help! baby slow worms

slow worm fan · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 02:40 PM

Hi, I could do with some advice. Overnight I have gone from having 2 slow worms to having 4 (I'm fairly sure there are only 2 babies). I'm absolutely thrilled.

Do I have to do anything special for the babies?

Kayleigh · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 03:02 PM

Are they in captivity if so what do you feed the adults on at the moment.
How long have you had them.

slow worm fan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 05:16 PM

Hi, sorry, I should have given more info. Yes in captivity. I've had them since August. I got them from some young boys who were going to release them in the alley behind their house. I didn't think they should be released without checking the location. By the time I spoke to somebody local they said it was too late in the year to release them to get established enough before the cold weather. And that you have to ensure they go some place suitable, not just anywhere. Hence why I have them. I feed them on small white slugs, wax worms, small earthworms and any small insects I can find by carefully sifting through spade fulls of soil from the garden. I've started a wormery, but I can buy wax worms all winter anyway. I've also got some giant snail eggs i'm trying to hatch as extra calcium.

I've managed to find some really small things for them to eat today, but the babies are so small I'm worried about getting enough tiny things for them to eat. I've cut up an earthworm into very small pieces but not sure I can face doing that again.

marvin · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 06:42 PM

hi

i think it will be extremely difficult to find suitable prey items for such small creatures. i would release them somewhere where you know there is an existing population. the sooner the netter with autumn finally about to arrive.

good luck

tim

GCN lova · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvin

hi

i think it will be extremely difficult to find suitable prey items for such small creatures. i would release them somewhere where you know there is an existing population. the sooner the netter with autumn finally about to arrive.

good luck

tim

yes the sooner the netter!

on a more serious note im sure they'll be able to hibernate after these scorching few days.