Small mealworms lost in substrate

[andyezz12]

Hi, I have a less than 2 in C darlingi sling and I fed it with really small mealworms. There are no signs of any remains of the dead worms. If yes, can they harm my T? How can I get them out without destroying the enclosure?

 

[Kibosh]

Yes they can harm your T, especially a small one. Is your T close to molting? Cause a molting sling + mealworms = dead T. It rough, but I suggest cleaning out the enclosure and finding them. At least I would. Next time crush their heads before putting in food items. Slings are very good at scavenging for food.

 

[andyezz12]

Yes they can harm your T, especially a small one. Is your T close to molting? Cause a molting sling + mealworms = dead T. It rough, but I suggest cleaning out the enclosure and finding them. At least I would. Next time crush their heads before putting in food items. Slings are very good at scavenging for food.

It molted last thursday, so that’s out of question. The thing is, I don’t wanna ruin it for nothing. I presume this, because I don’t see any remains, but it’s belly got a bit bigger tbh xD

 

[mack1855]

If yes, can they harm my T

Yes....and don't ask how I know this.Did you not watch to see the T take it down?.
Don't ever throw a prey item in an enclosure and walk away.If that T doesn't take the prey item in a few minutes,pull it out ASAP.
A healthy T will take a prey item in nothing flat.Do not ever walk way.
I know keepers that put the prey item in,and say"ill let it eat in peace".
JMO,but I always make sure that animal subdues its prey.The only other choice,IMO,is to prekill the prey.Yes,i leave chopped mealworms with my slings.
I would cup the T, and search for the mealworm if it was me.

 

[basin79]

Wait another 2 days and then carefully catch your tarantula, sort through the sub, find the mealworms (if you have cork bark in there take that out and either bin it or microwave it).

NEVER leave a live mealworm or morioworm with a tarantula. For arboreals or fossorials it's not worth feeding live at all unless you 100% know the worm can't fall down a burrow or down a hide.

 

[LucN]

These worms will go through a pupation stage, which are harmless. But afterwards, they turn into hungry adult beetles. Not all Ts will take either pupae or beetle, so make absolutely sure that the worm gets eaten. The recommendation of taking your T out and digging for the worms is a good one. You don't want to lose a prized T to any type of feeder. Crushing the head will prevent burrowing. If your T seems weary of them, switch to crickets or roaches, locusts, anything that doesn't usually burrow.

 

[viper69]

Hi, I have a less than 2 in C darlingi sling and I fed it with really small mealworms. There are no signs of any remains of the dead worms. If yes, can they harm my T? How can I get them out without destroying the enclosure?

Remove the mealworms

 

[Hardus nameous]

You might be able to bait the worms with a slice of carrot, but be sure to get them out whatever you do.

Side note: this is why I prefer wax worms.

 

[andyezz12]

Thanks guys, I saw the takedown, it was just a supposition of mine, since I saw no remains. Thanks for all the advices.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Smaller mealworm boluses are so tiny that you'll probably never notice them amongst the substrate. As everyone else has said, never leave live mealworms in with your tarantula unattended, if you're not sure that they'll be taken instantly then crush the heads.