Freeze-Dried Bloodworm for Turtles, Fish & Inverts

Bloodworms are not worms. They are the larvae of non-biting midges, family Chironomidae, and the red is haemoglobin, which lets them live in the oxygen-poor mud at the bottom of ponds and ditches. Freeze-drying takes the water out and leaves each larva whole, crisp and very light.

Why it comes in grams rather than a 100g bag

Most of our dried foods go out in 100g bags. This one does not, because freeze-dried larvae weigh next to nothing: 10g fills a small bag, and 25g goes a long way at a pinch a tub. The analysis is 55% crude protein, 10% oils and fats, 7% fibre, 14% ash and 14% moisture.

For isopods, roaches and other inverts

For a colony this is an extra, not a diet. A small pinch once or twice a week, on top of the leaf litter and rotten wood they live on, is plenty, broken up for small species and young. In a damp tub it takes up water within hours and softens, which makes it easy to eat and quick to spoil, so lift out anything left the next day before mould gets to it. With any protein that is new to a tub, start with less than looks right and check what is left in the morning.

Isopods and cockroaches both take it readily. If you want a protein that sits in a humid box for longer before it turns, dried shrimp is the tougher choice.

For turtles, terrapins and fish

For aquatic turtles and terrapins it is a treat, and small enough for young ones. It floats at first and sinks as it takes up water. Keep it on top of an everyday food such as our turtle food sticks rather than in place of one; the guide to dried treats for turtles and terrapins covers how much and how often. Most aquarium fish take it too: feed what goes in a couple of minutes and net out the rest.

It is sold as animal food, and not for hens or other poultry. The other foods that suit turtles, reptiles and fish are gathered on foods for reptiles, turtles and fish.

Handling and storage

Bloodworm is a recognised allergen for a small number of people, mostly those who handle it often. It is rare, but I would rather you knew before you open the bag: tip it out rather than pinching it out, keep the dust away from your face and wash your hands after feeding. Keep the bag sealed, dry and out of the light. Freeze-dried food draws moisture from the air once the bag is open, and a batch that has taken on damp goes soft and clumps.