A 1 year old bearded dragon should eat two to three crickets per day in captivity. If they are wild-caught, you should take care to avoid overfeeding. Crickets should always be dusted with calcium powder prior to feeding to ensure that the dragon is receiving the nutrients it needs.
The size of the cricket should also be taken into consideration. Crickets intended for adult dragons should not be fed to baby dragons, as they may be too big and can cause them to choke. To avoid overfeeding, it’s best to feed baby dragons only enough crickets that they can consume in about five minutes.
What are the times to feed a bearded dragon?
The optimal times to feed a bearded dragon depend on its age and size. Young bearded dragons should be fed about two times per day, with a variety of insects such as crickets, worms, and roaches being offered.
These insects should be no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes. It’s best to feed your dragon in the evening/night and wait a couple of hours to provide the dragon with fresh vegetables.
Adult bearded dragons should be fed once every day or every other day. Newly hatched crickets are the most nutritious diet for adult dragons; however, other live insects may be offered, as well as a variety of vegetables and plants.
Variety is key when feeding your dragon. One feeding session should last no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Bearded dragons need several hours of sleep at temperatures between 70-80°F (21-26°C) after eating.
Once your dragon no longer consumes any food within that 10 to 15 minute period, make sure to remove any uneaten food to avoid overfeeding.
Do bearded dragons need live food every day?
No, bearded dragons do not need live food every day. In fact, it’s important to provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods for them. Live foods such as insects, earthworms, and larvae can be fed every other day as a treat.
However, these should not make up more than 30% of their diet. The rest of their diet should consist of dark leafy greens, vegetables, and, occasionally, fruits. Additionally, some calcium and supplement dusting may be necessary.
Overall, it’s important to provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods and treats, rather than relying on live food every day.
Is it okay to feed a bearded dragon once a week?
It is not recommended to feed your bearded dragon once a week as a bearded dragon’s diet consists of both plants and protein, both of which need to be consumed regular and in moderation in order to maintain your dragon’s health.
Generally, most adults should be fed every 1-2 days and a baby dragon should be fed on a daily basis. It is important to look at the size of the food items given and make sure they are not too big for your dragon’s stomach or jaws to handle.
If the food item is too large, it increases the chances of it being regurgitated. In addition to feeding, your dragon should also have access to a constant supply of fresh vegetables, as well as access to UVB lighting for twelve to fourteen hours a day.
Having the proper diet and environment will help your dragon live a longer and healthier life.
Is it OK to leave crickets in with my bearded dragon?
No, it is not recommended to leave crickets in with your bearded dragon. Crickets, if left unattended, could bite or harm your bearded dragon, and can become a nuisance. Furthermore, crickets often act as a stressful distraction for your bearded dragon and can negatively impact its health and emotional well being.
In addition, crickets also have the potential to contaminate your bearded dragon’s food, water, or living space with parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Instead, a better alternative would be to provide appropriate sized insects in proper pre-packaged amounts on a scheduled feeding routine.
Properly feeding your bearded dragon insects on schedule, while simultaneously providing proper amounts of nutrients, will provide a safer and healthier life for your beloved bearded dragon.
Can my bearded dragon go a day without crickets?
Yes, your bearded dragon can go a day without crickets. Bearded dragons are omnivores, so they can get the nutrition they need from a variety of sources, including fruits, vegetables, and an occasional insect.
When it comes to live insects, like crickets, limit them to be 1-2 times a week, as these should only be used as a treat. You should also ensure that any live insects you feed your bearded dragon have been properly gut-loaded and are a suitable size for your bearded dragon to eat.
When supplementing their diet with live food, you should also dust it with a calcium/vitamin powder, to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need, especially for growing and juvenile dragons. Along with live insects, you should also offer a variety of other foods, including greens, fruits, and vegetables, to provide your dragon with a well-rounded, healthy diet.
At what age do bearded dragons eat mostly vegetables?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards, meaning they need a balanced diet that includes both meat and vegetables. However, as they grow and mature their diet should shift to favor more vegetables and other plants.
Juvenile bearded dragons should be eating a mostly meat-based diet, with around 60-80% of their diet made up of insects and other proteins. As they reach adolescence (generally between 1-2 years of age), they should start to transition towards a more plant-based diet.
At adulthood (around 2-3 years of age), 80-90% of their diet should be made up of vegetables and greens. Be sure to vary their vegetables since each type of food has its own nutritional value. Leafy greens, kale, carrot tops, squash, collard greens and dandelion leaves are all good sources of dietary fiber and vitamins.
Some other vegetables you may want to offer as occasional treats include green beans, bell peppers, and peas.
