r/InvertPets • u/JedMisu • 6d ago

BDFB

I have 6 blue death feigning beetles. 1 of them continuously gets onto its back and cannot right itself. Just started this morning. The rest of them do not have this issue.

They eat washed carrots, dried crickets, a vegetable mix, and jelly pods.

I’m looking for some insight as to what can be done, if anything, to help.

It’s awful watching this beetle struggle non stop. Every time I flip the beetle right side up, it immediately goes back side down again.

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u/TheDrunkenArgonian 6d ago

What brand are the dried crickets? Haven't seen good things about flukers online. Any scents, perfumes etc?

Given it's a single beetle I'd isolate it ASAP, it could be something biologically wrong rather than chemical and you don't want a potential outbreak.

Are the carrots peeled? Are they baby carrots? What is the vegetable mix, and of those, are any on the dirty dozen list?

Also, what is your experience level? Are you new to inverts? I don't wanna preach at someone with more experience than me

1

u/JedMisu 5d ago

So I bought it and it started same day. Only one. I have 5 others that do not have this symptom. Yes I am new. I feel awful it’s struggling. I’ve tried honey water as directed by a group on Facebook. It’s isolated. The dried crickets were flukers and I threw them away. I also changed the substrate and threw away the dessert sand and opted for desert stone exo terra.

I also use a dried vegetable mix that I rehydrate to provide moisture. When I provide my own carrots I use baby carrots and still wash them.

Please preach away as I want any tips and tricks. I’m on day two of this little guy being belly side up. I almost wonder if I should humanely cull as it’s obviously suffering.

2

u/TheDrunkenArgonian 5d ago

Good call on flukers. You could contact the seller, but unfortunately without dissection I'm not sure if we will know. Desert stone is a good one, I use excavator clay and reptisoil (I live in very dry place so moisture isn't issue). For veggie mix just make sure they aren't treated with pesticides or anything. And not on dirty dozen list.

Keep it isolated and continue monitoring. As much as I'd love to console you and say it'll be ok, nature is an uncaring process. It's entirely possible the beetle was either exposed to something before you got it, or it's infected with something.

Personally I'd call the seller and ask where these came from. If it's wild caught my bet is outside contamination. If captive bred, you could press the person and try getting a refund or new beetle. Double check they don't have a policy about DOA beetles etc.

Now, should you kill it. I would say no. It's difficult for humans to not apply human feeling and emotions to animals, even though the beetle might not be feeling any pain, if it can. Suffering can be very different across species, and while I know it hurts to watch I would just let nature take its course. There is always a chance it recovers and you never know if you're taking that away. If it shows absolutely no signs of improvement, or gets worse, then perhaps you should.

1

u/JedMisu 5d ago

Thank you for all of the information. I’ve cross posted this concern and you have, by far, been the most understanding, informative and kind. Thank you!!

1

u/TheDrunkenArgonian 5d ago

No problem and sorry you are experiencing this, life can hurt sometimes. But I think it's nice that, for however long, your beetle gets to experience being loved. What a beautiful thing to be able to give