Feed earthworms?

[Golfnut]

I was wondering when it is summer again and it rains. Can I just grab some earthworms off the street and feed it to my texas and frontosa cichlids?

Any downside to this?

Thanks,

Andrew

[rudy]

Not a bit, do it all the time, just don't use bait shop worms without cleaning their guts first.

[Mighty Prawn]

By clean their guts, do you mean they have to be killed first?

I heard oscars like big fat earthworms as easily digestible protein, and wanna make sure I do everything right.

-Hideo

[jvision]

To clean their guts, you can just leave the worms in a container of water over night.

Or, I suppose you could keep them in a clean substrate - so you know what they've eaten. Some people use soil, some use peat w. eggshells, some use cardboard chips.

[Vallisneria]

I used to have a worm compost with red wigglers. My fish loved them and it was quite the sight seeing them play tug of war with one.

[rodsboys]

Not a bit, do it all the time, just don't use bait shop worms without cleaning their guts first.

Let me ask..why?How is bait shop worms less safe than worms from the street?

[Vapor]

I read somewhere that earthworms are safe but not if you have recently used chemicals in your yard.

[syno321]

I would be careful about getting the worms off the street as my concern would be all the phenols running along the streets from the gas and oil, especially along the edges. The sidewalks and lawns should be fine, except for the previously mentioned possible use of chemicals. The compost worms are the most reliable and environmentally friendly option.