I hope this is under the right topic if not I do apologize.

I don't know if this topic has been raised before, but is silkworms a good feeder for tarantulas, the reason I am asking is that on Saturday I went to get some crickets at my usual spot in Benoni and some of the tarantulas they have to sell had silkworms in the enclosures, and they also have the silkworms for sale.

I have been feeding my T's only crickets, and so far I have not encountered any problems, I know 99% of breeders and keepers of tarantulas prefer the roaches, but I can't handle those things and they totally gross me out so I am sticking to crickets.

I don't think it's a problem to feed T's whatever gogos. Silkworms would have a lot of protein, but beware. Some time ago a chemical was used in the North east, that prohibited the metamorphic stage of worms, that wiped out the whole silkworm population in the Tzaneen area. The silkworms would grow nice and fat and appeared healthy, but as soon as they changed into pupae, they all died. This would have a devastating effect on a T in molt stage.

I don't want to start a scare about it and it's not a rumor. My own kids silkworms all died back then and that was the reason for it. Our neighbor was the main supplier of that chemical, supplied to the citrus farmers in the Letsitele valley. Other than that, silkworms would not be natural prey. So, if your source is trustworthy, use it or not, but luckily they only have a short season.

Roaches, like Dubia's etc, are a natural prey from South America. They contain more protein than crickets and don't stink or jump. Yes they gross me out as well, but they're good feeders.

Thanks for the info Deon :thumbsup:
For now I will stick to what has been working for me for over a year now, jumping, stinking crickets :silly:

Pleasure Vixen, you could use meal worms if you want to give the T's a change of spice. They would be as healthy as crickets.

Silkworms has the highest amount of protien compared to crickets and roaches yes, but, they are VERY messy as a feeder, little buggers are filled with protien goo, thus making cleanup after dinner a real mess...

Hi Vix....
I have been feeding my T's silkworms for 3 years now and have not had any problems so far :swaet:
It has saved me allot of money and they are not hard to keep and breed for next year.....lol just remember to check every now and then if they bred out....
have fun :thumbsup: