Rich: Your comment, quoted from another thread, concerns me because mine won't eat a 'diverse diet of insects'. They only like mealworms, and occasionally I can get one of them to eat crickets (gut-loaded, of course). They seem healthy as far as energy level, normal & regular shedding, voiding themselves, and vibrant skin colors. And they get plenty of mineral supp. w/ calcium & D. So, how much should this mono-menu concern me?

Thanks much for your wise & learned counsel

Jennifer

Hello,

If the leo refuses to eat anything other mealies, but is maintaining a plump tail and remains active, it will be fine. Of course, the proper supplementation is also helping.

Diversity is the key to longevity with all species however. The more varied the diet, the more nutrients the animal is receiving. There are a number of different insects you could attempt to try. Here are a few:

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Superworms (If the leo is large enough to eat them.)
• Butterworms (Online Purchase)
• Silkworms (Online Purchase)
• Waxworms (Occasionally)

The suggestion and implications of offering a varied diet is suggested for every animal. If the animal simply refuses a varied diet, but is generally healthy, you have nothing to be concerned about.

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Rich,

Thanks for the suggestion. Of the ones you mentioned, we've never tried silkworms or butterworms. I am getting ready to order some stuff on-line, so I'll get those as well. I'll let you know how it goes...

Incidentally, what are these guys eating in the wild? It would surprise me if these very worms & crickets are native to Afghanistan - Pakistan. Just curious.

BTW, our GPs, mouse, rabbit, tortoise, fish, African frogs, toads and hermit crabs eat a diverse & varied diet, so I feel good about that. The walking toad and fire bellies only eat crickets - they turn their noses up at every worm I've ever given them (apparently, they don't appreciate my generosity! Hah!). Maybe they'll go for the new types, too (silk & butter).

Jen

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Leopard Geckos: Gravy & Noah
African Fat-tails: Mocha (gravid) & Csikos ('Striped')
Russian Tortoise: Dude
African Dwarf Frog: Anon
Firebelly Toads: anonymous (3)
Guinea Pigs (adult): Autumn, Butterscotch, Nudger
Guinea Pigs (juv.): Linda, Heidi, Scruffy
Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit: Kobe
Small Mouth Bass: Cupcake
Beta Fish: Indigo & Chelsae

Keep at those frogs and toad. My frogs for the most part turned up their nose at mealworms, so I kept putting one or two in the feeding bucket with the crickets. Low and behold I now have 4 out of 6 frogs eating the worms. I'm confident the other 2 will get it soon enough.


*w00t* 1000th post!

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Rich,

Per your suggestion, I just ordered silkworms and butterworms, as well as lots of stuff from Everything Reptile. I told him you referred me there. So, thanks for the suggestions. I'll let you know how the new feeders go. I'm optimistic. I read about silkworms and the comments were universally glowing!

I'll try your worms-for-frogs suggestion as well, and let you know how it works.

Kindly,

Jen Gal

__________________
Leopard Geckos: Gravy & Noah
African Fat-tails: Mocha (gravid) & Csikos ('Striped')
Russian Tortoise: Dude
African Dwarf Frog: Anon
Firebelly Toads: anonymous (3)
Guinea Pigs (adult): Autumn, Butterscotch, Nudger
Guinea Pigs (juv.): Linda, Heidi, Scruffy
Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit: Kobe
Small Mouth Bass: Cupcake
Beta Fish: Indigo & Chelsae

Hello,

Silkworms are the most nutritional feeder insect, or are up there in regards to nutrients.

Butterworms are fairly high in calcium and are soft bodied as well. Hopefully they are readily consumed.

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If not, I'll just feed them to our captive bass, Cupcake, or use them to work on the frogs so they'll have a more varied diet, too.

I can't wait to receive the little buggers. The new experiements excite me. Further evidence that I'm just a geek at heart.

Have a good day, Mr. up-n'-at-'em.

Jen

__________________
Leopard Geckos: Gravy & Noah
African Fat-tails: Mocha (gravid) & Csikos ('Striped')
Russian Tortoise: Dude
African Dwarf Frog: Anon
Firebelly Toads: anonymous (3)
Guinea Pigs (adult): Autumn, Butterscotch, Nudger
Guinea Pigs (juv.): Linda, Heidi, Scruffy
Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit: Kobe
Small Mouth Bass: Cupcake
Beta Fish: Indigo & Chelsae