Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can I use wheat bran as bedding for my mealworms?

A lot of people do but I prefer to feed my insects something that has some nutritional value. I don't feel that gut loading 24 hours before feeding them off is adaquate. I really believe that the insects will be healthier and more productive if they are given a more nutritional diet.

Here is the nutritional definition of wheat bran:
Wheat bran, the rough outer covering, has very little nutritional value but plenty of fiber. During milling, the bran is removed from the kernel. It's sold separately and used to add flavor and fiber to baked goods.

So, if you want your worms to be regular, this may be a good coice. If you want them to be well fed, healthy, and well gut loaded for your reptiles, feed them something more balanced.

I use un-medicated chicken layanna. It is formulated for high egg production and is supposed to increase the egg production in your worms just as it does for chickens. From the looks of my bins I couldn't argue with this theory. If you can't get the layanna regular un-medicated chicken mash is a good alternative. Either is really cheap if purchased bulk and can be stored in a metal trash can to keep varmits out. I have been using the same 50# bag for 2 1/2 years and am just now ready to purchase a new bag. Just make sure if you decide to use the mash that it is un-medicated. The medication that is in the mash would kill your insects and possibley your reptiles.

I have been using the layanna long enough to be able to compare my worms to those sold in the pet stores. I believe that my mealies are fatter and more lively than those in the little tubs of bran you get in the stores. I have sold my worms to several folk here and they all tell me the same thing. They prefer to buy from me because they have less die off and the worms just look better.

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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html