Breeding and Raising for Phoenix Worms

Phoenix worms are relatively new in the market, but many herp lovers have tried them and find them easier to care for than other feeders out on the market today.

Some claim that phoenix worms are simply the most nutritious feeder insect out in the market today. They are packed with calcium and phosphorus. Their high calcium content and low fat, makes it an ideal feeder for gravid females and young reptiles. The high levels of calcium can allow the breeding female to retain and use more amounts of natural calcium for better egg production. Phoenix worms are slightly lower in protein than other feeders, but they do a good job making up for the lower protein levels with their high calcium levels.

• Plastic container
• Phoenix Worms

Housing phoenix worms is relatively simple. These worms can be kept in the container that they came to you in, or placed in a new plastic container. Keep the lid on the cups. The special cup will allow the phoenix worms to have enough air and must be kept closed to ensure long shelf life.

Keep the worms at room temperatures. Do NOT refrigerate them because they have the longest shelf life at 60-70 degrees.

You do not need to feed the phoenix worms. They will be find for several weeks without pupating.

The sawdust that the worms are contained will suffice; no other bedding needs to be added. You can add a few drops of water to the bedding to keep it moist. Do not add too much water, as this can create mold and fungal growth because of high humidity levels in an enclosed area.

As for breeding phoenix worms, there is conflicting information out there. Where some people say this type of worm CANNOT be bred, while other people say they can.

When buying phoenix worms at a petstore, you will want to make sure to check inside the cup before you check out. As this feeder insect is not as well known as the mealworm, waxworm, or super worm, they tend to sit on the shelf longer, meaning sometimes there are more dead worms in the cup, than live. So, just make sure you check inside the cup before you leave the store.