Red Worms

[abcat1993]

I was wondering if you could use red worms to scent pinkies instead of nightcrawlers? I know that they're bad for your snake but I don't think that their skin is toxic.

[ssssnakeluvr]

I wouldn't...I'm not sure if the toxins are secreted thru the skin or not, but why take the chance. I can get nightcrawlers out here easily...Walmart sells them in the sportung goods section..

[abcat1993]

I was wondering because I have them for my newt and ran out of nightcrawlers. Plus, I don't have to buy nightcrawlers that way. Oh, well, I still have one more nightcrawler

[Stefan-A]

If it is a defence mechanism, I'd guess it would be secreted through the skin. I don't know if it is, but it would seem logical.

[savannah825]

IF the red worms you are talking about are called "Red Wrigglers". They are used for vermaculture. Their skin and the secretions that they produced are foul-tasting and is poisinous to snake. Just wanting to let you :)

[abcat1993]

Ok, thanks, I don't use them though. My snake takes pinkies without scenting.

[crayguns]

If anyone gets worms or grubs for their snake, DO NOT get from a manure pile (I'm serious). The cow manure has toxins that are picked up by the food critters.

[Thamnophis]

If anyone gets worms or grubs for their snake, DO NOT get from a manure pile (I'm serious). The cow manure has toxins that are picked up by the food critters.

Is a good advise. Always think carefully before you feed animals from the wild.

[Greg'sGarters]

I'm not sure about using them for scenting. I personally wouldn't though. I know that they are acidic which also puts them at a risk of secreting acidic slime. I'd just buy some earthworms online and keep them in your fridge, I usually do this. I have about 8 night crawlers in my fridge, I scent 2 pinkies with 1 worm, after she eats the pinkies, she gets the worm as a treat. It has been working out great for me!

[guidofatherof5]

Now that is one old thread.;)

[Greg'sGarters]

Oh, wow, I didn't even realize that it was from 2007!