My Jackson loves Hornworms

[buddhacham]

Just thought I'd let you know my Jackson (which has completely ignored mealworms and superworms) went straight for a hornworm and seemed to enjoy it very much. If you have a jackson, order them. Got mine from Great Lakes today.

 

[buddhacham]

nevermind.... he's no longer interested in them.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Its prob that hes full. Just one hornworm is equal to about 3-4 crix. How many has he had in the last few days? I've nevr seen a cham not after a green bug they usually go into attack mode.

 

[buddhacham]

Actually, he only had one the first day, and enjoyed it. But hasn't gone for any since then. He sees them and watches their movement(with calm colors), but doesn't seem to want to eat them. I thought he wasn't hungry either but, he snatched a cricket as the hornworm was within striking distance. I did notice his feces was a slightly different color after the hornworm, maybe it didn't sit well with him. He is only about 8-9 months, don't know if it makes a difference.

 

[draetish]

Actually, he only had one the first day, and enjoyed it. But hasn't gone for any since then. He sees them and watches their movement(with calm colors), but doesn't seem to want to eat them. I thought he wasn't hungry either but, he snatched a cricket as the hornworm was within striking distance. I did notice his feces was a slightly different color after the hornworm, maybe it didn't sit well with him. He is only about 8-9 months, don't know if it makes a difference.

Be glad that he still likes crickets and will eat them, they are one of the best staple feeders as long as they are gut loaded properly. The hornworms are great for re-hydrating and picky eaters. You can always let the worms grow into moths and I bet he will be all over them.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Im using the horns as a treat if he eats some crix he gets a horn. Also use for hand feeding. Hasnt worked yet but they are easier to hold and they grab his attention better than a crik.

 

[xanthoman]

i have 4 adult xanths and none of them like them , when i first tried them, my largest female did a frenzied panic to get to it, she ate one and she has refused them ever since. my others will only touch them if they are especially hungry, after about a half dozen mostly failed tries, i no longer offer them, go figure

 

[buddhacham]

i have 4 adult xanths and none of them like them , when i first tried them, my largest female did a frenzied panic to get to it, she ate one and she has refused them ever since. my others will only touch them if they are especially hungry, after about a half dozen mostly failed tries, i no longer offer them, go figure

that's funny my guy went crazy for the first one too, and now refuses them. i wonder why?

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Maybe they taste strange since they eat that chow stuff? I'm glad my guy loves them! Hes only about 4 mo old. I just bought the one cup of worms to see if he would eat them. Hes had about 5 since last friday. I like to switch up my feeders as much as poosible.

 

[buddhacham]

I purchased the hornworms because my guy refuses mealworms and supers. Only likes crickets. Which is fine because I gut load them well, but thought variation wouldn't hurt anything. Xanthoman have you tried feeding the moths(aren't they pretty large moths)? I haven't tried silkies yet however.

 

[pssh]

Have you tried roaches? My male veiled goes crazy for them. Or snails? I want to get my hand on some stick bugs

 

[buddhacham]

I would try roaches, but for some reason my guy will not cup feed. I took a mealworm dish, and put a couple crickets in it with their back legs removed. My cham just sat there watching them run around, and would go else where to hunt. If anyone could tell me a good place to get snails, at least to start breeding them. I won't feed him wc snails. I know jacksons usually love snails so maybe he'll go for them.

 

[pssh]

When I feed roaches I put them on their backs on a sturdy broad leaf. They kick around and draw attention to themselves. Pan won't seem to eat them if they're on the screen or in the feeder tub (well, if ones on it's back and he happens to see it he will...) sorry I can't help with the snail thing.

 

[buddhacham]

oh well I'll definitely try the roaches on their back. Thank you

 

[satch4684]

I wondered about snails too, none of the feeder websites seem to have them.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Not trying to thread jack but in regard to snails. Aren't you worried about impactions or sharp edges of the shell? I know i hear people talking about how mealworms cause impactions. Why wouldn't a shell?

 

[satch4684]

since I have a montane, I searched a lot on that subject, and every time it came up, the answer to possible impaction was always no. doesn't make sense to me either, mealworm can but snail shells ok? Maybe because only the small snails with brittle shells are used as feeders?

 

[Lizardlover]

since I have a montane, I searched a lot on that subject, and every time it came up, the answer to possible impaction was always no. doesn't make sense to me either, mealworm can but snail shells ok? Maybe because only the small snails with brittle shells are used as feeders?

Snail shells offer natural calcium for montanes, they can be purchased from nilesbio.com, snails, just like mealworms, are not meant for a staple, so in moderation are great, just like mealworms, when used in moderation are perfectly fine.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

At what age is it ok to begin feeding snails?

 

[Lizardlover]

At what age is it ok to begin feeding snails?

any age is fine, you just have to make sure that the shell is brittle and the snail is not a full adult. Not to mention you have to make sure its the appropriate size.