Are Meal worms possibly bad for beardies?

[underoath7896]

I've heard from somewhere that mealworms are not good for berdies because they have to much of a crunch value is that true? Because right now my beardie is to small for super worms

 

[Embee]

Your are correct. Mealworms are NOT recommended for beardies. Their hard shells are an impaction risk, and they offer little of the nutrition that beardies require.

Might I recommend Phoenix Worms? They are filled will calcium (no need to dust, except for vites). They are small, soft, and if need, can be used as a staple if your beardie prefers them (a good protein to fat ratio). Our beardie LOVES hers. She still eats crickets, but anymore, the PWs have become the staple of choice. They are easy to keep (no feeding, and last a long time). They are small. Our beardie is 6-7 inches and eats the mediums, easily. We order at MulberryFarms.

Hope this helps!

The best,
Em

 

[Ethelia]

Yup this is indeed correct.
Its a nightmare that stores sell the mealies and insist they are fine. They really are much more of a risk than a benefit.

Pheonix worms, butter worms and silkworms are all great options to feed your dragons.
My juvie has a diet of supers and butters, my baby is only on butterworms (fussy devil).

Holly

 

[LuvMyHerps]

Now I have a question.....Even the little tiny mealies are not good? My juvie is 6 1/2 months, and my reptile vet said I could start offering these tiny ones a few times a week. Would another worm be bettter for him?

 

[Ethelia]

Yeah even teeny meal worms arent great. They are 85% shell and have very little protein on top of the impaction issue, so its pretty pointless on top of not being all that sensible.
You can buy small butters/pheonix/silk worms easily online.
My two month old is on butterworms, and my 7 month old boy eats the big butters that are left over.

Holly