Keeper Worms: A Vital Food for Pet Reptiles and Amphibians

An Introduction to Keeper Worms

Keeper worms are a vital food source for many pet reptiles and amphibians. These worms are nutritionally balanced, easy to store and handle, and readily accepted by most species. For reptile and amphibian keepers, having a good supply of keeper worms on hand is essential for providing proper nutrition.

Why Reptiles and Amphibians Need Worms

In the wild, most reptiles and amphibians are primarily insectivores, meaning they eat insects and other invertebrates like worms. Crickets and mealworms are staple feeder insects, but worms should also make up part of their varied diet. Worms provide key nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They also contain more moisture than insects, helping ensure proper hydration.

Some examples of pet species that benefit from worms include:

• Lizards like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, skinks and anoles
• Turtles and tortoises
• Frogs and toads
• Newts and salamanders
• Snakes like king snakes, milk snakes and garter snakes

Feeding an appropriate amount of worms helps these pets stay healthy and thrive.

Types of Keeper Worms

There are several worm species commonly used as feeders:

Mealworms

Mealworms are larvae of the darkling beetle. They are soft-bodied, high in calcium and ideal for small lizards, turtles, amphibians and young snakes. Mealworms can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.

Superworms

Superworms are a larger worm species that are nutritionally similar to mealworms. They are good for larger reptiles and amphibians. Superworms are also easy to breed at home.

Waxworms

Waxworms are high in fat, making them excellent for underweight or sickly reptiles. However, they should only be fed sparingly due to the high fat content. Waxworms are also enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Phoenix Worms

Phoenix worms are a brand of calcium-rich black soldier fly larvae. They have soft bodies that make them perfect for small pets. Phoenix worms contain more calcium than mealworms or crickets.

Earthworms

Large reptiles like monitor lizards relish earthworms as part of their varied carnivorous diet. Earthworms can also attract newts and salamanders. Cultured, pesticide-free earthworms are recommended.

Nightcrawlers

These large composting worms are enjoyed by bigger amphibians, turtles, snakes and lizards. Nutritionally they are similar to earthworms. Nightcrawlers should also be pesticide-free.

Purchasing and Storing Keeper Worms

The best place to buy keeper worms is from a reputable online retailer or local pet store. They will label the worms as feeders and provide instructions for care. Here are some tips for storing your supply:

• Mealworms and superworms can be kept in the refrigerator in containers with wheat bran or oatmeal for 2-3 months.
• Waxworms are kept in the fridge for a few weeks in wheat bran or cornmeal.
• Phoenix worms are stored in the fridge and will last for 2 weeks or more.
• Earthworms and nightcrawlers can be kept in a ventilated container at 50-60°F for several weeks.

Always separate different worm species during storage. Replace any dead worms and do not use if they appear dried out or sickly.

Feeding Worms to Reptiles and Amphibians

Follow these tips for safely feeding worms:

• Feed an appropriate amount at each meal based on your pet's size. Avoid overfeeding.
• Use supplements like calcium and vitamins as needed.
• Always make sure worms are pesticide-free.
• Variety is important, rotate between worm types.
• Wash hands before and after handling to prevent disease spread.
• Uneaten worms should be removed from enclosures.

Observe your pet to ensure the size and amount of worms fed is appropriate. Adjust as needed to maintain good health and nutrition.

Breeding Worms for Reptile Food

Many keepers choose to breed their own worms both as feeders and to supply bait shops. Mealworms and superworms are relatively easy to farm at home. Here are some tips:

• House worms in plastic bins or tanks filled with oatmeal or wheat bran.
• Provide vegetable scraps for moisture and gut load nutrients.
• Keep them between 60-80°F.
• Collect eggs and larvae to establish a breeding colony.
• Harvest worms when fully grown by sifting bran or adding carrots to lure them.

With minimal space and care, you can easily produce nutritious worms for pennies compared to retail prices.

Conclusion

Keeper worms are an often overlooked but highly beneficial food source for reptiles and amphibians kept as pets. The right types of worms provide essential nutrition and variety to their insectivorous diets. Purchase feeder worms from trusted suppliers, store them properly, and feed the right amounts to support your pet's health. Raising your own worms can be a cost-effective way to ensure a steady supply. Incorporating quality keeper worms into pet reptile and amphibian diets helps keep these fascinating creatures thriving.

FAQs

What are the benefits of feeding keeper worms?

Worms provide key nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They also contain more moisture than insects which helps with hydration. Worms give reptiles and amphibians a varied, nutritionally balanced diet.

Can I breed worms at home as feeders?

Yes, mealworms and superworms are relatively easy to farm at home. You can house them in plastic bins with bran or oats, provide vegetable scraps, and collect eggs and larvae to establish a breeding colony.

How should I store the different types of worms?

Mealworms and superworms keep for 2-3 months refrigerated in oats or bran. Waxworms are stored for a few weeks this way. Phoenix worms last 2+ weeks refrigerated. Earthworms and nightcrawlers are kept for weeks at 50-60°F in ventilated containers.

How often should I feed worms?

Feed an appropriate amount of worms at each meal based on your pet's size. Smaller reptiles and amphibians only need a few worms 2-3 times per week. Observe to ensure you are not over or underfeeding.

What precautions should I take when feeding worms?

Always wash hands before and after handling worms. Ensure worms are pesticide-free. Use supplements as needed. Remove uneaten worms from enclosures. Variety is important so rotate worm types.