Meal Worms
Description
Mealworms are commonly found in most pet stores and are used as a standard feeder for most insectivorous pets. They are extremely easy to produce and are usually the least expensive feeder insect option.
Mealworms are fairly nutritionally complete but still require adjustment. One way to help balance their nutritional value is to feed the insects high quality foods prior to feeding the insects to your pet, which is called gutloading. Gutloading should take place for 24-48 hours prior to when you feed the insects to your pet. Please note that gutloaded insects should still be dusted with calcium and vitamins.
Purchasing
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb
More Information...
Scientific Name: Tenebrio molitor
Common Name(s): Mealworm, Yellow Mealworm
Size: 20-25mm
Care
Mealworms can live a variable amount of time, especially when kept cold. Keeping mealworms in the refrigerator can enable you to keep them for extended periods of time, whereas meal worms at room temperature will offer pupated specimens after a 4-6 week timeframe. Once a week or so, the meal worms should be warmed and allowed to shed their exoskeleton and eat. This will extend their lifespan further, as well as keep their nutritional value higher. If the meal worms are stored in the refridgerator for much longer then a month, changing their substrate monthly will help keep them healthy. Feeding mealworms is fairly easy - while there are commercial gutloads and insect diets available, the easiest methed seems to be to offer various grains and cereals, such as oatmeal, wheat bran, and 12 grain cereal. A moisture source is also required, and is easily provided by placing slices of potato or apple into the container. Be sure to wash all fruits or vegetables carefully as they could still have pesticides on them that will kill the mealworms. Also, the items you feed to the mealworms will affect their nutritional value, so vary it as much as possible.
If you notice that the substrate gets moist make sure to change it immediately. Moisture can lead to mould, and mouldy food has been linked to many problems and deaths in otherwise healthy animals.
Additional Comments
Mealworms are commonly available and cheap to purchase. With their long shelf life, no noise or smell it is no wonder why they are so popular. Feeding freshly moulted mealworms is preferred as their outer shell is softer and easier on your pet's digestive tract. Be sure to gutload and dust the mealworms accordingly. With the gutloading and dusting mealworms are an excellent staple in your pet's varied diet. No pet should be fed a diet consisting of only one type of feeder insect.
Mealworms can be cultured very easily. If you wish to start a culture at home there are many pages describing in great detail how to culture your own mealworms.
*All sizes and shelf lives are approximate.
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