Hornworms and Butterworms

[Nikkles]

Hello all!

A pet store near my apartment sells hornworms and, though they're pretty expensive at $2.50 per worm, I wanted to try to give them to my leo. She absolutely LOVED the one I got for her the other day! It was so cute watching her happily munch away! I'm probably going to invest in a hornworm kit when I get my next paycheck. Anyway, the other day, I went back for another and, being in a hurry, didn't look at the size of the worm until I left the store. It's about 2 inches long! My baby is only about 4-5 inches herself!

My question is this: should I maybe cut the worm in half before trying to give it to her since it's so big? Or was this just a waste of my money and a lesson to be learned about letting the employee pick out the feeder at random? I don't want to feed it to her and have her choke on it or something!

Thanks,
Nikki

P.S. They also sell butterworms, which I've heard though not ideal are better than mealies. What is the general consensus on feeding butterworms?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Nikki ~

A warm welcome to Geckos Unlimited where geckophiles flourish .

You might try cutting the hornworm in half to see whether your leo will accept it.

Here are some ideas about keeping hornworms alive for several weeks past purchase:

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...feeding-issues/68585-hornworm-guidelines.html

 

[Nikkles]

So, after much debate and feeling sorry for the poor caterpillar-like hornworn, I had my roommate's friend cut it in half for me. My leo was very grateful! Mango loves hornworms, even when they've been mutilated! To avoid this issue, I plan on maybe buying some of my own and growing them myself! Thanks for the help!!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

So, after much debate and feeling sorry for the poor caterpillar-like hornworn, I had my roommate's friend cut it in half for me. My leo was very grateful! Mango loves hornworms, even when they've been mutilated! To avoid this issue, I plan on maybe buying some of my own and growing them myself! Thanks for the help!!

Hey Nikki ~

You are most welcome.

Thanks for sharing your success with Mango :yahoo: and the hornworms. Variety in feeders is important.

If there are any reptile shows near you, those might also be a shipping-free source.