Another of my many questions! I have been told by pet store denizens (OK, employees) that I should behead superworms before feeding them to my Leopard Geckos, because the worms may "eat their way out" if I don't. Ick! So I tried that, but then the worms die posthaste, and my Leopard Geckos lose all interest. Wasted worm.

Is this story true? I can see how the worms could bite the geckos if I leave them in the tank. But if I'm feeding and then removing any they don't eat, do I need to go through this nasty and wasteful process? Is there a better way?

Thanks!

Amy

Thats NOT true...I dont know what logic people are using when they give customers this info. The only thing you have to worry about is the superworm biting while the leo is eating it..now when thyer are in the belly being digested. The leo being bit can be avaided by not only squishing the supers head byt by feeding the super head-first to the leo. Sooo many people have asked the same thign you have lol

Thank you! Again! It had the sound of sub-urban legend, but I wanted to be sure.

Hello,

That is a myth. The digestive acids make haste of any live critters that the leo eats. If an insect is able to survive the acids, the leo is already dead.

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I can understand how someone being new to lizard keeping could be alarmed about the superworm/mealworm myth and especially hearing it from some one that works in a pet shop
We kinda figure that they should have their facts straight about the animals that they sell
However- unfortunately we know that this isn't always the case

The digestive juices should most definitely break down anything in their stomachs and as was stated if a worm was ever seen coming out of a lizards body then it most definitely was already dead

I wonder if this myth will ever die??
Sandy

Thanks, Sandy. We homeschool at our house, and one of the lessons this week (aside from all we're learning about our new Leopard Geckos) is that pet stores don't always care for animals in the best way for the animals.

I wonder, could a mention of the "superworm myth" be included in the Leopard Gecko caresheet in the feeding section? If lots of people come and ask, maybe it's worth putting in there...

Amy

Not a bad idea. That is one that people ask about alot.

That's a great Idea.

Ive answered the question of weather thet myth is indeed a myth or not atleast 3 times this month...

I think that is only because there are so many new people coming into this wonderful hobby/obsession
LOL
You can put it into a care sheet in big bold letters and you will still have people asking the same questions because it's all new to them
That's the wonderful world of forums
I frequent quite a few Leo and geckos forums and to me it is actually relaxing for the most part to try and help anyone out there that I can not to make any of the mistakes that I have made and save them some heartache
The only time that I get really frustrated is when someone asks a question and then totally disregards your well meaning advice and does what they think they know is best and the animal suffers in the long run
I have been called a "know it all" on another forum by one such person but in the end we got on good terms and everything was OK
I know that I am rambling but forums really are a wonderful vehicle for everyone to exchange experience and ideas
just my 2 cents

Sandy