jon - silkies can be time-consuming in that they do require a certain amount of cleanliness, too much humidity can kill a colony and the chow can get pricey. You cannot let the chow dry out and it needs to be handled with clean hands so as not to contaminate. The dry can stay in the fridge for a long time. Don't cook up more than you need but it will keep well, too. It only takes a few minuts to cook and then if I need it quick I put it in the freezer (don't leave too long!!) to cool and then to fridge. This info is not to dissuade you just to give you the facts. once you get it down it is pretty easy



One other point about silkies, Luna for one (and I know other keepers have had similar experience) gets tired of them quickly. I would love to have them as staple food but she won't have it. The best way to do it is to work thru a batch, mate a pair and chill the eggs to have on hand.



Superworms are much better than mealies in that their exoskeleton (skin) is softer and there is more "meat" (so to speak). I have only one chameleon (and will be adding two tarantula's soon) so my need is minimal. I buy 100 supers and keep them in a large plastic tub (11"w x 9"h x 16" l) with about 3-4" of bran and dried, unsweetened coconut (anson's recipe after I had a grain mite outbreak due to oatmeal!). I feed them with carrots, apple and/or potato. You just need to change fruit every few days to avoid mold.



I buy 250 crix at a time and have butterworms in the fridge (they keep a LONG time) for when Luna will eat them. I take out about 20 silkworm eggs at a time and since they are sort of slow to grow Luna gets over her boredom and gets very excited when offered!



So having a variety is actually pretty simple. I have devised a setup for my crix that is almost stink free! I will upload and post pictures.



hope this helps!



lele
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0.1 veiled - Luna

0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper

0.5 Mad. Hissers (for summer - all girls, no little ones, whew!)

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