Data needed on pyxis nutrition

[kingsley]

All research points out that consumption of cattle scat containing dung beetle larva is observed in the wild. In 2023 I increased the protein content in the pyxis diet by adding ground up dry lava , and was surprisingly disappointed at the outcome!. Ova production was up by almost 20% but the fertility (viability) dropped to 0%!!!! . I want to know if any other pyxis breeders here have experienced this. In 2024 , the diet was reconstituted to pre 2023 and viability was back to normal. I do not have any data yet for 2025 yet but I did move the groups , hence the data will be questionable. Any feedback is much appreciated .

 

[turtlesteve]

I have not experimented with adding protein to Pyxis diets, but I have extremely inconsistent egg production and fertility year to year. So if I were to test it, I don’t have a stable baseline to assess against. I am planning to move my adults this winter to try and improve consistency. Specifically I am raising them further from the floor and switching to a plastic (rather than wood) enclosure so I can keep them wetter in spring and summer.

 

[turtlesteve]

Can you detail what your “standard” diet comprises?

 

[kingsley]

seasonal rotation of store bought greens, mulberry, dandelion, cactus, mazuri , sweet potatoes , Mushrooms , occasional strawberries and papaya spring mix.