Gut loading locusts

[Ceilli3]

Hi, what's the best way to gutload locusts so that they also absorb calcium? I have tried dusting carrots with calcium but they tend to go black & mouldy very fast. Im not sure if this is because I'm now washing them first (though also drying) after advice from the vet. My male Cham died after an infection & im now totally overhauling the way I care for their food as I don't want my female to get sick. Also, are mealworms supposed to be an occasional treat it can I give daily? I can't remembers! My old Cham never liked them but our new one does & ive been giving her some every day the last few days. Also any advice on keeping/gut loading mealworms would be appreciated also. I fed them carrot coated in calcium too but the substrate went all soggy.

 

[Kayleigh]

Try giving the locusts some kale, kale is a good food to feed them as it's high in calcium! also mealworms are ok but not highly recommended I think as chams do not digest them very well

 

[Ceilli3]

Try giving the locusts some kale, kale is a good food to feed them as it's high in calcium! also mealworms are ok but not highly recommended I think as chams do not digest them very well

Thank you that's really helpful! We used to feed them Spring greens but got difficult to find. I don't know if that is high in calcium also? I imagine so-dark leafy greens-can't believe I didn't think about it before! I might stop the mealworms then-there are so many in a tub & I wouldn't want to waste them if she can't eat the too often. Btw you have the same name as me! Mine's just the Irish spelling

 

[Andee]

Powder the feeders not the food fed to them. Feed foods high in calcium, low in phosphorous.

 

[Kayleigh]

You're welcome glad I can help! spring greens are also good to feed them, and good choice on stopping the meal worms and haha how cool!

 

[Ceilli3]

Powder the feeders not the food fed to them. Feed foods high in calcium, low in phosphorous.

Thanks Andee, I do dust the insects of course, it was just the vet told me to dust the food as well but I think if I go with kale & Spring greens I shouldn't need to do that!

 

[Ceilli3]

Thanks Andee, I do dust the insects of course, it was just the vet told me to dust the food as well but I think if I go with kale & Spring greens I shouldn't need to do that!

Why low in phosphorus? Are kale & Spring greens low in phosphorus do you know?

 

[Andee]

You should be able to look up the calcium To phosphorus ratio online. Calcium should be higher than phosphorous because that's what reptiles need. Too high if phosphorus is bad.

 

[Ceilli3]

Ok thnx

 

[Ceilli3]

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/suga...osphorous-Ratios-In-Fruits-And-Vegetables.htm

In case anyone else needs this. V helpful thnx Andee