How to get rid of skin secretions on earthworms

[nrmns14]

I apologise in advance if this has already been discussed in the forum but I can't see it.
I bought some Dendrobaena earthworms for my axolotl. At first he wouldn't touch them but after soaking them for a while he tried it but spat it back out again. I think this is related to the foul tasting skin secretions?
I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to prepare the earthworms for my axolotl? I was thinking maybe boiling!? Obviously I would let it cool down before giving it to my axie.
Thanks in advance

 

[Azhael]

I wash the worms with water and then clean and dry them a bit with paper towels. This is usually enough.
However, your axolotls may still refuse them for a while. Be patient since eventually they´ll accept them.

 

[Otterwoman]

Don't even think about boiling them and cooling them off. I haven't tried it, but it won't work.

 

[Jennewt]

If you bought the worms commercially, it is likely that they were farmed in manure. If you let the worms live for a few days on wet paper towels, they may lose some of their original aroma.

Beyond that, I would recommend feeding the worms whole, and be sure not to injure or nick the worm, as it is the secretions inside that most sals don't like.

 

[nrmns14]

Ok thanks for the advice guys. I'll try him with one tomorrow after letting it soak and dry for a bit

 

[Mac Myers]

Drowning them first helps. Unfortunately I can't stand to do it. I can feed them and watch them get devoured.... but I can't kill them first. I've gotten weird lately.