Superworm Size

[GlennFrog]

The superworms I've seen at my local pet stores are way too big for my young veiled. One of these monstrous worms would definitely be too much for her to handle. However, the superworms I've seen online are much smaller, with the large sized worms being barely bigger than a penny. I guess I'm just confused as to what size would be appropriate for her. I know of the "space between their eyes" rule of thumb, and she's only a couple months old at most, so I'm assuming that she should only be given small/medium sized superworms. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Montium]

You are most likely looking at meal worms and not supers. You can buy smaller supers but you have to search for them. I can't remember the last place I bought small ones from but I'm sure a bit of online fishing will yield results. Zophobas morio is the super worm and Tenebrio molitor are meal worms. I would stay away from meal worms as they have a high chitin content and low food value. I think Mulberry farms has the little superworms but you can always check other places like the sponsor listings.

 

[kwengkynator]

Super worms might be a bit too much for a young veiled. Although a photo might help to aid you in determining the proper feeder size. I recommend crickets for now and maybe if you have time shop online. There are plenty of feeder options for young chams. My favorite would be black soldier fly larvae. Also know as reptiworms. You can buy them online on a relatively cheap price and they would offer great nutrition and perfect size for your young cham.

 

[GlennFrog]

I added a pic in the opening post, but it kept failing to attach to the post, so I linked it instead. She's about the size of my thumb, not including her tail. I think you're right, Montium, I was probably looking at the mealworms on Ghann's site... My bad everyone. I've been hearing many negative things about mealworms on this board, so I'll probably stop feeding her mealworms when this cup runs dry, and switch to phoenix worms alongside the crickets and the occasional waxworm. I'll try to increase her feeder variety in the coming months. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[absolutbill]

You'll want to keep wax worms as a treat only - they are a great way to help get your new cham used to you, and learn to hand feed or crawl onto you. Another idea is for you to raise your own superworms - it's really easy, and you'll always have your choice of sizes to feed your cham. It'll take about 2 months or so to go from superworm to "alien" to beetle to egg to baby worm though. Good luck!

 

[mvad]

Have you thought of small dubia roaches? They are a great staple feeder. The small ones would be a good size for your little girl.

 

[GlennFrog]

I have considered roaches, and they've been recommended to me by others on the board, but unfortunately I can't use them as feeders because my sister is deathly afraid of roaches. When I asked her about keeping roaches, she freaked out just from me saying the word "roach." Also, I wouldn't mind putting in the work to breed my own supers, but I don't think it would fly with my family to have a big tub of worms in the house. I'll probably need to stick with small store-bought quantities for a while, at least until they all get used to having feeders in the house, then maybe I can start a breeding project. Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone.

 

[sandrachameleon]

mealworms at full size are going to be okay for a veiled that is 3-4 months old or older. You don't want mealworms to be large part of her diet though.

other more size appropriate options include terrestrial isopods,
soldier fly maggots (sold as phoenix worms or calci worms), or small butterworms. All of these can be gutloaded and are naturally somewhat high in calcium.

small superworms are often not easy to find at petstores because most people want large - maybe you can find someone in your area who breeds them.