Super Worms and Size/Age

[LRoss]

Hey,

I've been trying to work out a proper diet for Angus, and reading through this part of the forum I have seen a few users mention that Super Worms may not be the best choice for a smaller lizard. I am wondering why this is. Do they have a lot less protein than crickets or another type of worm? Or are they too fattening?

Angus seems to like Super Worms a lot, he goes crazy for them. Today though I noticed some dead ones in his tank when I know he ate them all.. I'm assuming he must have thrown them up or else somehow pooped them whole (doubtful on that one..). He's pretty young so I would love to know if he just can't handle them or what is going on.. Thanks!

 

[Trogdor80]

Supers have a lot of shell, that can cause an impaction if you are feeding main staple of their diet quantities to a smaller dragon.

 

[Catalyst]

Young/small dragons have a kink in their digestive system that makes them more prone to impactions - that's why hard shelled bugs like superworms and meal worms aren't recommended for them. Once your dragon is 16 inches and larger, that kink has straightened out and most dragons can easily handle supers as a staple. Some have started with dragons as small as 14 inches successfully, but 16 inches is the most common safety recommendation.

 

[LRoss]

Thanks guys!