Should I Buy Superworms or Breed My Own
If you’re a pet owner with reptiles, amphibians, or other critters that thrive on a protein-packed diet, you’ve likely considered superworms as a staple feeder insect. These wriggly, nutrient-rich morsels are a favorite for pets like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and even some birds. But here’s the big question: should you buy superworms ready-to-feed, or take the plunge and breed your own? Let’s break it down to help you decide what’s best for you and your pets.
What Are Superworms, Anyway?
Superworms (Zophobas morio) are the larvae of a darkling beetle species, often confused with mealworms but larger, meatier, and with a softer exoskeleton—making them easier for pets to digest. They’re packed with protein, fat, and moisture, offering a balanced meal for many exotic pets. Whether you’re eyeing superworms for sale at a pet store or contemplating a DIY breeding setup, understanding their role in your pet’s diet is key to making an informed choice.
Option 1: Buying Superworms
Purchasing superworms is the go-to for many pet owners, and it’s easy to see why. Convenience tops the list. You can find superworms for sale online or at local pet shops, often in bulk quantities like 50, 100, or even 1,000. They’re typically shipped live, arriving at your door ready to be fed to your hungry critters.
Pros of Buying
Time-Saver
No setup, no waiting—just open the container and serve.
Consistency
Reputable suppliers ensure healthy, well-sized worms, reducing the risk of duds.
Low Commitment
Perfect if you only need a small batch or don’t want the hassle of maintenance.
Cons of Buying
Cost Over Time
Prices vary—expect to pay around $10-$20 for 100 superworms, depending on the source. Those costs add up fast if you’ve got a voracious eater like a monitor lizard.
Availability
Stock shortages or shipping delays can leave you scrambling.
Quality Control
Occasionally, you might get a batch with dead or sickly worms, though this is rare with trusted vendors.
For pet owners with busy schedules or those just starting out, buying superworms is a no-brainer. It’s straightforward, and you can focus on your pet’s care rather than insect husbandry.
Option 2: Breeding Your Own Superworms
Breeding superworms at home is the road less traveled, but it’s gaining traction among dedicated pet owners. It’s a hands-on process that requires some initial effort, but the payoff can be worth it if you’re in it for the long haul.
How It Works
Start with a Batch
Purchase a small group of superworms (around 50-100) to kick things off.
Set Up Housing
Use a plastic bin with ventilation holes, filled with a substrate like oats, bran, or wheat germ. Add veggies like carrots or potatoes for moisture.
Wait for Pupation
Superworms need isolation to morph into pupae—place them in individual containers (like a tackle box) for 1-2 weeks until they transform.
Beetle Stage
Pupae become adult beetles, which mate and lay eggs on the substrate.
Harvest Larvae
Eggs hatch into tiny superworms, growing to feeding size in 6-10 weeks.
Pros of Breeding
Cost Savings
After the initial investment (bin, substrate, starter worms—about $30-$50), you’ve got a self-sustaining supply. No more recurring orders for superworms for sale.
Control
You dictate the worms’ diet and conditions, ensuring top-quality nutrition for your pets.
Sustainability
Reduce waste from shipping and packaging, a bonus for eco-conscious owners.
Cons of Breeding
Time and Effort
Monitoring pupation, separating life stages, and maintaining the colony takes dedication.
Space
You’ll need a corner for bins, and the setup might not thrill everyone in the household (those beetles can smell a bit funky).
Learning Curve
Mistakes—like overcrowding or poor humidity—can stall your colony.
Breeding suits hobbyists who enjoy a project or have multiple pets constantly demanding feeders. It’s rewarding to go off-grid with your pet’s food supply.
Key Factors to Consider
So, how do you choose? It boils down to your lifestyle, budget, and pet’s needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
How Many Superworms Do I Need?
A single bearded dragon might eat 5-10 superworms daily, while a larger reptile could devour dozens. Calculate your weekly consumption to weigh costs.
What’s My Budget?
If you’re spending $50 a month buying superworms, breeding might break even within a few months.
Do I Have Time?
Breeding requires weekly check-ins and occasional troubleshooting—buying skips all that.
Am I Squeamish?
Handling beetles and pupae isn’t for everyone. If bugs creep you out, stick to pre-packaged options.
Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide? Try a hybrid strategy. Buy superworms to meet immediate needs while setting up a small breeding colony. This lets you test the waters without fully committing. If breeding clicks, scale up; if not, you’ve still got a reliable source.
Nutrition and Storage Tips
Whether you buy or breed, proper care keeps super worms at peak quality for your pets. Store them at room temperature (70-80°F) with a bit of substrate and a moisture source—they’ll last weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it slows their metabolism too much. Feed them gut-loading foods like leafy greens or fish flakes before serving to boost their nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Buying superworms offers simplicity and speed—ideal for casual pet owners or those with limited time. Breeding, on the other hand, is a cost-effective, hands-on solution for enthusiasts or heavy feeders. Whatever you choose, your pet’s health comes first, and superworms deliver a hearty meal either way.
