Nightcrawlers/red wrigglers

[Joebro12]

Hey all, I've been feeding nightcrawlers cut up into little pieces to my axie, Gojira, for some time. I was interested in switching to red wrigglers because I heard that reds are thinner and don't need to be cut up into so many pieces. Gojira is 5.5 inches long. If what I said is correct, when would it be safe for me to switch to bigger cuts of reds without the risk of my axie struggling? If you need some more information or need me to re-word the question please let me know. Thanks you guys

 

[AMurry24537]

Hey all, I've been feeding nightcrawlers cut up into little pieces to my axie, Gojira, for some time. I was interested in switching to red wrigglers because I heard that reds are thinner and don't need to be cut up into so many pieces. Gojira is 5.5 inches long. If what I said is correct, when would it be safe for me to switch to bigger cuts of reds without the risk of my axie struggling? If you need some more information or need me to re-word the question please let me know. Thanks you guys

In terms of size, I think you're probably fine in switching, especially since you can always go smaller if Gojira seems to be struggling.

I do want to caution you, however, that some axolotls dislike the slime coat extruded by red wigglers AND their like/dislike for them can change over time. Some initially love them, then hate them and vice versa. Basically what I'm saying is: feel free to try it out, but it might not work.

 

[Joebro12]

In terms of size, I think you're probably fine in switching, especially since you can always go smaller if Gojira seems to be struggling.

I do want to caution you, however, that some axolotls dislike the slime coat extruded by red wigglers AND their like/dislike for them can change over time. Some initially love them, then hate them and vice versa. Basically what I'm saying is: feel free to try it out, but it might not work.

Heyy wanted to give you an update. I did it, a nd when I fed him he handled it very well. Each piece went down with no issue at all. However now I'm noticing strange behavior in my axie. Almost as if he's choking/suffocating. It's been roughly 15 hours since my post and this is the first time I've seen him do it. The bottom of his jaw bows out and his mouth opens up real wide. I don't have the slightest clue what he could be choking on though because the food was no issue at all and he has no issue reaching the surface for air when he needs to. This is very strange behavior.

 

[Jennewt]

I would never recommend switching from nightcrawlers to red wigglers.

 

[Joebro12]

I would never recommend switching from nightcrawlers to red wigglers.

Well could you explain why?

 

[Jennewt]

Sure, I think red wigglers can be an OK food, if the salamander/axolotl accepts them. I've tried using them several times (both purchased and home grown), with mixed results. They are known to have a toxin in them, although this toxin doesn't seem to affect caudates. It gives them a nasty smell when cut, and makes some caudates refuse them, or barf them back up.

The other problem with red wigglers is that they are usually grown commercially in some type of manure. If they are allowed to live in other substrate before feeding, this isn't an issue, but I stay away from store-bought red wigglers.

I've had consistently good results with Canadian nightcrawlers (not to be confused with Euro nightcrawlers). No nasty smell, and always well accepted.