Question Regarding Super Worms

[msmaui]

I've just recently started feeding Kookie Super worms. I know that Mealworms aren't that good because they cause impaction. I bought the Supers at Reptile Depot and they call them "Super Mealworms." Are Supers just glorified Mealworms? Am I feeding him the wrong thing? He does love them but I don't want to impact him. He doesn't poo very often as it is. I need some education on worms! :?

Nancy

 

[chrismnc]

The way to know for sure is how they are kept. Mealworms are kept in the fridge and supers are not, it will kill them. They are actually a completely different species.

 

[msmaui]

Thank you so much. I didn't know that.

 

[msmaui]

Okay, still on the superworms. I've read on here that they are alright to feed as a staple. Reptile Depot told me that they should just be fed supers 2-3 times a week. They said I would have a lot healthier beardie that way. Could someone please help me with this? I don't know what to do now. I've been feeding him supers every night. Mornings he gets crickets, evenings he gets supers. Does anyone feed supers as a staple?

Nancy

 

[kevindeeley12]

people do definately use them as staples. In my opinion i think you should feed crickets and superworms in a day like you are as superworms are more fatty, but yet have more protein. People who feed as full time staples usually stop due to their beardies gaining weights.

 

[chrismnc]

I am really interested in finding out more about this also. I feed small supers now. I started them to get Ziggy eating during a shed and he loves them. Now he gets crickets, phoenix worms and supers. I am careful to monitor his poop and he is digesting them fine. I try to feed as many of the newly shed ones as I can find. They are so easy to keep. Would love to get rid of the crix one day. I know I can move to roaches but I am not brave enough yet.

 

[msmaui]

Chrismnc, I know exactly what you mean. I doubt that I'll EVER be brave enough for the roaches. I'm barely brave enough for the supers. :roll:

Nancy

 

[Loganator]

Since Izzy suddenly became very picky recently, Superworms is the only live feeder he will eat. So for the past 2-3 months now, Supers have been his sole protein staple. I love them, they are easier to keep & cheaper than crix, roaches and other worms. And his appetite seems to be satisfied better with the supers. Yes, he did gain alot of weight initially, but about the same time I had decided to start cutting back on the amount of superworms I was offering him, he actually cut back on his own. Instinct? Maybe.

Edit: msmaui, Make sure those "Super Mealworms" that you purchased at Reptile Depot aren't just a big sized mealworms. You DO NOT want to feed mealworms. You want Superworms or Morio worms. Personally any worm with "meal" in the name would worry me.

 

[chrismnc]

Chrismnc, I know exactly what you mean. I doubt that I'll EVER be brave enough for the roaches. I'm barely brave enough for the supers. :roll:

Nancy

I totally agree! The first time I opened the container I had to hold back my scream! They are nasty but the smalls are alittle better and I am getting used to them. Ziggy can't resist them. He sees me approach his viv with the butter container that I put them in and tweezers and he gets excited!

 

[msmaui]

Edit: msmaui, Make sure those "Super Mealworms" that you purchased at Reptile Depot aren't just a big sized mealworms. You DO NOT want to feed mealworms. You want Superworms or Morio worms. Personally any worm with "meal" in the name would worry me.

I know. That's what concerns me. But these aren't kept in the refrigerator. :?

 

[Lena]

For staples I use crickets up until 6-8 months and then transition to superworms.

Nutrition Comparison:
Ca = (Superworm)1:18, (Cricket)1:12
Protein = (Superworm)17.4%, (Cricket)21.3%
Fat = (Superworm)17.9%, (Cricket)6.0%
Sugar = (Superworm)6.8%, (Cricket)3.2%
Water = (Ssuperworm)60%, (Cricket)70%
(Reference: http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html)

Superworms are somewhat less nutritious but not beyond being corrected with proper supplementation and gut loading!

Crickets are, however, easier to digest and somewhat less chitinous which is why I prefer them for younger dragons.