Superworm Questions

[dalton7carlson]

So I know superworms are a great source of proteins and such for beardies but i read in the basic necessities (as i was just wandering the site) that is is dangerous to feed them to your beardie if they are under a certain length. I looked around on the internet a little and I couldn't find any thing besides on this site. WHY is it not good to feed them under that size?

 

[Claudiusx]

When dragons are under 16 inches in length, they have a certain 'kink' in their digestive track. After a dragon is 16 inches long, the dragon has grown enough for this 'kink' to have straightened out, which will reduce the risk of impaction from superworms.

-Brandon

 

[dalton7carlson]

Well that makes 100% sense. Thanks!

 

[Claudiusx]

Not a problem. :mrgreen:

-Brandon

 

[dalton7carlson]

Just another question, how does this apply to freshly molted/ smaller mealworms? I'm starting my own colony and my beardie is under 16" but his tail is kind of nubbed( i dont know what happened, he was a rescue) so i dont think his length applies. Does it still or is there a snout to vent length i can check for? Thanks once again!

 

[Claudiusx]

The rule of 16 inches is a precaution. If you want to cut that precaution short, than just know that you are indeed cutting it short.

That being said, your dragon likely won't have any problems with them assuming husbandry is in order, but IMO, superworms aren't that great of a feeder to be offering to still growing dragons. They are really high in fat content. So to give a dragon the protein it needs with superworms, you'd be introducing way too much fat into the diet. Of course if you are only giving a couple a day along with other healthier insects that is fine. Variety is key.

-Brandon