I have given mine wax worms and they LOVED them! The only thing with wax worms is that they are REALLY fatty. So they are more of a treat then their diet. I also experienced the same problem with the store selling me nearly dead wax worms. Plus, I was a little peeved- never having worked with wax worms before- that the store keeper didn't tell me that the worms "hibernate" or shut down or something and then after a few minutes they will re-animate. Makes sense since she said to put them in the fridge. There are just too many in a package at the store I go to and since I give them as treats and not their diet, they died and went bad before I coudl use them all. You'll know the difference. They are a nice white/cream color when they are good and then as they get old they turn darker and then when they die they are black. Haven't tried any other kinds yet though.