It is possible that your bearded dragon only eats crickets because this is the food it is most familiar with. Bearded dragons often develop a particular diet that they prefer, and crickets may be the food that your dragon has become accustomed to eating.
In addition, crickets are known to be high in calcium and other minerals that are necessary for your dragon’s health and well-being. Finally, crickets make up a large portion of the diet of bearded dragons in the wild, so your bearded dragon may respond better to this type of diet than a more varied one.
However, if your bearded dragon is refusing other types of food, it is important to speak to a qualified vet or reptile specialist to make sure that your pet is getting the nutrition it needs.
Can bearded dragons survive without live food?
Yes, bearded dragons can survive without live food. In fact, a diet composed primarily of commercialized food pellets (such as those from manufacturers like Repashy, Hikari, Oxford, and Megazorb) is recommended for most captive bearded dragons.
Live food should only be offered to dragons once every week or two, in order to provide them with necessary mental stimulation and an occasional source of live prey items. Commercially available food pellets should consist of a mix of animal-based proteins and plant-based fibers and vitamins.
In addition to food pellets, dragons should also have access to dark, leafy greens (collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, chicory, etc. ), and a variety of other fruits and vegetables (corn, mango, papaya, squash, etc.
). Aside from food, bearded dragons require access to a UVB light source (for vitamin D3 synthesis) and fresh water. With a proper diet, access to UVB light, and fresh water, bearded dragons will thrive and remain healthy.
Is it OK to leave crickets in with my bearded dragon?
No, it is not OK to leave crickets in with your bearded dragon. Crickets can cause a risk of impaction to these reptiles because they can be difficult for them to digest and can get stuck in their digestive tract.
In addition, crickets can cause a lot of stress for bearded dragons as they are a prey item. If a bearded dragon is consistently exposed to crickets, it could result in stress-related health issues. Therefore, it is best to feed your bearded dragon crickets outside of their enclosure and then remove the crickets when done with the feeding.
This will ensure that your bearded dragon is not stressed and also prevent any chances of impaction.
What should I feed my bearded dragon daily?
Feeding a bearded dragon can be a bit of a challenge, as well as a fun project. So it is important to research and understand the specific dietary needs of a bearded dragon. Generally speaking, your dragon’s diet should consist of a variety of live insects, leafy greens, commercially prepared pellets, and occasional treats such as fruit, waxworms, and pinky mice.
Live insects should make up the majority of your dragon’s diet. Offer small crickets, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, and other insects as treats. Make sure to gut-load any live insects with a vitamin/mineral supplement to increase their nutritional content; this is especially important for juvenile dragons.
Leafy greens should be offered daily and should make up about 10-25% of their diet. Offer a variety of greens, including dark leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens, as well as occasional treats such as dandelion greens and parsley.
Commercially prepared bearded dragon pellets should make up about 10% of the dragon’s diet, and can be offered daily. Pellets provide a balanced diet that can supplement the live insects and greens. However, many bearded dragons do not eat their pellets, so make sure to offer them regularly and discard any that remain uneaten after 24 hours.
Finally, offer your dragon occasional treats such as small pieces of carrots, frozen insect larvae, waxworms, bee pollen, and even the occasional pinky mouse as a supplement to their regular diet. Make sure to only offer a few treats each week, as overfeeding can lead to health issues.
With careful consideration, you can ensure your beloved bearded dragon stays healthy and happy!.
Can my bearded dragon eat bugs from outside?
No, it is not recommended to feed your bearded dragon insects from outside. While they may look like food that a bearded dragon might eat in the wild, the insects found outdoors may contain unknown parasites or toxins that can be harmful.
Additionally, they may be carrying small particles of dirt, pesticides and other chemicals that can cause illness. Instead, you may buy feeder insects from a pet store or online that are safer and healthier for your bearded dragon.
Make sure to select insects that are appropriate for their size and age of your pet.
Do bearded dragons need to eat bugs everyday?
No, bearded dragons do not need to eat bugs everyday. They are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods including insects, fruits, plants, and vegetables. A healthy diet for a bearded dragon should include a variety of food sources.
For example, you can feed your bearded dragon a mix of live insects such as crickets, as well as offer them fresh fruits and vegetables such as kale, bell peppers, apples, and other fruits and vegetables.
You can also provide them with a variety of greens such as collard greens, turnip greens, kale, and dandelion greens, as well as offer them cooked lean meats such as chicken or beef. Additionally, it is important to supplement their diet with a nutrient-rich calcium powder.
Feeding your bearded dragon these various food sources will ensure that they get all the necessary essential vitamins and minerals, and provide a balanced diet for them. Insects can be served as one or two meals per week, but overall, a bearded dragon does not necessarily need to be fed bugs every day.
How many bugs should a bearded dragon eat daily?
Typically, a bearded dragon should have access to a variety of small insects throughout the day, depending on the size and age of the bearded dragon. For a juvenile one to five months old, the daily consumption should be about 20-50 crickets or equivalent size insects.
For a sub-adult six to 12 months old, the daily consumption should be about 50-80 crickets or equivalent size insects. For an adult 13 or more months old, the daily consumption should be about 80-100 crickets or equivalent size insects.
Additionally, they should also have access to other insects such as waxworms, Phoenix worms, silkworms, etc. every other day as a treat. It’s important to remember that bearded dragons need a variety of insects to stay healthy, so it’s best to offer a variety of sizes and types instead of just one insect species.
For example, if you’re feeding crickets, also provide small locusts and roaches as other insect options.
How do I get my bearded dragon to eat more vegetables?
In order to get your bearded dragon to eat more vegetables, it is important to ensure that their diet is balanced and that they receive the proper nutrition. Start by offering a variety of nutritious vegetables and greens.
Bearded dragons thrive on dark leafy greens such as kale and collards, as well as crunchy vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. You can even mix it up by adding some fruits such as banana, blueberries, and papaya.
In addition to offering a variety of healthy produce, try softening them with water or pureed baby food to make them more palatable and easier to digest. You can also try chopping them into small pieces so they’re easier to eat, or cooking them on a low heat to bring out their natural sweetness.
Additionally, be sure to provide your bearded dragon with an appropriate calcium supplement to ensure that they are getting all of the necessary minerals and vitamins for a balanced diet. If after trying all of these tips your bearded dragon still isn’t eating enough vegetables, you may consider taking them to an experienced reptile veterinarian for further examination.
Is it OK if I don’t feed my bearded dragon for one day?
No, it is not ok to not feed your bearded dragon for one day. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both fruits, vegetables, and occasionally insects. They require a balanced diet to be healthy and strong, and missing a day of meals would throw their entire diet off balance.
If you miss a day of feeding your bearded dragon, they may become stressed and anxious, or they may become undernourished and even lose weight. It is best to feed your bearded dragon a combination of healthy foods every day, like chopped vegetables, greens, and occasional insects.
Additionally, in order to keep your bearded dragon healthy, they need access to plenty of clean water and a light source as well.
How do you feed a stubborn bearded dragon?
Feeding a stubborn bearded dragon can be challenging, especially if they don’t seem to have an appetite for certain foods. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that your dragon has access to a varied diet and a guaranteed source of nourishment.
One way to do this is by providing your pet with a variety of food items such as insects, fruits, and vegetables. You might also consider adding vitamins and minerals to the dragon’s food to make sure they’re getting all their necessary nutrients.
Additionally, reducing stressors in your dragon’s environment and setting a regular feeding schedule can help encourage it to eat. If your dragon is still refusing to eat, it’s best to bring him to the vet to make sure there’s nothing medically wrong.
With a bit of patience, a balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups, you can make sure your dragon is getting the nutrition it needs.