Beardie was bit by a hornworm

[NYDragon]

Hi! I just got some hornworms for Libby my beardie. They are pretty massive, maybe 3-4 inches or so. She had no problem the first day. But last night I fed her one and when she grabbed it, it turned around and grabbed on to just above her eye, maybe even the eyelid. She scratched it off but it turned right around and bit her again. She had it down her throat before I could even step in. She had her eye closed for a few seconds after and then it was really watery. I wiped her eye off and cleaned her up. That was the end of food for that night! I was quite upset that she could have gotten really injured. This morning she looked fine. Actually the other eye and surrounding area was darker than usual but I doubt that has anything to do with it. So, should I keep feeding these evil things. When I picked another one up with tongs, it grated its mandibles/teeth across it and they sounded sharp. I don't want her to get injured but I know they are a good food source. And I've never heard of this happening to other people. Any advice? Thanks!

Erin

 

[gb546]

Have you tried cutting the worms head off?

 

[NYDragon]

Yeah, I'm not sure I could I don't even like watching her crunch them in case they burst apart. Ugh. I just don't know if they could really cause a problem. I heard they spit too so maybe that is where the wateryness came from. I read on the chameleon forums that some people had problems with biting too. I'm just afraid to feed them now but I don't want to waste them. And if I don't feed them, what do I do with them? I would like to feed them too her if I felt more comfortable. The whole scene was quite disturbing!

 

[TASTIGER]

i know its gross but i would strongly suggest squishing or cutting the head off thats what i do

 

[Fallencomrade2008]

If the dragon nails the head first theres no problem. I always try to aim the head at my dragon, i also try not to feed such massive worms to smaller or less agressive chewers.

 

[TASTIGER]

meh id rather be safe than sorry lol but yes if you decide not to cut heads off aim the head at your dragon

 

[invictusrules]

Is it possible to clip off one or both of the mandibles? That would be a lot less messy than taking off the head. <shudders> I don't have any here to look at to see how big the jaws are, or I'd give it a try.

 

[NickBarta]

I have been bitten by Horn Worms and Super Worms, and other than scaring me, they did not draw blood. I am sure that if the worm is bitten head first, your Beardie will not be injured. If he is bitten by a Horn or Super, the chances of real injury are minimal.

Nick Barta

 

[PuffMagic]

Are any of you in Canada? Because I am having a real issue getting horn worms for my beardie and she totally loves them! Apparently they have been banned?

 

[NickBarta]

U.S. Supplier is trying to get the permits for Canadian shipments. Not an easy task...............

Nick Barta

 

[NYDragon]

From the research I've done now, they can do some damage when they get 3-4 inches or so. A cham owner was saying how one of her chams got a bite wound on its eye turret and it took weeks to heal. She also had a Meller's that started gagging after eating one. When she looked in her mouth, the hornworm was hanging on to the tongue in the back of the throat! Took some effort to get it off.

Plus, they decided to chew their way through the cup they came in. They were in the process of making a run for it when I found them. :x So, I'm done with hornworms to say the least lol. I'm not a bug person and to have to worry about escapes and injuries is not worth it for me. And cutting them up! Eeewww! I don't know if you've felt a really large hornworm but gross! Lol. I guess I'll have to stick with supers and silks when I can get them. Thanks!

Erin