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DavidF

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Hello everyone,

I just recently got turned on to leos and this forum was recommended to me by people on the Arachnoboards forum. Been looking through for the past couple days and I have to tell you I'm impressed with everyones knowledge and it makes me want some of these little guys even more. So, thanks for a such a great place to learn about leos. :D

The first question I have is regarding feeder insects. I just started a mealworm colony and soon will be starting a hissing roach colony. Is it okay to feed strictly mealworms to leos or should I maybe stick to crickets? I've also read that people feed roaches but I tried to start a lobster colony and wasn't impressed with them. Would hisser nymphs be a decent feeder for leos or, once again, should I stick to crickets or mealies?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Welcome!! I'll answer/help with what I can. As far as roaches, I have no experience with those, I could convince the parents to put up with crickets, but roaches will be a big no no.

Now about mealies, many people have had great success with mealie only diets. My boyfriend kept one of ours on only mealies as well. I wish I could do the same, but I do have some geckos that refuse to eat only worms, and my fatties won't touch worms either. I also highly recommened superworms, but I hear they are harder to start colonies.

Anyway good luck, welcome to the board, and have fun. There are some great minds around here, and we can learn a lot from them!!
 
I feed mealworms to my babies, gravid females, and sick or non-eating leos because I like to keep a constant source of food available for them. But for an otherwise healthy adult, I prefer roaches and crickets. They're less fattening and force them to be more active.

I'm starting to get sick of lobsters too. :eek: Hissers have too much of a hard shell. The other typical roach feeders make better choices, namely B. dubia, E. prosticus, B. discoidales., B. fusca, and B. craniifer. These will work great for your Ts too.
 
Welcome……

I feed my leos mealworms, superworms, orange head, discoid, and lobster roaches. Feeding exclusively mealworms is fine but they might get bored with them after awhile. I wouldn’t waste my time with the hissers. They have too hard of an exoskeleton. They are more for larger monitor type lizards. Some people feed them but your best bet would be to stick with the non-climbing species Olivia pointed out.
 
I am trying to get away from crickets as they are smelly and noisy. BUt I still do order some for the picky eaters. I use mealworms and lobster roaches. I hand feed the roaches as to ensure no escapees. Some of my Leos go nuts over them! Others prefer their worms. Good luck and welcome!
 
Thanks for the welcome and the advice. Guess I'll find something else to do with the hissers and stick with crix and mealies.

Thanks again. :D
 
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