Gecko Feeder Research

[SteveB]

Negative. Phoenix Worms are among the HIGHEST in nutritional value.

 

[clear]

opps, let me make sure i have them right!

Acceptance

Roaches - High
Crickets - Moderate
Superworms - High
Silkworms - Moderate
Waxworms - Low
Phoenixworms - Low
Hornworms - Low
Butterworms - Low
Mealworms - Very High

Nutrition

Roaches - High
Crickets - Moderate
Superworms - High
Silkworms - Moderate
Waxworms - Low
Phoenixworms - High
Hornworms - Low
Butterworms - Low
Mealworms - Very High

 

[SteveB]

The important thing to remember is that any feeder is more than a sum of its parts. Proper gutloading will increase the value of any feeder that can be gutloaded. Dusting is necessary in almost all situations.

Also a definition of what you value in nutritional composition is important. Butterworms are naturally high in calcium, as are silkworms and phoenix worms. Phoenix Worms are the only ones with a proper Ca ratio. Of these, phoenix worms are the only ones that can be gutloaded.

Acceptance + basic nutritional value + ease of gutloading + ease of dusting + market availability + afforability = best feeder.

 

[SteveB]

Phoenix Worms / Soldier Grubs

42.1% crude protein
34.8% ether extract (lipids)
7.0% crude fiber
7.9% moisture
1.4% nitrogen free extract (NFE)
14.6% ash
5.0% calcium
1.5% phosphorus

 

[clear]

I have a nutrient chart on my site for pheonix worms, Sheila from pw ok'd it
http://www.feedersinc.com/insect-comparison/

I will get the list for geckos up tonight!