Beardies need to be fed twice a day, at regular times. During the puppy phase (up to a year old), they should have three meals, as this helps them regulate their eating habits. Each meal should provide them with the nutrition they need to grow – a balanced mix of animal proteins, minerals and vitamins, plus carbohydrates and fats.
It is important to feed them age-appropriate meals; as they grow, you should gradually increase the portion size, but always check with your vet to ensure they are getting all the nutrition they need.
A good rule of thumb is to give them 1-2 % of their total body weight at mealtime, divided between two meals a day. Additionally, to help keep their coat shiny and healthy, bearded dragons need access to a basking light for about 8-12 hours each day.
How much should a bearded dragon eat a day?
The amount of food that a bearded dragon should eat in a day can vary depending on their age and size. Generally, young beardies should be eating about 35-55 crickets per day. As the beardies mature, their diet can be shifted toward a combination of crickets, mealworms, dark leafy greens, and the occasional calcium and vitamin powder.
Adult beardies should receive about 3-4 meals consisting of insects such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and other feeder insects. Along with the bugs, adults should also get a side of dark leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, kale, turnip greens, and dandelion greens.
For adult beardies, the size of the crickets and other feeder insects should be no larger than the distance between the dragon’s eyes. Vitamin and calcium powder should also be sprinkled or mixed into the food they are eating once or twice a week.
How many times a day should I feed my bearded dragon?
The amount of food a bearded dragon should eat depends on the age and size of the dragon. Generally, adult dragons should be fed 3-4 times a week and juveniles (6 months to 1 year) should be fed daily.
It is also recommended to provide food in the early evening minutes before darkness. For infant beardies (less than 6 months old), it is important to feed them more frequently, providing 3-4 meals per day.
The size of the meals should be appropriate to their size as well, with the food items no larger than the distance between the eyes of the dragon. A good rule of thumb is to provide food that is no bigger than half the size of their head.
Be sure to provide food items that are suitable for their species to ensure they receive a balanced diet. Additionally, in order to achieve optimal growth, it is often recommended to feed them a wide variety of foods.
Include both live insects and vegetables in the diet, along with occasional supplies of fruit or worms. Be sure to dust food items with calcium and vitamin powders once or twice a week to ensure proper mineral nutrition.
What are the times to feed a bearded dragon?
It is important to feed your bearded dragon the correct amount at the correct times to ensure he remains healthy and active. Generally, young dragons, from 4 months to 8 months, should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
For dragons older than 8 months, feed them once per day in the morning. You can hand-feed your dragon, although they may take some time to get used to this since they’re naturally skittish. You can also place the food, such as crickets, vegetables, and worms, in the habitat or tank.
As they get older, their diet can change and they can graduate to big crickets, dubias, and hornworms. Be sure to feed only what they can eat in one sitting—uneaten food can spoil in the habitat or tank.
You can supplement their regular diet with calcium powder or special vitamins, but follow the instructions on the package. Finally, ensure your dragon is eating a varied diet full of fresh, healthy foods.
Is it okay to overfeed a bearded dragon?
No, it is not okay to overfeed a bearded dragon. Overfeeding can result in digestive issues and obesity, which can lead to health problems, including metabolic bone disease and organ failure. It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a balanced, nutritious diet to ensure it stays healthy.
Recommended feeding portions depend on the size and age of your dragon and should consist of fresh produce, insects, and a calcium supplement to ensure proper nutrition. Feeding your beardie no more than twice a day will also help ensure it does not become overfed.
If you think your bearded dragon may be overfed, talk to a vet or an experienced reptile keeper to make sure it is getting the nutrition it needs.
Will bearded dragons stop eating when full?
Yes, bearded dragons will stop eating when they are full. It is important to have an eye open and be mindful that they are not eating too much. A bearded dragon diet should consist of a mix of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
However, each bearded dragon’s diet may vary depending on their age, size, and other preferences. Typically, a baby bearded dragon should eat a combination of live insects and vegetables, while an adult bearded dragon may also eat occasional fruits, chopped vegetables, and some specially-formulated diets.
You should pay attention to how much your bearded dragon is eating and look out for signs they they feel satiated, such as moving away from the food or turning their head away. If a bearded dragon is consistently over-eating, or eating too quickly or with extra vigour, it may be a sign of boredom, stress, or underlying health problems.
If this happens, it is important to take the beardie to the vet for a checkup.
What does an obese bearded dragon look like?
An obese bearded dragon typically appears to be longer and wider than its healthy counterpart. Its tail may appear swollen and its body may be more rounded with fat deposits. Its skin may appear dry, scaly, and flaky.
Its eyes may appear sunken, and its facial spines may be dull, less prominent, and more spaced out. Its beard may be more faded and its claws may be rounder and thicker than usual. A visibly obese bearded dragon will typically also have fatty lumps and bulges underneath its skin.
Can you overfeed reptiles?
Yes, you can overfeed reptiles. A proper diet for most reptiles should consist of a balance of proteins and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Too much of anything can cause health issues, weight gain, and even lead to death.
It is important to limit the portions feed and follow a regular feeding schedule for your reptile. If a reptile is not eating its prey or food items, then it is best to reduce the amount of food provided.
Too much of a particular food item can lead to malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies. If a reptile looks overweight, it can be an indication of an unhealthy feeding schedule or too much of one particular food item.
To help maintain a healthy diet, provide your reptiles with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits such as carrots, apples, melons, spinach, and squash. Protein sources like insects and worms are also important.
As long as dietary requirements are met and the portion sizes are monitored, overfeeding should not be an issue.
How much should you feed a full grown bearded dragon?
It is recommended to feed a full grown bearded dragon anywhere from 8-10 crickets, or 2-5 phoenix worms daily. It is best to feed the beardie in the morning and at night to promote regular feeding habits.
You can also add super worms and meal worms depending on the size of your beardie. However, make sure the food is no larger than the distance between their eyes as larger prey can be difficult to eat and even dangerous.
In addition to insects, you should provide a mix of fruits, vegetables, and greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, and squash. Calcium and multivitamins should also be sprinkled over their food with every feed.
If your beardie is overweight, then it is best to cut down on their portion size and increase their activity.
How do I know if my bearded dragon is too fat?
The best way to tell if your bearded dragon is too fat is by feeling their sides and back near the tail. If your bearded dragon is too fat, you should be able to feel their ribs easily. If you are unable to feel your bearded dragon’s ribs underneath a thin layer of fat, this is a sign that your bearded dragon is overweight.
Additionally, you may notice that your bearded dragon’s body will appear rounder and wider than usual when they are too fat. If your bearded dragon is too fat, you should adjust its diet and eliminate any unnecessary treats.
You may also need to increase your bearded dragon’s daily activity or make some other changes to its lifestyle to help them shed the excess weight.
Do bearded dragons need to eat bugs everyday?
No, bearded dragons do not need to eat bugs everyday. They are actually omnivores, so they can also subsist on a diet of greens and fruit. However, most keepers recommend feeding their dragons some type of insect or other animal protein at least 3-4 times a week, as the animal proteins help provide them the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy.
It’s also important to offer a variety of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, to ensure your dragon gets balanced nutrition. Additionally, you can supplement their diet with other food sources, including specially-formulated bearded dragon pellets and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
It’s important to research what food sources are safe for your dragon before you give them anything.
Can a bearded dragon live without eating insects?
Yes, bearded dragons can live without eating insects. However, it is not recommended by experts due to the lack of essential vitamins and minerals. Without a varied diet, their health can become compromised.
The diet of a bearded dragon should consist of 50-70% plants and 30-50% insects. This combination of food items provides them with the necessary nutrition for optimal health. Live insects are especially important as they provide important protein for growth as well as essential amino acids.
If a bearded dragon is not able to consume live insects, a person can offer nutritionally balanced supplements instead. These supplements are typically a powder variety and can be added onto their plant-based diet.
It is important to ensure that the bearded dragon is consuming enough calcium, phosphorus and other vital micronutrients, so that they remain healthy and thrive.
Can bearded dragons survive on just crickets?
No, bearded dragons cannot survive on just crickets. An ideal diet for a bearded dragon should include a variety of insects and veggies, such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, fatty mealworms, earthworms, superworms, silkworms, snails, and other types of insects, as well as different types of vegetables and greens.
Feeding the dragon an entirely cricket-based diet can be detrimental to its health and development, as crickets are primarily high in protein and calcium, and lack fiber, fat, and vitamins, all of which are necessary for a dragon’s overall health.
Furthermore, crickets also tend to contain digestive enzymes, which can cause health issues if consumed in excessive amounts. Reptiles thrive on diet diversity, so it is recommended to offer a variety of items to your dragon on a daily basis.
What are bearded dragons favorite food?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards, which means they enjoy a variety of foods. Some of their favorite foods include insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, as well as vegetables and greens such as carrots, kale, and squash.
A well-rounded diet is important for these lizards, so it is advised to mix up the type of food you provide to best mimic the variety that can be found in their natural environment. Not only should you provide some variety, but also make sure the food is appropriately sized for your dragon.
Too large of an item could present a choking hazard and too small of an item could go unnoticed, resulting in a nutritional deficiency. In addition to the standard fare, you can also provide your dragon with occasional supplemental treats such as fortified reptile pellets, pinky mice, or boiled eggs.
Bearded dragons have unique and interesting dietary needs, so it is important to do your research and design an appropriate meal plan for your dragon to keep them healthy and happy.
What happens if your bearded dragon doesn’t eat crickets?
If your bearded dragon does not eat crickets, it is important to rule out any health issues that may be causing your dragon’s lack of appetite. A health check-up by an experienced reptile vet is a good idea as they can check your dragon for any underlying medical issues.
If your bearded dragon is healthy, consider offering alternative insects such as mealworms, earthworms, waxworms, or Dubia roaches. A wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious meals can also be offered as part of the diet.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that bearded dragons go through periods of lower appetites and that is perfectly normal, particularly during the cooler winter months and during the shedding process.
The best approach is to offer different food choices on a daily basis and pay close attention to the feeding patterns of your bearded dragon to ensure they are getting enough nutrition. If you believe your dragon isn’t getting enough food, it’s advised to speak to a reptile vet for additional advice on how to best support your bearded dragon.