What size Phoenix worms should I order?

[Jess]

Im ordering some PWs for my baby dragon Wink today, so they will hopefully be here on Monday. But Im not sure what size to get.... He is almost 8 inches long, and Im not sure if I should get the small (1/4 in) or medium (1/2 in) ones. 1/2 inch is cutting in a little close in comparison to the space between his eyes, but Ive heard that they go through the small ones too fast. Im ordering 4 containers for $25 shipped- the small have 150/container, and medium have 100/container. I want these to last about 2 months. Should I order more? (they will be his staple, in addition to mini mealies, crickets once or twice a week, waxies as a treat, and veggies of course.) Can anyone help me? Im ordering today, so I would prefer that someone replied sooner than later!!
Thanks in advance!!

 

[Mikhail]

First and foremost I have never used Phoenix worms. I have two dragons and a wide variety of other creatures with very specialized diets. I raise several species of feeders for my little ones.

Here's my thought. The space between the eyes suggestion is a guideline, not a rule. That means that some animals will be able to take prey larger and will do fine. Some individuals will not, so why risk it? I would order the smaller ones because they should grow while they are in your custody. If they get a little larger then you have a better deal because you got more when they were younger. Also you can hand select the ones that are the right size for you. This is actually the reason I raise my own feeders, because some of my animals prefer 1/8" prey and some prefer 2"+. My primary food sources are several roach species, but I have raised and supplied pet stores with crickets and mealworms in the past.

Also I have heard of problems with mealworms and impaction. I have never fed them to my dragons but I have several frogs who fed on them without trouble. Just letting you know the buzz.

 

[Jess]

Thanks! Good point on them growing... If I ordered medium, the would probably get to large.
Oh, and mini mealworms are a different species than regular mealworms, and Ive heard people on here say they are fine. Wink LOVES them, and Ive never had a problem with them!

 

[Mikhail]

Interesting about the minis. I know that Giant mealworms are actually still Tenebrio molitor that have been treated with a hormone causing them to resist pupation, resulting in a longer larvae stage and more time to grow. So they are actually the same sp. just altered.
Tenebrio obscurus is the mini. I was going to ask but I just googled them. Always nice to learn something new.

 

[Backlash]

i can say without a doubt that 400 will probally not last 2 months if you are feeding as a staple. my girl will gobble down 50 medium worms in 5 minutes and would probally keep going if i kept feeding her. so they would probally last you 1-2 weeks.

 

[acwood04]

I recently switched to Phoenix worms for my 9 inch beardie. SHE LOVES THEM!!! She eats them quickly and when she sees the black container she goes nuts running to the front of the viv! I ordered the medium ones from Ghanns and I must say they were quite small. Not nearly as big as the advertised size next to a penny. I went through 200 in like 3 or 4 days. I just ordered like 1000 from http://www.phoenixworm.com/ and I am waiting for them. I ordered the large size, since my girl is growing so fast and because the medium seemed small too. She ate them like two and three at a time off her plate in her viv. I am using them as a staple from now on, because for some reason my girl doesnt like crickets that much. She will eat them, but wont go after them as enthusiastically as my friends beardie does. Of course my friends is older. The crickets smell and are a pain in the rear to catch in your viv. Phoenix worms are the best i've tried. Since feeding her them I've seen her twice as active, and seen her grow almost overnight!!