Feeding mealworms?

[Katelyn Forrest]

I normally feed my toads a cricket diet but to change it up and give them i treat i got them some mealworms. they dont seem interested in them. how long should i keep them in the tank before removal? or should i just admit i wasted 3 bucks on them for nothing lol

[privet01]

I wasted three or so bucks on mealworms too when my first fbt was new. Never bought them again. If they are moving around in the tank enough for your fbt to notice them, then maybe they'll eat them. Some consider the exoskeleton of the mealworms too hard for fbt's to digest well.

[ericbrookey]

Mine will eat them buy I've been told to crush their heads first or they might try and eat their way out if the frogs belly. I know gross right?

I stopped feeding them as a treat after this and also ecause they arent very nutritious. Wax worms are easier and they gobble those up.

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[ericbrookey]

Mine will eat them buy I've been told to crush their heads first or they might try and eat their way out if the frogs belly. I know gross right?

I stopped feeding them as a treat after this and also ecause they arent very nutritious. Wax worms are easier and they gobble those up.

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I was wrong about mealworms being very nutritious. Appears they are actually high in protein and fat and Wax worms are high in fat. That's what I get for not doing my own research..doh... sorry for that! I'm going to try some small dubia roaches soon and see if they like.

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[LilyPad]

They really aren't that nutritious. A few companies will try to talk them up, but they not that great of an option. The other concern with mealworms is the high amount of chitin they contain. That can lead to impaction. Dubia roaches are a great feeder though! If you want to try other options, you could try earthworms (NOT red wigglers) cut to size. Otherwise, gut loaded and vitamin dusted crickets are an excellent staple.

[Marty12]

They really aren't that nutritious. A few companies will try to talk them up, but they not that great of an option. The other concern with mealworms is the high amount of chitin they contain. That can lead to impaction. Dubia roaches are a great feeder though! If you want to try other options, you could try earthworms (NOT red wigglers) cut to size. Otherwise, gut loaded and vitamin dusted crickets are an excellent staple.

Sorry to invade this thread, but I'm curious. Why not red wigglers? Are they dangerous to the toads? I was just thinking of giving them to my toads as a treat from a local bait shop.

[LilyPad]

Most frogs/toads are disgusted by the slime they produce. By feeding them red wigglers, you risk them never taking earthworms again for fear that they're the same thing.