Smallest Earthworms for Newts, etc?

[Tony G Indy]

Does anyone know what the smallest earthworms are that available or how to culture something smaller than what is typically available in pet shops, bait stores, etc?

Looking for feeds for very small newts in terrestrial phase. Something smaller than red wigglers, redworms, etc

All feedback greatly appreciated!

Tony

 

[LauraB]

I presume you're talking about red efts. You say "very small", but how small?
Do you have a semi-aquatic set-up or completely terrestrial? That stage is really tricky.

I really can't advise on the smallest earthworm, but you could try pinhead crickets, mealworms, waxworms, aphids, small slugs, maybe even friutflies (terrestrial) or bloodworms, daphnia, blackworms, whiteworms (aquatic) ... depending upon your set-up. You may have to cut any worms you acquire to make them a more appropriate sized feeder.

 

[Tony G Indy]

Some of the newts are as small as an inch! They are smooth newts. I have another group that is a little bigger about 1.5 to 2 inches. They can eat small pieces of small redworms, but would like to get something for them that has a smaller diameter. I am using a lot of the things you mention - pinhead crickets, fruitflys etc.

 

[zookeeperfrank]

Hi, earthworms are fairly easy to breed (i.e. those sold in trade as red wigglers)' please see this article.; If available, blackworms are ideal; they are related to earthworms and I've used for decades in zoos and at home, best, Frank