Worried mom....

[vgaines]

Well, that didn't go so well. I gave Rebel the smallest of the hornworms and it bit him while he was attempting to eat it. Now I am worried sick that he could get an infection. I didn't see any broken skin but he had to shake his head to make the worm let go. It got ahold of Rebel right by his lip on the side of his mouth. Anything I should be looking out for? Rebel doesn't like me much so I can not get him out to inspect up close. If I have to I can put on gloves and find a way to get him out. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Carlton]

Chances are he'll be fine. Just watch the spot where he was bitten to see if there was a break in the skin. If so, you could dab a bit of Betadyn (OTC at drugstores and it can be used on the gum) on it to help prevent an infection. If the site gets reddish or swollen go see your vet.

 

[pigglett79]

Usually they are good about getting the worm by the head and that prevents the biting. It will probably be fine, he may get a bruise if it really got him. I have been bitten by them several times and it isn't a real strong bite. Did he end up eating it?

Next time trty to line the worm up so it is facing him head first, might help.

 

[vgaines]

Usually they are good about getting the worm by the head and that prevents the biting. It will probably be fine, he may get a bruise if it really got him. I have been bitten by them several times and it isn't a real strong bite. Did he end up eating it?

Next time trty to line the worm up so it is facing him head first, might help.

No, after he shook it off he looked at me like "MOM, how could you feed me something that was gonna bite" I think he's pouting because he opened his mouth, hissed and lunged at my phone after I took the picture..
(I'm having trouble getting pics from my iphone. I will post pouting pictures in a bit)

 

[vgaines]

Here is the picture of Rebel pouting after being bitten by a hornworm yesterday..

 

[StreetMoggy]

I had no idea horn worms bit!
Poor little guy.

 

[vgaines]

I had no idea horn worms bit!
Poor little guy.

I think it is more of a pinch... none the less, Rebel was not happy about it.

PS.. I read somewhere that you could cut of the hornworms mouth parts so they couldn't bite. Well did that and I felt like crap for doing it. Its one thing to feed a worm to Rebel but I think it's unnecessary to torture the poor worm...