Opinions on Feeder Worms for Garter Snakes
I'm considering getting into breeding garters, so I was searching around for a supplier to provide safe feeder worms, including tiny worms for newborns. I found an amiable worm breeder who could sell baby worms.
The species of worms he's recommending, and mainly producing, are Eudrilus eugeniae, African nightcrawlers, aka Tiger Worms, or super reds.
Since these are not an Eisenia species, and I've seen no negative reports on them, can anyone confirm that these are a good feeder species for garters and other reptiles? His prices are pretty good, and he's willing to sell 2 inch babies by the pound.
The worms are kept at room temperature, and can't be refrigerated--very heat tolerant, they're good at 70 to 80F, so fine in most of our reptile rooms. They do need to be in the light at all times, or they will rise and escape, lol. Not challenging to take care of, though.
I wasn't overly thrilled by the idea of chopping up Canadian nightcrawlers and baby mice, so this seems like a pretty good alternative, if the garters will take these readily. (I don't mind adding a bit of vitamins).
I'd love to hear from other garter keepers who might have experience with this species of worm (or might have heard something about them). I know Eisenia species are largely out--if they aren't toxic, they taste bad, but these are not Eisenia.
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