Purchasing mealies online

[Obwahine]

I read somewhere that purchasing mealworms directly from breeders online is the best way to go because they provide mealworms that are healthier and higher in nutrients than the ones found in pet stores. First, is this a legitimate statement? Next, I have only one leopard gecko (for now), does it make sense to buy online even though I have pet stores everywhere around me? And finally, which online breeder/feeder store would you recommend buying from? Thanks!

PS - the is my first post on this forum but i've been reading threads for a while and I LOVE IT HERE!

 

[Khrysty]

I read somewhere that purchasing mealworms directly from breeders online is the best way to go because they provide mealworms that are healthier and higher in nutrients than the ones found in pet stores. First, is this a legitimate statement? Next, I have only one leopard gecko (for now), does it make sense to buy online even though I have pet stores everywhere around me? And finally, which online breeder/feeder store would you recommend buying from? Thanks!

PS - the is my first post on this forum but i've been reading threads for a while and I LOVE IT HERE!

Well, first of all, welcome to GeckoForums! I'm glad you like it here.

Yes, that's a legitimate statement. The mealworms at petstores are generally unhealthy and are kept on/in bran or sometimes (irrationally) on wood shavings. They eat the substrate they're kept in, so it's safe to say that by the time you bring them home, they're not exactly the most nutrient stuffed feeders. Most feeder breeders you can order from online keep their mealworms in a vitamin-rich, variety/mixed substrate and feed them various fruits and vegetables to keep them healthy and plump.

When I just had one gecko I ordered in bulk and kept the excess in my refrigerator. I later learned, however, that keeping a small colony is more cost-effective than buying 100 at a time from the pet store or ordering 1000 every month or so in bulk. It isn't hard to keep a colony. If you're interested in doing that, search the threads for tips on how to start/maintain one.

I haven't bought feeders in about a year so I don't know how the market has changed. Usually shipping costs more than the bugs themselves if you're just ordering a small amount. I think the last place I ordered from was Vita-mealies from Ebay. I'm sure other members can give you their favorite places to order from, too.

Good luck!

 

[Taquiq]

I order from flukerfarms.com And I am very happy with them.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Fluker has good feeders but when you see their worms in pet shops, who knows how long they have been there.. we've gotten some before and ended up returning the cup of dead worms to the store. Since mealworms last so long stored in the fridge, several thousand can be ordered to last an adult a few months plus have an ample amount to start a breeding colony. My fav place is greatlakeshornworm.com, 500 or 5000 is the same shipping, $11.50. 1000 meals are I think $7. The reason I started ordering from them is they are the only place to get baby supers, which I needed while establishing my colony. That same order included 1000 each of giant supers and meals. It was all a little over $50 shipped USPS priority. None were dead. Timberline has good feeders also but I don't know how their prices/shipping are.

 

[Imperial Geckos]

I read somewhere that purchasing mealworms directly from breeders online is the best way to go because they provide mealworms that are healthier and higher in nutrients than the ones found in pet stores. First, is this a legitimate statement? Next, I have only one leopard gecko (for now), does it make sense to buy online even though I have pet stores everywhere around me? And finally, which online breeder/feeder store would you recommend buying from? Thanks!

PS - the is my first post on this forum but i've been reading threads for a while and I LOVE IT HERE!

Welcome to Geckoforums! :main_thumbsup:

With one leo, it might be better to buy from a pet store. However, if you choose to get from a breeder, i breed them (mealworms)! I'm also working with superworms, wax worms, and black soldier fly grub..however im still working on getting their production up to par. If you are interested in any send me an email or phone call and i would be happy to help you.

email: [email protected]

Take Care!

 

[Obwahine]

Well, first of all, welcome to GeckoForums! I'm glad you like it here.

Yes, that's a legitimate statement. The mealworms at petstores are generally unhealthy and are kept on/in bran or sometimes (irrationally) on wood shavings. They eat the substrate they're kept in, so it's safe to say that by the time you bring them home, they're not exactly the most nutrient stuffed feeders. Most feeder breeders you can order from online keep their mealworms in a vitamin-rich, variety/mixed substrate and feed them various fruits and vegetables to keep them healthy and plump.

When I just had one gecko I ordered in bulk and kept the excess in my refrigerator. I later learned, however, that keeping a small colony is more cost-effective than buying 100 at a time from the pet store or ordering 1000 every month or so in bulk. It isn't hard to keep a colony. If you're interested in doing that, search the threads for tips on how to start/maintain one.

I haven't bought feeders in about a year so I don't know how the market has changed. Usually shipping costs more than the bugs themselves if you're just ordering a small amount. I think the last place I ordered from was Vita-mealies from Ebay. I'm sure other members can give you their favorite places to order from, too.

Good luck!

Hmmm...good to know! You're post has inspired me to look into colony breeding. Sounds pretty intense though. For now, I think i'll stick to buying instead of breeding; but it's definitely a possibility for the near future. I will most definitely look into buying online. Thanks for the reaffirmation that they are in fact more healthy than the pet store variety!

 

[Obwahine]

I order from flukerfarms.com And I am very happy with them.

Thank you for your input! I'm going to check them out now!

 

[Obwahine]

Fluker has good feeders but when you see their worms in pet shops, who knows how long they have been there.. we've gotten some before and ended up returning the cup of dead worms to the store. Since mealworms last so long stored in the fridge, several thousand can be ordered to last an adult a few months plus have an ample amount to start a breeding colony. My fav place is greatlakeshornworm.com, 500 or 5000 is the same shipping, $11.50. 1000 meals are I think $7. The reason I started ordering from them is they are the only place to get baby supers, which I needed while establishing my colony. That same order included 1000 each of giant supers and meals. It was all a little over $50 shipped USPS priority. None were dead. Timberline has good feeders also but I don't know how their prices/shipping are.

Yes, I have experienced this pet store mealworm deterioration phenomenon as well. It freaks me out when they turn into those half meal worm/half alien looking things when they've been out of the fridge too long!! Are those safe for my leo to eat? He/She has tried to eat them once and just ended up regurgitating it!!! I'll look into flukers as well! Thanks for your reply!

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Those alien looking things are pre beetle pupas. Most geckos won't eat them. If you put them on a little old fashioned oats for bedding, they will turn to beetles and start laying eggs. It's really quite simple on a small scale.

 

[Obwahine]

Well, first of all, welcome to GeckoForums! I'm glad you like it here.

Yes, that's a legitimate statement. The mealworms at petstores are generally unhealthy and are kept on/in bran or sometimes (irrationally) on wood shavings. They eat the substrate they're kept in, so it's safe to say that by the time you bring them home, they're not exactly the most nutrient stuffed feeders. Most feeder breeders you can order from online keep their mealworms in a vitamin-rich, variety/mixed substrate and feed them various fruits and vegetables to keep them healthy and plump.

When I just had one gecko I ordered in bulk and kept the excess in my refrigerator. I later learned, however, that keeping a small colony is more cost-effective than buying 100 at a time from the pet store or ordering 1000 every month or so in bulk. It isn't hard to keep a colony. If you're interested in doing that, search the threads for tips on how to start/maintain one.

I haven't bought feeders in about a year so I don't know how the market has changed. Usually shipping costs more than the bugs themselves if you're just ordering a small amount. I think the last place I ordered from was Vita-mealies from Ebay. I'm sure other members can give you their favorite places to order from, too.

Good luck!

I just ordered from vita-mealies two days ago. Any idea on how long it usually takes to get the mealies?

 

[Khrysty]

I just ordered from vita-mealies two days ago. Any idea on how long it usually takes to get the mealies?

It took them about three or four days to get here I think. They ship through USPS so it's not overnight or anything.

 

[Obwahine]

It took them about three or four days to get here I think. They ship through USPS so it's not overnight or anything.

Thanks! I ordered them on a holiday weekend too, so i'm sure it'll take a little longer. I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't overnight and maybe they messed up on shipping or something.