Mealworms are a great protein source for your sugar
gliders, and most all sugar gliders love mealworms. However, it is
recommended that you do add calcium to your sugar glider's diet, as
these little buggers are high in phosphorus. As shown in the table
below:
NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS
*Please
note that diet of the feeders will affect the content,
however this will give you are rough estimate. |
|
|
Crickets |
Meal Worms |
Wax Worms |
Super Worms |
|
Moisture |
69% |
62% |
62% |
59% |
|
Fat |
6% |
13% |
22% |
18% |
|
Protein |
21% |
21% |
16% |
17% |
|
Fiber |
3% |
2% |
8% |
7% |
|
CA/P ratio |
0.081% |
0.040% |
0.131% |
0.053% |
How to start & keep a mealworm
farm: 2 container system
Find an initial supply: There are
many places to find your initial supply, such as a bait or local pet
store. I do not recommend that you find your supply outdoors, there are
too many chances you take when doing this. You can also purchase from
many online stores, such as:
Grubco
Rainbow Mealworms & Crickets
Herp Food
Find two containers: Keep in mind when
choosing a container the amount of mealworms you are going to raise.
Some use a 10 gallon fish aquarium, others use critter keepers, and some
I have seen made out of wood. The container may be closed with a well
ventilated lid, or cheese cloth. The important thing to remember is that
it must be properly ventilated, as mealworms require a lot of air and
stable temperatures to go through their stages of development.
Bedding, food, moisture: Bedding can be made out of a
combination of rolled oats, bran, dry baby cereal, corn flakes, corn
meal, and/or wheat germ. Some have been known to add, calcium and
vitamins to their mealworm bedding. The combination really isn't
important, just as long as they have healthy food. The mealworms
bedding/food should be about2 1/2 to 3 inches deep in both containers.
Add moisture food such as pieces of raw potatoes, apples slices,
carrots, or banana peels. Some like to add cloth or paper strips to
their bedding to keep it from compacting, remember mealworms need air!
Add the worms: Add mealworms to the first container, after
a several weeks you will notice changes as they go into a pupa stage,
and eventually turn into beetles. Remove the beetles, and place in the
second container with the same bedding so they may lay eggs. Once the
eggs hatch and the mealworms are a handle able size place them in the
first container.
Upkeep: Add fresh moisture food as needed, and new
bedding. Foul bedding should be removed and replaced. Remove dead
mealworms, pupa, and beetles. Keep mealworms at a stable temperature.
This system should keep your little gliders happy forever! |
