Red wigglers as feeders

[MootWorm]

Hi all. We have a growing young frilled dragon. Unfortunately our supply of dubia has been cut off for the time being, and our colony won't start producing for a month or so. The guy at our feed store suggested some red wigglers, but does anyone know how nutritious these are? I've been doing some researching and I've found conflicting reviews. Some say that many zoos use them as a staple for their herps while others say they're good only as an occasional treat. I'd like to get Fred on a diet of worms and dubia since they're so easy to raise. I'd love some first hand experience from those who feed wigglers as a staple (if indeed there are any of you out there!).

[OctagonGecko729]

They are an ok feeder. I "think" they are a bit higher in fat then what you would want as a staple diet. I throw a few dozen into my savannah monitors cage every month or so and cover them with dirt. This gives him a bit of enrichment while he forages.

[MootWorm]

Thanks for the input! I came across a few articles stating that they were toxic. Could be attributed to the misuse of the common name 'red wiggler' (apparently many species are known as that :/ ) and some instances reported that the soil caused toxicity.

Granted, these were pertaining to their use in feeding frogs and fish, so I'm not convinced on their effects on reptiles.

But your sav is still alive, right?

[OctagonGecko729]

Oh, I thought you meant canadian night crawlers. I will be sure to specify that from now on when I talk about them. I didn't know that some species of common worms may be toxic.

So yeah, I use canadian nightcrawlers on occassion as feeders, if your in the U.S. you can pick them up at most Wal-Marts or from any bait and tackle shop I'm sure

[MootWorm]

I was referring to E. fetida, which is commonly used in composting and as fish bait, and should be ok for feeding. Red worms/bloodworms (L. Rubellus) are also referred to as red wigglers, and these are the ones that are NOT good for fish, amphibians and I assume reptiles. Would you happen to know the scientific name of your worms?