NomSafeNovember: The value of European nightcrawler worms
Hello again! We are back at it with the worm topics, but today’s star will be European nightcrawlers!
What are Euroean nightcrawlers (ENCs)?
European nightcrawler worms, also called red worms, belong to the dendrobaena family. These are what most people refer to when they say “earthworm.” They are smaller than their Canadian counterparts, and while they still need to remain cool, they do not need to be refrigerated like Canadian nightcrawlers.
Although ENCs dig deeper than red wigglers, they're still considered top feeders and do best closer to the surface of the soil. This puts them close to the decaying plant and animal matter that they thrive on.
Okay, so if they're eating decaying plant and organic matter, what does that do for my axolotl when I feed them? Let's take a look...
What is the nutritional breakdown of a European nightcrawler?
65% crude protein
14.0% crude fat
13.0% carbohydrates
European nightcrawlers also contain high amounts of nutritionally beneficial amino acids, and minerals like iron, copper, manganese and zinc.
Where can I find European nightcrawlers?
Unlike other worm types, these are harder to find in most stores. If a store carries nightcrawlers, it is usually the Canadian nightcrawlers. Some stores may have them, so it's usually worth a look around. However, European nightcrawlers can be ordered online, both in small quantities but also in bulk, from sites like Buckeye Organics. (When ordering in bulk, we recommend setting up a worm farm.)
What are some of the pros and cons of feeding your axolotl European nightcrawlers?
ENCs are an excellent source of protein and larger than red wigglers, making them a good option for an adult axolotl to eat whole (no cutting required—unless you’ve got a picky eater that will only take small pieces 🙄).
A major benefit of ENCs is that they're one of the most tolerant of the large worm varieties when it comes to temperature fluctuations and environmental changes. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45 to 80 F (7 - 26 C), though they thrive between 60 and 70 F (15 - 21 C). A warm room would not do them very well, but something like a colder shed or garage is ideal. They do not need to be refrigerated like Canadian nightcrawlers, but they do need to stay cool to survive and reproduce successfully.
Questions?
Share them here in the comments, or send our team a message; we’re always happy to help. And be sure to ask us how to join our Axolotl Help group here on Facebook, where we combine all of our expertise and experience to help axolotls live their best lives! 💕🪱
