European Nightcrawlers

[Saji]

Are these OK for Thamnophis?

Saji

[guidofatherof5]

What species/subspecies of worm are you taking about?
If it's a compost work of any kind I would say NO. Since we have Lumbricus terrestris - Canadian Night Crawler common to our area why change?

[Saji]

What species/subspecies of worm are you taking about?
If it's a compost work of any kind I would say NO. Since we have Lumbricus terrestris - Canadian Night Crawler common to our area why change?

They are supposed to be 3" which would be a nice size for my scrubs they are (Eisenia Hortensis) cousin to the red worm. That raised a flag so I decided to ask.

Saji

[guidofatherof5]

“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.

This was posted from another thread. Seems like a good place to quote it.