Earthworms

Earthworms (Eisenia hortensis / Dendrobaena veneta) are one of the favorite live foods of most Caudata species (Axolotes, Tritons and Salamanders). However, their use extends far beyond amphibians and they are readily accepted by fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Nutritional information

Although they are not always easy to acquire, they are a very balanced food with a very low fat percentage (approx. 4.4%) and a considerable protein fraction of around 60%. They also have a Ca:P ratio of 1.58, which is much closer to the ideal value of 2.0 when compared to other live food species.

Conservation

You can store your Earthworms simply by placing the box you received them in in the fridge at no less than 5ºC. Depending on how long you want to keep them, you may need to feed them. Earthworms are by nature decomposers, which means that they will eat practically any decomposing organic matter. However, you should be careful what you feed them, as you could harm your pet when it feeds on the worms. With this in mind, you can feed your worms carrot peelings, apple peelings, breadcrumbs... You should pay particular attention to the peelings, which should be washed to avoid contaminating your worms with parasites that could then be passed on to your pet. You should also avoid overfeeding your worms as this can lead to the proliferation of fungi which can indirectly kill your worms.