big red worms

[acovert]

I sent my boyfriend to walmart to buy worms for Scar, since Scar lives at his house. Instead of buying nightcrawlers, he bought these:

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They are red worms. Not all that big, but I remember reading about them being bad for garters when I first started looking into my options for feeding Cuddles. No more than 2 or 3 hours ago, Scar had several of them. I wasn't here at the time. I'm not sure exactly what kind of worm these are. Possibly a European nightcrawler, which may not be toxic? That is where the scientific name on the container led me.

Should I be concerned? Should I use this as an excuse to take Scar from my boyfriend, since this is now the second time he may have endangered the life of the snake?

He apparently thought nightcrawlers were the poisonous ones, after watching me buy them time after time for both Cuddles and Scar. I do know what to do with this situation, or if I can trust him anymore.

[guidofatherof5]

Those are a NO,NO. If he was going to feed those to the snake, TAKE IT.

[acovert]

He DID feed them to the snake. Is Scar going to be okay? Is there anything I should do for him?

The scientific name of the worm is eisenia hortensis, which is the european nightcrawler apparently. One site was saying that they're ok...but I have serious doubts. Supposedly they are not red wigglers/panfish worms.

EDIT
When I was playing with the worms they did secrete some kind of whiteish/yellowish substance.

[guidofatherof5]

Only time will tell. I wouldn't feed them to my snakes.
In light of the fact that night crawlers are safe, there is no reason to feed those.

[acovert]

I don't trust these worms. I am taking Scar overnight, at least, so I can keep a close eye on him.
Any more feedback would be appreciated, if anyone knows more about these kind of worms and what to look out for if they are indeed dangerous for garters.

[katach]

I agree with Steve. They look the same as red wrigglers to me.

[acovert]

So far Scar seems fine. I have no idea how many he ate, so if he didn't eat enough then maybe he will be okay. I got a few safe nightcrawlers in him earlier.
He's with me at my house. He's not going back to my boyfriend's place. I just have to find a way to make my boyfriend see that this is best for Scar.

[Selkielass]

You should be fine if he hasn't shown any reaction so far, he should be fine.
The toxin isn't always present, but feeding redworms is like Russian roulette.

[acovert]

He seems fine still. I'm not too worried now since it's been nearly 24 hours. But I think I am going to keep him with me from now on.

[guidofatherof5]

I think that is wise.

[chris-uk]

He's with me at my house. He's not going back to my boyfriend's place. I just have to find a way to make my boyfriend see that this is best for Scar.

If it's a problem I'd suggest an upgrade to a boyfriend who doesn't endanger your animals.

[Foxrun402]

I would never feed him those again...

Breakfast of champions right here...
http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o774/foxrun402/temporary_zpsf578316c.jpg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/foxrun402/media/temporary_zpsf578316c.jpg.html)

That's basically all that I feed Suzi and now Xena... I would feed them fish but I don't trust it too much... I do however supplement with calcium and vitamins about every 5th meal...

http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o774/foxrun402/temporary_zps2ef93400.jpg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/foxrun402/media/temporary_zps2ef93400.jpg.html)

Just a nice fine powder coat to a pinky butt... or a tiny bit on a 1/4 of night-crawler would do just fine...

Just stay away from those "European nightcrawlers" I don't know if they are fatal or what amount would be, but I wouldn't feed them anymore.

[acovert]

Scar is still fine. I am not worried at all now. And the good news is that he is permanently in my care, since my boyfriend broke up with me today (for reasons unrelated to scar, and stupid reasons at that, but whatever). There is no way that he can make any claim to Scar, and my family will not let him in the house while I am not at home, meaning that he will be protected at all times should my ex decide that he wants the snake back.

Unfortunately, Scar is stuck in a very, very small tank. Less than 5 gallons. Its a small critter ceeper from Petco, which I kept Cuddles in when I was living in Montana. It's good for traveling and for a single baby snake, but Scar can't stretch out or move much. His water dish takes up most of the cage's space. I'm going to try to get him at least a ten gallon sometime soon, but I have a lot of bills (had to take the cat to the vet - cost me a total of 650, had to get a credit card for it) so I have absolutely no money for it at the moment. Hopefully I can get him something bigger soon. I hate seeing him so cramped.

[guidofatherof5]

Consider a large tub with a lid for awhile.

[Foxrun402]

Walmart sells 10 gallon tanks for 12.95... just throwin it out there ;)

Edit: Also could grab paper towels for cheap substrate with easy clean up for a little while... would be ok..

[Didymus20X6]

My snakes live in a 26 gallon plastic tub with a lid.