spidermonkey79 Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I was curious if anyone had any experience feeding bamboo to their colonies. I have a decent size bunch of bamboo growing in my backyard. all completely free of pesticides or fertilizers that I was considering feeding. Also if you have fed has there been any difference or benefit to feeding fresh versus the dried leaves. I anticipate there are no real issues but was hoping someone has had some experience and can verify for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allpet Roaches Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 I've seen a few bamboo thickets and it doesn't seem like any insects eat bamboo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 A few years ago I purchased something called a "winter bamboo shoot" from a local Asian foods store. Upon opening the can I discovered it wasn't the grab-and-go delicacy I had expected. With a big lump of bamboo in my hands I figured it was too much food to simply throw away, so I put it in with my orangehead colony. The nibbled it away in about a week's time; I'd expect they may have been more interested in the salt/preservatives than the root itself so fresh stuff may be a different story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonfire1577 Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Well I did find a report of pest roaches eating bamboo tatami floor matts so your probably fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spidermonkey79 Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 Thanks for the replies. The banboo itself is pretty tough so I was more thinking about the leaves. Ill hack some off and see if the dubias like them before I try them in some of my other colonies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fingerlakefeeders Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 When I lived in the Midwest I grew a few species of cold hardy bamboo. I never once saw any signs of leaves or culms being eaten by any type of insect. I have read from several reliable sources that the comparatively high silica content in bamboo may be why it is avoided by most insects. I have never tried feeding bamboo, but it makes sense that the most palatable form of bamboo would be the new spring shoots, which have not hardened yet and have a lower silica content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stronin Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 you can try it, but crush it up for them that way it is easier for them to eat said bamboo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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