superworms v. meal worms

[Danielle4]

ok I'm so confused I can't stand crickets anymore and my beardies are not caring for them much anymore. Princess is 14 1/2 Chaos is 17 1/2in long so I was looking into super worms but they seem to look just like meal worms. Are mine big enough to eat super worms? How would I care for them?

 

[PeppersGirl]

It may not appear to be the case when you first see them but there is actually heaps of difference - Supers are bigger, glossier, have a darker colour on their ends and (most importantly) are much softer. Care for them in the same way as mealworms (bran, slices of carrot for moisture) but they do tend to like a little warmer temp than the mealies.

Chaos sounds big enough but I'm not sure about Princess, you could also breed them and feed the smaller ones you get... I do this for my geckos and netted dragons

 

[Danielle4]

It may not appear to be the case when you first see them but there is actually heaps of difference - Supers are bigger, glossier, have a darker colour on their ends and (most importantly) are much softer. Care for them in the same way as mealworms (bran, slices of carrot for moisture) but they do tend to like a little warmer temp than the mealies.

Chaos sounds big enough but I'm not sure about Princess, you could also breed them and feed the smaller ones you get... I do this for my geckos and netted dragons

thanks so much. I was staring at pics that I could find and I thought they had a hard shell like the mealworms glad to hear they don't and are safe. Could I use cricket water for moisture instead of the carrots I have some left? I'm going to order some small and some med and see if they like them. Which I sure hope they do because I'm so over crickets

 

[Kaiser]

Typically, it's suggested that you start feeding superworms when your bearded dragon has reached approximately 16 inches in length. This is because at about 16 inches, bearded dragons' intestinal tracts straighten out a few kinks, making it easier to process bigger food.

Be sure to keep an eye on your bearded dragons the first time you start feeding superworms, as some bearded dragons will gorge themselves upon being first introduced to superworms, and may eat them too quickly and/or too many of them, which may cause them to vomit or have stomach irritation. Otherwise, they are fine feeders once your bearded dragons have gotten used to them and can gauge themselves properly.

 

[FBradshaw]

You could also look into ordering one of the many types of black soldier fly larvae, also know as Repti-Worms, Calci-Worms, and Phoenix Worms. They keep much easier than supers or mealies and are a better staple food for dragons of all sizes.

 

[Kaiser]

Yes, if you're looking for suggestions on other alternative feeders, I would agree with FBradshaw there with the use of ReptiWorms or Phoenix Worms. Just a minor note, but CalciWorms cannot be used as staple feeders. Although they are the same type of fly larvae, they are fed a significantly different diet, and therefore, have extremely high calcium to phosphorous ratios, higher than the recommended amount. Therefore, although they can be used safely as an occasional supplement or treat, you should not use them as a staple, which is even mentioned on their website.

I specifically mention this because I know that a few big chain pet stores do carry CalciWorms, while ReptiWorms and Phoenix Worms are only rarely found in small, local pet stores, and is usually ordered online. Because of the accessibility of CalciWorms, I figured I would include a note of warning.

Otherwise, superworms are fine as staples, as are ReptiWorms and Phoenix Worms.

 

[Danielle4]

I just got my micro super worms and I think next time I will order some small ones for Chaos the micro's seem to just be to small. Now I just put some in their tanks yesterday and I wondered how many should I feed at one time. I gave princess around 40 she is almost 16in, I gave Chaos prob 60 or so and he is about 18 1/2in. It just seemed like a lot but I thought I would ask.