Proper supplementation with mealworms

[JeepFreak81]

Hello everyone! I know there are a million mealworm threads and I've read quite a few of them but now that I have my Leo home and have been feeding him I have some questions.

First, I bought 50 "regular" size mealworms and 25 super worms. The supers turned about to be too big for my little guy...I've still got them living in a container and will try to feed them to my leo from time to time as long as they stay alive and well. But doesn't look like I'll be switching to supers exclusively any time soon so I want to make sure I'm feeding the mealies right.

I had some oatmeal that I put in my coffee grinder and am using as a substrate in a deli cup for the meal worms. I also put in baby carrots and a little apple from time to time, been switching out the pieces each day to keep them fresh. Is this a reasonable way to keep them?

My next question and the main reason for this thread is how should I be supplementing. Should I be dusting at each feeding? Plain calcium or multivitamin? Want to make sure the little guy is getting what he needs. Also, is it acceptable to reuse the calcium or vitamins in the baggie numerous times. Such as putting a bunch of the powder in and using it for multiple dustings.

Last question, I noticed what looked like black worms in my mix...didn't look real close and I assumed they were dead mealies, is that what I was seeing? what might be causing them to die off. Had them 3 days and found 2 like that so far out of 50.

THANKS!! :main_thumbsup:

 

[acpart]

I sprinkle Repashy calcium plus on the mealworms each time I feed. If I were supplementing with calcium and vitamins, I'd alternate between the 2 supplements. There are often some worm deaths. Oatmeal is fine. Another choice is to get a variety of grains, pulverize them in the blender and keep the mealworms in there. You don't have to change it out all the time and when you want to feed, you use a strainer to sift out the grain and keep the mealworms.

Aliza

 

[JeepFreak81]

Ok so I'm thinking I should dust at every feeding with just calcium, and then dust 1 to 2 times a week with the multivitamin. Also I'm not keeping my mealies in the fridge, I figure I'll go through 50 before they pupate anyway....is that a reasonable assumption?

 

[Dimidiata]

Do you have your D3 Calcium yet, very important.

 

[JeepFreak81]

the multivitamin I'm using has calcium and D3

 

[acpart]

Sounds reasonable to me. If you're in NH by the way, come to the Manchester show on 1/29 and meet us.

Aliza

 

[JeepFreak81]

Will have to check my schedule to see if I'm off that day...would be cool!

 

[rchase54]

I mix in a bit of calcium and other vitamin powders in their substrate/food. Not enough for a proper dusting, just enough to get a little digested and in their system. Idk if its doing anything, but its been a few days and my supers haven't died so I guess it isn't hurting them.