jimmyboy

Does anyone ever feed their white's treefrog earthworms or any other critters that can be found in your garden?

Julia

Its generally not a good idea to catch outside bugs, because they could be carrying parasites. I heard that you can buy earth worms from bait shops. Just make sure they are raised without use of chemicals or hormones. My whites love mealworms which are easy to keep and breed if you are looking for a new food source. Just be careful because mealworms are fatty and too many can cause impaction.

John

Earthworms in temperate countries do not carry parasites that are communicable to frogs. It could very well be the case that no earthworms carry parasites communicable to frogs. The ones in your garden are fine, unless the garden has been treated with any sort of pesticide/herbicide.

Julia

Hmm...thats interesting John. I guess a lot of the information out there is not completely accurate. I've read in many sources saying backyard bugs/earthworms are bad. Thanks for clearing that up! As soon as it warms up outside im gonna start digging...

spooky

My garden has never seen herbicide (or a lawn mower, or shears.... I like the natural look ) and I can't wait to go bug hunting when it warms up a bit!!!! I get loads of woodlice, spiders and big juicy worms so hopefully I'll be able to feed my frogs and axolotl for freeeeeeeeeee!!

John

Not to dampen your enthusiasm but my parasite comment was limited to earthworms! Earthworms do get parasites but at least those from more northern latitudes don't pass them on to frogs, to the best of my knowledge.

Julia

Do you know if backyard Earthworms are safe for Bearded Dragons?

John

Same logic - the parasites that earthworms carry usually aren't a threat to reptiles or amphibians

spooky

Ah, pants!! Well, looks like it'll just be my axolotl who gets a free meal every day then

hype28

They sell earthworms at pet stores that are safe. I do not know if the bait shop versions are afe for eating or not. I have found the ones available at my local stores too large for my froggies to eat!