Silkworm feed, is it safe for BD's?

[Bushmaster11B]

I was wanting to know if the mulberry mulch for Silkworms is healthy for BD's if feeding the silkworms the mulch only of course? I know some woods are toxic to BD's and other animals....

 

[gilliesexotics]

Hi, Not familiar with mulberry mulch but i know the leaves and berries are ok.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Yeah, I have a Hibiscus Tree in the back that is blooming like crazy. Been waiting to try a leave or flower out for a treat after he is done acclimating. I read on a nutrition sheet that they love hibiscus.

The mulch... They sell these silkworms as feeders so I wasn't too concerned. Thought I would ask....

 

[gilliesexotics]

He should love the flowers but if for some odd reason he doesnt like them. You can use it to feed your crickets.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

smart thinking... then maybe he would get a taste of it through the crickets. I can't wait until Weds when I can order Aries more stuff. He is getting:

50 ct. silk worms
50 ct. phoenix worms
MORE crickets (he is beginning to be a pig, which is good!)
Zoo Med 500W Thermostat for his basking light. I have another indecent (Clear) bulb burning by my spot light
Thermometer and Humidity Meter, so I don't just rely on my laser thermometer.

 

[gilliesexotics]

Someone is getting spoiled

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Yes but in a good way, lol. I'm getting spoiled too with that thermostat control

 

[Germ]

How do you intend on rigging up the thermostat?

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Germ, is this a test? LOL.... Below is a pic of my lights and my plan:

Thermostat probe zip tied to basking rock and wired out the back panel. Here is a picture of my lights. The halogen spot light is only a 45W bulb, but it gets a bit too hot for the enclosure when next to the Indecent 40W. So, a thermostat on the 45W Spot will do the trick Im sure.

 

[Germ]

Not a test, a serious question, because thermostats present/create their own set of problems. Don't work very well when using Lights for heat. Thermostats will keep changing it's lighting by turning the brighter light, the halogen, on & off all day, confusing the BD, not a good plan. Thermostats are not necessary. But if you insist on creating more headaches for yourself, what would possibly work, is the Thermostat wired to a CHE in place of the 40W incandescent, with the other for the main heat & ambient light. Then heat could be controlled without continuously changing the ambient lighting throughout the day.

Or you could just put the Forty Watt an a rheostat or dimmer & fine tune the heat that way. Or just use a Fluorescent Bulb for the added ambient light instead of the 40 watt if the Halogen alone gives you the temps in the right range.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Good idea Germ... I will Buy a CHE for his basking day heat since I do have that other bulb. Thanks, no need for headaches. Glad I'm the one who ask instead of just doing what ever..... I appreciate the input Germ and will apply.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Someone is getting spoiled

Do you own a feeder farm by any chance Gillie?

 

[gilliesexotics]

It sure seems like it but no i dont.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

OK, thenI was lucky and got the hook up with 3 extra 100 ct. phoenix worms from this farm

 

[thorn]

He should love the flowers but if for some odd reason he doesnt like them. You can use it to feed your crickets.

So do they Eat the leaves or the flowers of the hibiscus and can they eat tropical hibiscus as well? I know the tropical version is a bit more waxy than the more normal Varieties

 

[Bushmaster11B]

You know, I offered him the Hibiscus and he turned his head on more than 1 occasion. I'm sticking with collard greens. Crickets will eat anything. And Thorn, they can eat both.

 

[gilliesexotics]

Flower of the plant would be the best option. I cant say for sure on all the different varieties leaves.