need help with feeding dwarf puffs

[Suzanne]

i finally got the black worms, i have them in the cone feeder and they arent even going near it! i'm at my wits end trying to feed these guys. How long should i leave the cone with the worms in there?? any ideas?

[julianchan]

I just drop a small pinch of worms so they drop to their level....probably about 2 worms per puffer ends up in there....they just go nuts looking for them. My little guys rarely venture to the top of the tank.

[Dwarfpuffer2008]

Why don't you try using..freeze dried bloodworms and frozen bloodworms (thawed) don't use a feeder cone for DP's it doesn't work..been there done that..I have 4 DP's, in the morning I feed them Freeze dried bloodworms and in the evening I feed them thawed frozen bloodworms..and use a toothpick for the frozen worms..to make sure I don't put too much in at one time..i've been doing this for 4 months and have not had a problem at all, actually mine prefer the freeze dried they love coming to the top of the tank and snagging them, I guess you have to train them, I started them out on freeze dried and do both now, most of the time with the frozen they chew on it and end up spiting it out, but don't have a problem with the FDried they eat that up, with no problem, I also use a toothpick, dip the toothpick about 1/4 inches in the water and dip it in the freeze dried bloodworms and dip it back into the water, this way you don't have to touch it and get any contaminates in the water, I don't know much about the worms you use but try the bloodworms..

[Suzanne]

i have tried FD blood worms and mysis shrimp.. they act like they dont want it. I know they eat "something" because every now and then i'll see one with a round belly. yesterday i thawed the blood worms and mysis shrimp and poured them out into little cups and put back the the freezer.. it makes a frozen disc and when you drop it in the water it thaws the bottom right away and it make them look alive. my gsps attacked the "accidental frozen disc i made, so im hoping the dps will . for now i guess i will try to drop some black worms to their level and see what happens, thanks

[fishwife]

I would not recommend feeding frozen bloodworms. My experience is that they're rough on DP's digestive system. Blackworms and snails are much better foods for them. Mine take mysis, too, but blackworms are their staple food. I agree that it's better to squirt the worms into the water column so the puffs can see them wiggling around.