less expensive nightcrawler option?

[poison]

I totally agree with the above quote but I will add one bit of info, stay way from red wigglers.
but any earth worm will be just fine.
but if you happen to get some really big worms you can cut from the end that is furthest from the bump in the middle of the worm
Not from the end of the worm that is shortest from the bump. That is the head of the worm and that will kill the worm.
if you cut from the anus side of the worm it will heal up.

Why stay away from red wigglers? I know in the wild they are mildly toxic but in captivity they loose that toxic (from what I've read). Only down side to red wigglers is that they give off a natsy tasting slime when threatened and frogs may stay away from them but its not harmful.