Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Scott W · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject: Mealworms & Leopard Geckos

How many people feed an exclusive mealworm diet to the leo's? or just to adults or hatchlings etc?

I have seen some stunning geckos recently that were reared 100% on mealworms, these were bigger and heathier looking than those fed on crickets, just wondered if anyone else does this or has seen any differences? I know the breeder does feed a mix of crickets and mealworms once they are adult but babies mainly reared on mealworms.
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Jas · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 7:52 pm Post subject:

Ive been feeding mostly mealworms, and just add a few crickets now and then, over a week 90% of there diet is mealworms, thats for young and old.

Gina · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:42 pm Post subject:

None of mine will eat mealies at all so i have no choice but to stick with the crickets/locusts/waxie diet.

Scott W · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:45 pm Post subject:

Gina, have you tried pinks at all?

I have one group that I'm feeding pinks almost exclusively, they are the best looking in health terms out of all my leopards, I'm waiting to see what the long term effects will be and what difference it makes to the coming breeding season.
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gecko2606 · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:34 am Post subject:

Hi scott, Well as you know I went to Hamm in September as I inported from the USA. And all that I got from the USA apart from my Amels faties are on 100% mealworms and are packing it on. My Mack woz 38g - 40g when I got him, he didnt eat for about 2 week and some 6 weeks have gone in total, and he is 65g now and coming on nicely. as well as all the rest. Smile

So I think if you can do it, do it. No problams here Wink

Gina · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:24 am Post subject:

I have done once,back when i only had about 5 leos,none were interested,guess its worth a try with them again now i have 13,some of them might take!

jim_radley · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 7:23 pm Post subject:

I've heard feeding mealworms to geckos causes most to prolapse, because the build up of shells causes intestinal blockages. My local pet shop doesn't recommend feeding them in large numbers, and not to anything but adults. Has anyone else found this?

mark_w · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 7:45 pm Post subject:

De vosjoli reports people keeping and breeding leopard geckos for generations on a mealworm only diet, incl. some of the longest lived geckos on record. For some reason there's always been quite a bit of rubbish said about mealworms.

Mark.

Kirsty · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:06 am Post subject:

3 of my leos prefer mealworms the other 2 will eat anything and everything, i find the mealworms easier to keep, feed etc although they get crickets and waxworms aswell they always seem to go for the mealworms first and i havent had and signs of problems yet....

Kirsty

varanus · Key Member Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 400

There is a breeder who from what ive been told tried to feed a only mealy diet he was ok to start with but then found his geckos were not as prolific so now feeds mainly a mealy diet with crickets also offered but it being kind of 80-90% mealy based this has solved the problem and is working well

Personally i think its more important what youve fed the food item to gut laod it than what the food item is within reason