Can Sugar Gliders Eat Superworms?
Fluffy and sweet, sugar gliders are quick to win the hearts of their owners. With such an adorable responsibility we want to make sure our suggies are well cared for.
The diet of a sugar glider in the wild is diverse, and try as we might, it is difficult to duplicate that diet in captivity.
Pet stores carry food and treats for all sorts of pets. If you frequent these shops, you’ve likely come across a lot interesting food and treats, including the bugs that are available.
Instead of getting a new treat for your suggies and hoping for the best, it’s better to be in the habit of looking into whether or not that new food is okay for your lovable pals to eat.
So, what about superworms? Can sugar gliders eat superworms? The quick and easy answer is: Yes, sugar gliders can eat superworms. Since superworms have such a high amount of fat, make sure to only feed superworms to your sugar gliders in moderation.
Though it might be difficult for the squeamish, you will probably want to remove the head of the superworm before feeding it to your sugar glider. You don’t want your suggies to get bitten, and you don’t want beetles in your house!
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What are Superworms Anyway?
Superworms are the larvae of the darkling beetle. While they sure aren’t pretty, they are affordable and easy to find in many pet stores. They are commonly fed to pet reptiles, birds as well as amphibians.
Superworms look similar to mealworms. But, just like the name implies, superworms are much larger than mealworms. Superworms average in length from 5 to 6 centimeters, whereas mealworms are only about 2.5 centimeters long.
As with all food and treats you feed your suggie, you want to keep an eye on their calcium to phosphorus intake. The folks at Critter Depot have a good break down of the nutritional value of superworms.
What Else Should I Know About Feeding Sugar Gliders Superworms?
Most sugar gliders love eating superworms. However, some sugar gliders might not be familiar with bugs or what to do with them. If that’s the case, you can squish the superworm and put it with your sugar glider’s regular meal. They should quickly catch on to how delicious superworms are.
As with most treats you feed your suggie do so in moderation. Superworms have a lot of fat compared to their protein content so they shouldn’t be your sugar glider’s sole source of protein.
Superworms do have teeth and can bite when you handle them. It’s recommended to remove their heads before feeding your sugar glider a superworm.
Another good reason to remove the superworm head before feeding is to avoid beetles in your house. Remember that superworms are beetle larvae and larvae metamorphosize into beetles! The last thing you want is a superworm to escape before your sugar glider gets to eat it.
Summary: Can Sugar Gliders Have Superworms?
Can sugar gliders eat superworms? In a word: Yes! Sugar gliders can eat superworms.
Superworms are a great addition to your sugar glider’s diet. They provide good protein and fat that your furry buddy needs to live a healthy life. Keep in mind that the fat ratio to protein is high so you will want to provide other sources of protein as well.
Remove the head of the superworm before feeding it to your sugar glider. This will help both of you avoid being bitren. And (perhaps more importantly) help keep your home beetle free!
Remember to always be aware of the calcium to phosphorus ratio your sugar glider is getting in their diet and do not over feed your sweet friend.