What size of mealworm?

scooters mom · 06-07-2005, 05:22 PM

We used to have a lizard and he ate the small ones, but when I asked for some mealworms that a hedgehog would need, they gave me these huge ones. I am not familiar with this size and not sure if it is right. Everywhere I read, just says feed mealworms, but does not talk about size. I gave him a large mealworm and he ate it ok, but took awhile and he gagged on it once, so want to make sure and find out what size do they need?

Padfoot · 06-07-2005, 05:59 PM

I'm not an expert on hedgies... but I think that size wouldn't matter. With lizards it mattes cause they basically swallow it whole, so you need to feed certain size (not larger than the distance between the eyes) so they can fit it in they mouths. Now, the hedgie will chew the mealie and "break it" in parts he can comfortably fit in their mouths... I don't know what you mean by "gagged" was it that he took a bit and threw it out of his mouth, then took it again? Cause I've seen my gerbils do this sometimes when they take a bite that's too large for them, specially with soft foods, they spit it in their little paws and continue to chew it. I could be wrong, though... but I think that the size don't matter with a hedgie... maybe someone with experience with hedgies will tell you better.

scooters mom · 06-07-2005, 06:03 PM

Well, what I meant by gagging is, he was chewing it ok, then kind of made a gagging face (like we would do if we gagged), hacked a bit, the piece came out and he looked at it for a bit, waited a bit and then picked it up and started to slowly chew it again. He eventually finished the whole thing. Maybe it is normal for them to do that, but my first impression while watching him was he choked and gagged on it.

redrose · 06-07-2005, 07:05 PM

Hi again,

You need to buy the small mealworms.

Red

fertmom · 06-07-2005, 07:08 PM

Yes, we bought super worms once- not a good idea. The bigger worms are tougher and apparently based on our hedgies reaction, not as appealing. They like the small, thin tender ones better