Photograph by Herman
In a current article, we’ve talked about the truth that you may feed insectivore unique pets extra than simply crickets, although crickets are extremely widespread feeder bugs. You’ll be able to try the earlier article right here:
Are Crickets the Finest Meals for Insectivores?
Now that you already know mealworms are another choice—and an interesting various to crickets for a lot of reptile and amphibian keepers—the query stays, how do you retain a mealworm provide on your insectivore?
It seems mealworms are extremely simple to maintain in provide with out a lot of journeys to the unique pet retailer. The truth is, mealworms are simpler to maintain than crickets. Right here’s what you could know to feed and hold mealworms at dwelling…
Feeding mealworms to your reptile or amphibian
As with crickets, it’s a good suggestion to intestine load and/or mud mealworms with calcium powder earlier than feeding them to your unique pet.
Photograph by Lorren Ooi
Be sure you feed these bugs to your insectivore whereas they’re within the mealworm part. They’ll ultimately pupate and mature into darkling beetles, at which level they’re too giant and quick for feeding to most pets.
Stopping mealworm odor
Usually, mealworms would not have a powerful scent the way in which {that a} container of crickets typically does. That being mentioned, sure environmental circumstances could cause the mealworm container to stink:
- Humidity that’s too excessive
- Meals being left for too lengthy
Leaving moist meals within the mealworm container may contribute to increased humidity and extra odors. Eradicating a few of the substrate from the mealworm container may assist to regulate the humidity stage and cut back odors.
Enclosures for mealworms
Mealworms don’t want a lot to outlive. You’ll be able to hold them in a small glass or plastic container. They received’t be capable to climb the edges of those surfaces. All that’s wanted apart from the container is a little bit of substrate or bedding, similar to shredded paper or cardboard items.
Alternatively, you should use oats, cornmeal, or wheat because the substrate. These grain meals are also referred to as “meal” and are the place mealworms get their title.
What to feed mealworms
As for meals for the mealworms themselves, they don’t really want to eat a lot, they usually’re not explicit. No matter you’re utilizing as a bedding or substrate is commonly ample as a part of their meals supply, as they’ll eat paper or cardboard.
Photograph by Sopaz
It’s a good suggestion to supply them with small quantities of different meals, although, to make them extra nutritious on your pet. Just about any vegatables and fruits work to feed to the mealworms, and these may also present them with hydration. There’s no want for extra water.
Optionally available: fridge storage
Holding mealworms within the fridge slows down their maturation, growing the period of time earlier than they pupate. This lets you feed a batch of mealworms to your insectivorous unique pet for longer earlier than a few of the mealworms turn into beetles.
The truth is, for those who don’t need to increase mealworms your self, you may simply purchase some and put them within the fridge, the place they are going to be dormant and received’t have to eat. These bugs can final up to a couple months within the fridge. Mealworms are often the least costly feeder insect to buy.
That’s just about it. Mealworms are easy. Comply with The Tye-Dyed Iguana weblog for extra data on insectivores and different herps.
