walking stick vs crickets

[rocket89]

does anyone know if walking stick is a good source of food?

 

[EvilLost]

they are illegal in the US as far as I know

don't know where you are, but for that reason alone I haven't tried nor bothered

EDIT: you are in LA, so i'd say no

 

[franticurchin]

they are illegal in the us? they are sold here in wa state in some of the pet stores

they are illegal in the US as far as I know

don't know where you are, but for that reason alone I haven't tried nor bothered

EDIT: you are in LA, so i'd say no

 

[franticurchin]

check out this sight....
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1986926/northern_walking_stick_insects_as_pets.html

the Diapheromera femorata or northern walking stick is the only one that is legal in the us cause they are found here

 

[PeriTanz]

Some native species aren't illegal (they are supposedly much smaller?).
No idea if they would be a good source of food for a cham or not.
The Vietnamese walking sticks are an invasive species and can reproduce through parthenogenesis. So one can become many fast! Do some research either way Interesting insects!

 

[Alexl]

My chameleons love walking sticks anyway, they're nice snacks. But some species have a defense fluid, so be sure to get harmless ones.

 

[PeriTanz]

the Diapheromera femorata or northern walking stick is the only one that is legal in the us cause they are found here

Ahh beat me to it. however Diapheromera femorata are still illegal to collect from the wild of coarse. As are all animals w/out a permit. *[However some places want you to collect these guys and turn them in to be destroyed]. Many places require a permit just to keep them as pets.

lets see if you get any responses about nutritional content.

 

[pssh]

You can own more native phasmids, but you cannot move them over state lines.

 

[sandrachameleon]

does anyone know if walking stick is a good source of food?

Yes, the indian walking stick is a good feeder choice. They eat dark leafy greens as gutload.

No one feeder should make up the bulk of your chameleons diet. Always provide a variety of feeders. I say this because the subject of your post say sticks vs crickets, and I would suggest sticks AND crickets AND silkworms AND butterworms AND etc

 

[rocket89]

Can i gut load them by feeding hibiscus flower? I know chameleon love eating hibiscus flower.

 

[rocket89]

The reason i put walking stick vs crickets is because i wanted to know if i can feed my chameleon more walking stick than cricket, cuz mainly crickets is the main food every one feed and from what i read, i feel like its a must have. So i just want to know if i was able to make walking stick as their main meal.

 

[laurie]

I would say as a main food no, it would take wayyyy to many, but as a add on, they would be great. I just wish I could get some - anyone know how to hook me up??

 

[pssh]

In the wild, panthers mainly eat stick insects and hoppers (and kin.) Variety is best though.

They are very easy to get in Washington. They seem to mainly only have the vietnamese walking sticks.

 

[PeriTanz]

Again i just have to throw out there if you do get Vietnamese walking stick. Don't release them!! They were declared an agricultural pest in 2001 in California.

 

[rocket89]

can someone iD these walking sticks?

 

[sandrachameleon]

can someone iD these walking sticks?

That appears to be an Indian walking stick.
They are fine as a feeder, and yes they will probably eat hibiscus leaves, but NO you should not use these as a "main" or primary food - you shouldnt let ANY one feeder make up more than 20% of your chameleons diet. Like I said before, sticks AND crickets AND butterworms AND roaches AND silkworms, etc

People typically offer crickets alot because they are inexpensive and easy to gutload on a large range of food, are easily caclium dusted and have an acceptable digestibility. Stick bugs have a more limited diet, and while they are a perfectly acceptable feeder in a mixed diet, they are not as good as crickets for versatility.

VARIETY is important. It alows a greater range of nutrients to be passed on, it ensures the chameleon stays interested, it helps ensure good digestion, etc. So go ahead and offer some stick bugs, but ALSO offer crickets and ALSO offer other things as well.

Do not allow your stick bugs to be released into the natural environment. Be sure to burn the droppings (in which viable eggs will be). Alternatively, put in a pot of boiling water for 20 minutes then flush.

 

[Action Jackson]

Stick bugs. Pickle like stick bugs. Yum.

 

[rocket89]

Stick bugs. Pickle like stick bugs. Yum.

look tasty to me

 

[pssh]

It is not an indian, it is a vietnamese walking stick. The horns on the head are clearly visible.

Indians can be found in certain parts of socal where they have established themselves.

 

[icegecko]

Pssh is right, that is Medauroidea extradentata (vietnamese phasmid, devil horn phasmid). If you are allowed to have them, devil horns, pink wings and budwing phasmids are excellent.