How do you turn waxworms into moths?

I read on NY worms that waxworms get smaller as you leave them out, becuse they are all fatty. Since I can't use them in the diet, I was going to turn them into moths. Is this possible, and if so how? I think the gliders would love chasin them around!

Leave them out, in a covered container with very small holes in the lid. They will 'coccoon' and soon you will have moths. But be warned, those moths are quick, so be careful when you open it to check....lol

What diet are you feeding that you can't feed waxies? They are meant as a treat, not a mainstay of their diet.

Thank you! I'll still just feed them as treats. How long do they last as moths, should I only do a few at a time? Right now they are in the fridge.

I just happened to go to petsmart to look for mealworms, but they didnt have mealworms OR superworms...So i got waxworms, but asked before giving them. I'm on BML, I can give them but only as treats, and it was brought to my attention that they may enjoy moths more. (I went back out the next day and got superworms, I didnt know i couldnt substitute with waxworms...Now I do!)

Moths do not last very long, only a few days at most I think (I always feed mine as soon as I see them). Also be aware that if they are allowed to breed you will have itty-bitty baby waxies EVERYWHERE and I do mean that, because they can climb plastic, glass, slick surfaces, whatever and they will spread out!

That doesnt sound like much fun, lol! So I suppose i'll set up a tent and make sure they are all eaten! Lol.

I keep mine in a giant pickle jar with a piece of cheesecloth securely rubber banded over the top. If you store them in the fridge, they should be in the door because the main part of the fridge gets too cold and will kill them.

I like that idea Becki! I've got to try some!!

So wait, so I understand. You can let the waxworms turns into moths? But to do that, take them OUT of the fridge and let them cocoon? Or they will do it IN the fridge, as long as they aren't too cold?

I'm been meaning to try this for a while. But wasn't sure how to go about it.

Right now I have mine sitting in a tuperware with small round holes. I'm not sure if they are turning into moths yet..How long does it usually take, and what do they look like?

And what about bedding? I just kept them in what they had and added some wheatbran since there wasnt enough bedding to cover the bottom.

You have to take them out of the fridge for them to cocoon. If they are too cold in the fridge they will just die (which is why you should keep them in the door of the fridge if you are wanting to feed them as worms, but not wanting them to cocoon.

Here is some information about keeping and breeding waxworms that might help out;
http://www.wormman.com/cat_wax.cfm

Do they really like the moths? Seems like that would be fun for them to hunt.

They love them (or mine do at least), the moths are much heathier than the larval version (wax worms) and it is great enrichment for them as well!

i guess i'm off to buy me some of those too

I too have been thinking of trying to turn some waxies into moths as my kiddos seem to get REALLY excited when the mealies wiggle aroudn a lot! LOL I can't wait to see them chasing those moths!!!

ROFLMAO!!! Just thinking about what I will look like with my entire head in their cage trying to snap pics of them "hunting" moths!!! LOL

Thanks for that link! Guess I need to add some honey in with them.

What will the cacoonslook like? Im afraid of throwing any away because I dunno if they are dead, or cacooning

I just ordered 500 waxworms. Why do I have this feeling I am in for it! LOL

They turn brown (I think they look dead) - but if they turn black...they are dead. If you really look at them, you can tell they look different from the worm (kind of )

Oh, your gliders will be SO HAPPY if you get some moths! Mine would take them over even mighty mealies!!! lol

See!!! It's the (kind of) that is gonna get me in a mess! I just know I'm going to somehow end up with moths all over my house! LOL (I won't be able to tell what's what at first!)

Ok, then rule of thumb, leave them unless they turn black. Make sure they are in a container with small holes (if the large worms can't get out, the moths won't be able to either - they are large bodied moths) small critter keepers work for me pretty well. Just make sure to feed the moths to your gliders as soon as you see them so they don't have time to mate and lay eggs.

If you are wanting to breed them, then you need a different set up, so that the itty-bitty baby worms (that climb absolutely everything in existence) can't get out when they hatch.