since it would be "pick your own" ha ha :wink:

pmckennon · Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 5 Location: Mineral Wells,TX

Thanks for the offer! I'll get back to you when I can get the "driver" of the family in the mood! Thanks so much!
JMcK/PMcK

Dchall_San_Antonio · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1986 Location: San Antonio,TEXAS

While you're checking out HRM of Texas, look for professors Dick and Patricia Richardson from UT. I think Pat is the dung beetle expert, but Dick can help you too.