What is a good staple worm?

[UpstateNYPets]

After having a close call with an impaction from feeding my 3 year old dragon superworms, I'm looking for soft bodied worms. He will not touch crickets so I need to find a decent staple worm. I will not be completely getting rid of superworms, but I would like to add more variety so I can feed the supers to him less. What are some good ones that I can feed on a regular basis that are not too fattening and will not pose a cause of concern?

He's tried Phoenix Worms before and he accepted them. I will probably be getting more of those. What else is there? I know wax, butter, and silk worms are all high in fat.

What do you guys suggest?

 

[mishelly58]

I use hornworms, and sometimes silkworms. Hornworms get real big about 3.5 - 4 inches. Here are a couple of pictures:

Here is some info on them from Great Lakes Hornworm, but I usually order them from Mulberry Farms. I can get silkworms from them also and their customer service is great. Any problems are taken care of ASAP. (I had a shipment in which 1/2 of the worms were DOA and they not only replaced them but sent an extra cup with the next order. )

http://www.greatlakeshornworm.com/

Hope this helps

Michele

 

[UpstateNYPets]

Awe, I'd feel horrible giving those beautiful worms to my dragon! They are so pretty and big! LOL Thanks for the information, I've heard that those kinda worms are good. Nice to hear from someone who has tried them. Thanks

 

[mishelly58]

No problem, When I first got Gizmo the vet said that he was healthy just a little underweight but he would not eat crickets for me. I talked to several people and they suggested the Hornworms and Silk worms. Gizmo has since then put on weight and started eating crickets again but stopped eating silkworms. Go figure it's like having a picky eater in the house. LOLn

 

[UpstateNYPets]

Yeah, and I thought my little BROTHERS were picky! I haven't seen an animal with such a picky appetite. My frogs, toads, fish, newts and everything else, eats whatever is dropped in from of them. My beardie on the other hand, if it's not a certain size, if it doesn't look good, if it's too fast or if it's not moving, etc... he won't touch it. So they become spoiled brats and get what they want and you feel bad if you try to change it, they give you that beardie stare. Spoiled little things.

I wish I could be a beardie for a day! :lol:

 

[lyndra]

Silkworms are a wonderful protein rich staple food. Apparently they also contain an enzyme that helps with calcium absorption. I like to feed them to our beardies and chameleon because of the high moisture content. Our critters really enjoy hornworms as well and like an occasional superworm. I stay away from mealworms.

 

[Hudson]

I'm new to bearded dragons and I have a question after reading this blog.

I have plenty of earthworms, would these be good to feed my dragon?

Thanks.

 

[patrickb]

I would avoid the earthworms. They are potentially loaded with parasites and would not be a good feeder as a result. Could make your dragon quite sick.

Michelly: That second pic is just too cute. That wicked grin on his face before he chomps down is just priceless.