Night Crawler Shortage

[Shanty]

Tried to attach a URL for Jim's NCs but was "denied." Feels kinda like getting to the checkout counter, after a 30 minute wait, only to discover the wife beat me to the last $5 on the credit card. But the NCs are there--buried among the red wigglers. I buy those ONLY for my raised beds.

Shan

[Shanty]

“One note on the species of worms--chopped nightcrawlers (Terrestris lumbricus) are a good choice (unless he's already big enough to eat whole ones, which is fine), but avoid the small worms known as red wigglers. The red worms used most often in vermicomposting, these worms have been known to cause toxic reactions in garter snakes. Their scientific name is Eisenia foetida. Another Eisenia species is sometimes sold as 'panfish worms'. Eisenia hortensis are not toxic, but do produce a yellow secretion which most animals find distasteful, so they're not the best choice for garter snake food, either.”

Thanks for the differentiation. See what good information I am getting from you folks. I agree, they are Hortensis, and are NOT THE BEST CHOICE, but I washed the few I fed the neonates, even the pieces, and haven't noticed any issues. They did work in a "pinch." Don't intend to do that for long. These were on order with red wirigglers to replenish the worms in my raised beds. The neonates are getting pinkie mouse parts and fish pieces now until I get some REAL NCs.