insects for cresties

[hotz]

Hello All!!,

I've just started keeping cresties and would like to find an alternative to crickets for an insect meal. I have started feeding them one of the fruit based recipes from another thread, but think the young ones may benefit from some bugs. Is there a reason that mealworms aren't used much? What about silkworms? Is it because of the high fat content or other factors?
Thanks in advance.

[tHeGiNo]

I definitely wouldn't use mealworms at all, they are unable to properly digest the hard outer shell of the mealworm. Silkworms are great feeders, as are any others with a soft exoskeleton which are no bigger then the gap between your gecko's eyes. Hope that helps.

[Tigergenesis]

I too prefer worms over crickets. So far I've tried (with success) waxworms and silkworms.

[hotz]

Thanks for the replies. Getting away from crickets will make life a little easier:) .

[JEFFREH]

Roaches work well also. Lobster Roaches and I believe Blaptica Dubia (sp? sorry dunno the common name).

I persoanlly am against mealworms as a staple feeder for any lizard in general. They are just...nothing. Poor meat to shell ratio, hard chitanous shell, have one of the worst calcium to phosphorous ratios imaginable (i think like 1:25) and they just...well dont move to much hehe.

Butterwoms work as an occacional treat aswell. I believe locusts work too, perhaps as a staple? (heard they may be healthier than crickets).

[JEFFREH]

Originally posted by tHeGiNo
with a soft exoskeleton which are no bigger then the gap between your gecko's eyes.

I'm confused, can you re phrase? Silkworms can get to be the size of your index finger once they reach adulthood, about 4cm. Thats much bigger than the space between an adult geckos eyes. However, they are so soft and squishy you could go a bit over that space, they just get squished up once inside =)

Another benefit to silkies is they have an enzyme called "serapeptase". This is often used for people who have heart problems, healthy stuff. The enzyme promotes calcium absorbtion, breaks down arterial fat, and can reduce pain and inflamation.

So far I think the cheapest way to get silkworm food is if you have a nice mulberry tree in your yard hehe. Otherwose both the worms and chow cost some good $$$.

Are most of the people on this forum canadian? I know od a few sites that sell silkies and chow, not sure if they ship to canada though =(.