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 #1767137


OldSchoolCatcher
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 Vitamins

Ok, I have had this Alli for like 4 months and he has really grown. I give him crickets that are sometimes dusted with calcium and Vitamin d3 powder. That is all I have given him for the past 4-6 months. I have oranges in the cricket container so I guess the lizard gets some of those nutrients as well. I read that Allis like to have a diet that is varied, so please give me some suggestions. Don’t tell me to go catch spiders or grasshoppers or worms. I am fine with that but I need to have specific species or types because I don;t want to accidently poison my lizard. I have put alot of effort into keepin this animal happy, and alot of hand feeding when he was sick. Please give me some advice so that I can be a better owner.
06/20/08  02:22am

 #1767697


PrinceSushi
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   Message To: OldSchoolCatcher   In reference to Message Id: 1767137


 Vitamins

Bravo! Someone who really cares about what goes into their lizard!
Anyways, generally feeding the crickets a variety of food gets the lizard everything it needs, but you can add powder vitamins in needed.As for variety, try butterworms, silkworms, hornworms, nightcrawlers, black field crickets, or roaches. Scrambled eggs can also be offered, but he may not accept them.
06/20/08  03:48pm

 #1767757


OldSchoolCatcher
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   Message To: PrinceSushi   In reference to Message Id: 1767697


 Vitamins

You didn’t mention Mealworms. Are they not worth it or are they harmful. I’ve been getting that impression as I navigate this forum.
06/20/08  05:01pm

 #1768057


PrinceSushi
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   Message To: OldSchoolCatcher   In reference to Message Id: 1767757


 Vitamins

I would say they are no more harmful than the other bugs, but they aren’t very nutritious and difficult for allies to digest. Your very likely to see the whole thing come out the other end of your allie.
06/20/08  10:07pm

 #1768542


OldSchoolCatcher
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   Message To: PrinceSushi   In reference to Message Id: 1768057


 Vitamins

Where should I go to find Silkworms and hornworms. I did some research and I saw those as supliments. BTW, are you talking about the tomato hornworm or the tobacco hornworm, i saw 2 different species. Also, what about waxworms.
06/21/08  01:40pm

 #1768704


PrinceSushi
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   Message To: OldSchoolCatcher   In reference to Message Id: 1768542


 Vitamins

http://www.mulberryfarms.com/index.html
GREAT supplier.They sell the insects and great chow for them.

Both are safe to feed.
Waxworms are also safe.



06/21/08  05:04pm

 #1770329


Aliceinwl
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   Message To: PrinceSushi   In reference to Message Id: 1768704


 Vitamins

I’ve never had als with problems digesting mealworms. Mealworms, however, have a very high fat content so feeding too many led to major obesity issues. Waxworms are also very high in fat. I would use waxworms, mealworms, and superworms as occasional treats only.

I feed crickets as a staple. I gutload the crickets with fish flakes, orange slices, carrots and other fruits and veggies I have on hand.

In terms of the tomato hornworms Sushi mentioned, only feed those you get from a supplier. Wild worms will have accumulated toxins from feeding on tomato vines.

Commercially available roaches would be another good food option. Some als will also take pinkie mice (these should be an occasional treat only).

In terms of wild caught prey:

any grasshopper, katydid, cricket or Jerusalem cricket (Jerusalem crickets need to be of a manageable size)

spiders (I’ve seen wild als stalk and eat black widows)

moths

scarab beetles

small snails (these are not always taken)

most caterpillars ( avoid those feeding on toxic plants: milkweed, tomatoes etc).

Supervise your al when feeding new prey items. If your lizard is from your local area, it will pretty much know what is good to eat. If it comes across something unpalatable it will either refuse it or leave it alone after a quick chomp. Never force your al to eat a prey item in case it’s refusing it for good reason.



06/23/08  03:30am


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