[Zoodulcis]

Oh got it. What got you interested in mantis breeding and do you have a website?

[Zoodulcis]

Dang, I really want to see him, but the picture didn’t load.

[Zoodulcis]

Wow it sounds like you are doing everything right with the gut loading. I must say however, that you are the first forum member to comment on the cuteness of crickets. Dang, you really are a hardcore animal lover😆

I shouldn’t talk because I thing praying mantis’ have cute faces!

[Zoodulcis]

Glad to be able to assist!

[Zoodulcis]

Charlie, sorry to peek at your diary, but I just couldn’t help it! Sounds like you have an awesome family. Are you an only pet? Or are there other lucky critters in your household?

[Zoodulcis]

So glad he is eating something. Now he needs to poop.

An excellent question about eating regimen. In a way, I think you are zeroing in on the answer yourself. Humans in perfect health need access to food everyday. Sure, they can fast and not starve in a day or two, but over the course of a lifetime, especially in infancy and early youth, mammals need a sustained, reliable source of sustenance.

Not so with many reptiles and amphibians. A pacman frog is opportunistic, but does not actively roam about hunting. They pick a good spot and wait for prey items to wander by. That is why they will eat pretty much anything moving, in the wild. You never know when meals on wheels will pass your way again. It could be an hour after the first item that was unwisely refused (providing it wasn’t too big), or three days later. It is a truly random event, and their bodies have evolved to accommodate this. Hungry humans will go in search of food, daily, sometimes traveling many miles, just like dogs and cats. Ancient humans would go to the food, but pacman frogs wait for food to come to them.

You can see how there can be a bit of a disconnect between anxious new owners, and their patient, stealthy new pets. A deeper understanding of their wild behavior and biology may be helpful for you at this time, in addition to further input from pet owners.

For now, since he is new to his enclosure and just settling in and getting over relocation stress, if he will eat earthworms, then so be it, feed those for a couple of weeks. Every other day is not a hard and fast rule, but it is convenient for many pet owners, and easier to remember. Two days feeding in a row, and then one day of feeding skipped is also fine.

At some point he will need a more varied diet, one that has been gut loaded with all of the vitamins, minerals and D3 recommended for this species. But don’t sweat that for now. Now is the time for him to acclimate and feel at home. Then you can begin to alter variables in his habitat and diet.

I’m very glad he seems to be adjusting. Now your job is to make sure he pooped, but wait a day or two still. They often poop in their burrows and then go and dig another burrow. If there seems to be no sign of feces anywhere in a couple more days, you may need to gently remove him and search his enclosure thoroughly. If still nothing, let us know.

Keep us informed. Inquiring minds want to know!

[Zoodulcis]

Is he one of 14? Are you a breeder?

[Zoodulcis]

How’s he doin’? Has he started eating well?

[Zoodulcis]

Must have been meant to be. Has Tabasco been a lifesaver for your during these interesting times?

[Zoodulcis]

So glad you are now in a loving home, Steve. What sort of treats does your mommy feed you to keep you so happy and healthy?

[Zoodulcis]

“Is it too late for us to grow up to be that size? One can always dream.” I imagine that’s what they’re saying.

Completely adorable picture. Is that Godzilla and his missus?

[Zoodulcis]

There’s still a chance!! Get all your friends to log on and give you a critter gold. No purchase necessary, but of course that is certainly appreciated as well!

Biscuit looks like she is cherished. Is she your only dragon?

[Zoodulcis]

But of course! What do you gut load those tasty items with?

[Zoodulcis]

Great picture, and at that rate of growth he is certainly well fed. OK, I just gotta ask, why the name Tabasco?

[Zoodulcis]

They do have a tendency toward obesity and constipation, so keep an eye on his weight and his feces. He should poop a whole lot regularly, but not necessarily every day. Every other day for a while should result in noticeable weight gain. Then hold off for e days to give his body the feast or famine regime he would have in the wild. I wouldn’t want to accuse any pet store owner of deliberately underfeeding an animal in order to save money, but it does happen.

I bet the toddlers in your home think he is a cartoon character come to life just for their benefit. That must be hysterical to watch.

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