wax worms

[tyler19]

I was just curious, how do you keep wax worms alive longer? i keep mine in the fridge and my tangering was eating them when they would move around the dish then as the ones in the fridge stopped moving when i put them in the dish he stopped...this was the same time i got my patternless, they are both babies. the have not eatin in a long time so i bought a new container of wax worms to try and get them to eat SOMETHING and im hoping they have some tonight but i just didnt know if there was another way to keep them longer?

 

[Nomad]

Have you tried feeding them crickets or mealworms these should be their main diet with wax worms being an occasional treat.

 

[Nomad]

oh sorry didnt really answer your question. I don't know my waxworms die fairly quickly as well.

 

[dim&shell]

good question, would actually like to know the answer to that one...

 

[JConley]

Mine usually last for a few weeks in the fridge, only take out what your going to feed and put the rest back. They will start to move after they warm to room temp.

Wax worms are loaded with fat and are considered junk food. A more suitable food would be meal worms, crickets, superworms. Only feed a couple wax worms a week.

 

[brad.a.c]

I really don't think wax-worms are even necessary for Leos. I think mealies, crix, silkies, supers, phoenixes, locusts, roaches, those are the only thing I would feed my Leos.

 

[GeckoGathering]

good question, would actually like to know the answer to that one...

The temperature listed for extending the life of wax worms is said to be 50 to 60 degrees. Most refrigerators are colder. Some people say in the door works. Not for me. High humidity on them also is a problem. Published material says they do not eat at adult stage. Most are raised on a sticky mix of bran and honey.Trying something like this causes them to go to cocoon stage.
A little fridge for them would be perfect..( but $$$ bucks)....
I made a place under a sink that I supply cool air to, and I get BETTER life time there. I also find out they do eat. Carrot works fine.
Other stuff I tried caused higher humidity with them. Carrot helps.
Note that to get them lively and firmed up so the geckos go nuts for them, they need to be warmed back up after being in your fridge.( which I bet is colder than 50 degrees.)
They are tough to keep, they get a lot of bad comments about using, but I use quite a few with wanted results.......especially to keep the breeding females up to weight....As soon as I get them in I put about 4 carrot rounds in the box. Lid back on. Place in the 60 degree area. Remove 30 minutes before using. If you feed them(usually 2 or 3) along with meal worms in most cases of a hungry time the gecko will eat both. If he doesn't eat the meal worms.......the next time no wax worms.......unless it is a laying female.
Just My opinion and method. Lots of others to choose from.take care. HJ...