Superworms can be used to feed lizards.Superworms achieve their large size naturally, unlike giant mealworms which have been treated with growth hormones.If you own a reptile, you may be interested in housing your own superworms.Superworms can be purchased online or at a pet store.Superworms can be very hands off.You can provide a habitat and food.You can allow your superworms to turn into beetles if you separate them in small containers.You can transfer beetles to a breeding container.
Step 1: Pick a container.
A plastic container is good forworms.You can buy an aquarium at a store.The top of the container should be at least three inches away from the surface.There is a plastic container lying around the house that you can use for superworms.A plastic tub can be used to store old clothing.The container needs to have smooth sides.Superworms will not be able to crawl out.
Step 2: Provide air flow.
Superworms need some air.A mesh lid is a good idea for a container.If your container doesn't have a mesh lid, you can poke small holes near it to let in air.Superworms cannot crawl out of small holes.
Step 3: Add something.
Substrate is the material that lines the bottom of an aquarium.It is used as both bedding and food.Bran, wheat bran, or uncooked oatmeal are all suitable forworms.They don't harm the worms.The worms have room to burrow if the substrate is at least four inches thick.If you add anything, make sure it's dry.Superworms can be killed by too much moisture.
Step 4: The temperature needs to be maintained.
Superworms should never be refrigerated as they are meal worms.This will kill them.The temperature should be within the range of 70 and 80 F.Superworms can be kept in an area of your home where the temperature is consistent.On occasion, superworms can tolerate higher or lower temperatures.It could stunt their growth.Do not keep superworms in a room that is consistently hot or cold.
Step 5: Fruits and vegetables can be used as food.
Fruits and vegetables are good sources of superworms.They can be fed leftover produce.As superworms should not be exposed to water, opt for produce that can provide hydration such as potatoes, apple slices, carrots, and fresh greens.You can keep yourworms hydrated with these vegetables.Feed your superworms fresh produce.You should offer healthy food if you feed your superworm.
Step 6: Feed your superworms at night.
Most of the time, superworms do most of their eating at night.If food is given at the right time, they will eat it quickly.
Step 7: Water should be kept out of the habitat.
You shouldn't mist or put water in a superworm container.Superworms shouldn't be exposed to water as it can cause health problems.The water should be kept out of a superworm's container.
Step 8: Feed your superworms to lizards.
To provide proper nutrition for your reptiles, you will need to prepare your superworms with an enhanced diet.Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated gutload diet.High-quality foods have high levels of both calcium and phosphorous.Make sure you give your superworms access to the gutload food for at least 48 hours before feeding them.
Step 9: The larvae should be separated into chambers.
You might want to let some of your superworms grow into beetles.The beetles will give you more superworms.This can save you money if you have reptile that feeds on superworms.If you want to start, separate the larvae into chambers.Chambers should be small containers.Film canisters work well.It's important to punch small holes in the lid of your containers.Use wheat or oatmeal as a base.Adding a small slice of carrot will give you more hydration.The superworm can live for six months to a year if you separate them.When isolated they will only pupate.
Step 10: The worms should be removed from the container.
The pupal stage is the second life stage for superworms.It takes a superworm about 10 days to pupate.Superworms will form a ball in the pupal stage.The adult beetles will not eat them if they are removed from the chambers.Each pupa should be put in an individual container that is slightly larger than their original chambers.
Step 11: Prepare a container for beetles.
You can make a container to hold the pupae while they turn into beetles.The beetles can breed if you transfer them to this container.You can use any type of plastic container with smooth sides.You can add an inch of wheat bran.An egg crate can be placed in one corner.There will be Beetles here to breed.There is aventilated lid on the container.
Step 12: When the beetles emerge, transfer them to the breeding container.
If you see beetles emerge, check your pupae daily.Place your pupa in the breeding chamber once it becomes a beetle.The chamber should be filled with each new beetle.Until they die, they will continue to breed.As you see them, you can feed them to your reptile.
Step 13: The beetles should be fed daily.
Adult beetles should be fed fresh produce.The beetles will eat their eggs if they don't get enough to eat.