Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles and can be fed a variety of live foods, such as mealworms, waxworms, crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, and even silkworms. Mealworms and waxworms are among the bearded dragon’s favorite live foods because of their soft exoskeleton and high-fat content.
Mealworms are especially beneficial for juveniles who are still growing and are an essential part of a balanced diet. Crickets and roaches are also excellent sources of protein and should be offered regularly.
Grasshoppers and silkworms can also be offered to your dragon as treats. Feeder cockroaches and locusts can provide good levels of calcium as well. When feeding live food, make sure to gut load the insects prior with fresh vegetables or a commercial gut loading supplement.
This will ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving all of the necessary vitamins and minerals they need.
What live food is for bearded dragons?
Live food is one of the most important components of a Bearded Dragon’s diet, as it provides them with vital nutrients and energy. Live food should ideally make up 25-35% of their weekly intake. Common live food for Bearded Dragons include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, roaches, and silkworms.
When choosing feeder insects, it is important to make sure they are of the appropriate size for your Bearded Dragon. Generally, worms should be no longer than the space between the Dragon’s eyes, and roaches should be no larger than the length of the head.
It is also important to provide variety, so that your Lizard can experience a wide range of nutrient sources. If an insect has been gut-loaded with nutrient-rich foods and supplements suitable for Bearded Dragons, the Lizard will receive much more nutrition than the insect would provide otherwise.
Lastly, live food should always be dusted with calcium and multivitamin powder supplements to ensure your reptile gets the nutrients they need.
Do bearded dragons need to eat bugs everyday?
No, bearded dragons do not need to eat bugs every day. A healthy bearded dragon diet should contain mostly vegetables, supplemented with proteins such as insects, and occasional fruits. Protein should make up about 10-20% of their total diet, with the remaining 80-90% coming from vegetables.
Insects should be fed several times per week, though the amount and frequency will depend on the age, size, and health of the dragon. Younger and more active dragons will require more protein than more sedentary, elder dragons.
When feeding insects, it is best to feed ones that have been gut-loaded with a nutritious diet to ensure that your dragon is getting the necessary vitamins and minerals. It is also important to not overfeed insects, as they are very high in fat and may lead to obesity if fed too often or in excess.
Supplement calcium and a multivitamin should also be provided to ensure your dragon is getting the proper nutrients.
Can bearded dragons eat dead crickets?
No, bearded dragons should not eat dead crickets as it can be potentially dangerous to their health. Live food such as crickets and mealworms help to provide bearded dragons with their necessary nutrients and energy.
Dead or decaying food has the potential to harbor bacteria and parasites that can cause health problems for your bearded dragon. Additionally, the nutritional content of dead or decaying food is likely to be significantly lower than live food.
As pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure our Beardies are eating a healthy and nutritious diet.
Is it OK if I don’t feed my bearded dragon for one day?
No, it is not a good idea to skip a day of feeding for your bearded dragon. These animals have evolved to eat their main meals during the day, which is why they are active during the day and sleep during the night.
Skipping a feeding day could lead to all sorts of health problems such as nutritional deficiencies, weight loss and even organ failure. In addition, beardies need a high-fiber diet filled with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and insects in order to remain healthy.
Cutting out a day of feeding could mean that your dragon is not getting enough of the essential nutrients they need. Your bearded dragon won’t necessarily suffer right away if you skip a day of feeding, but it could have some long-term lasting effects.
Therefore, it is best to stick to a regular feeding schedule to ensure your dragon is getting the nutrition it needs.
What are the signs of Brumation?
The signs of brumation in reptiles vary depending on the animal, but some of the most common signs to look out for include changes in body temperature, decreased appetite and activity, an increase in sleeping and hiding, weight loss, and decreased physical interaction with other animals and humans.
Additionally, brumating animals often appear to have dry skin or dull colors, and their cages may appear messy or dirty due to their decreased activity levels. It’s also important to observe any changes in your reptile’s behavior during this period, as behaviors such as aggression, regurgitation, and lethargy may indicate a more serious medical issue.
If any of these signs become concerning, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.