Yes, bearded dragons can eat too many crickets. For most reptiles, overfeeding is a bigger problem than underfeeding, and bearded dragons are no exception. If a bearded dragon is fed too many crickets, it can lead to obesity, impactions, and other health issues.
Crickets should make up no more than 40% of a bearded dragon’s diet, and should be given in moderation. Additionally, a bearded dragon should be offered a well-rounded diet that includes vegetables and fruits as well as a variety of supplements to ensure it is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs.
It is a good idea to consult a veterinarian to ensure your bearded dragon is provided with the correct amounts and types of food. Finally, it is important to remember that a bearded dragon should not be overfed and should only be given as much as it can eat in one sitting.
Table of Contents
How many crickets can a bearded dragon eat in a day?
The amount of crickets a bearded dragon can eat in a day largely depends on the size of the dragon. Generally speaking, a juvenile bearded dragon should be fed about 5-10 crickets a day, whereas an adult should be fed about 15-20 crickets a day.
It is important to note, however, that too many crickets can cause digestive problems and lead to malnutrition, so these numbers should be treated as a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. Additionally, offering your bearded dragon a varied diet of other insects, like mealworms, waxworms, dubia roaches, and even veggies and fruits can help provide a more balanced meal.
Can I feed my beardie dead crickets?
No, you cannot feed your beardie dead crickets. Live crickets are essential for your beardie’s health and nutrition as they are an important source of protein and provide necessary movement and stimulation to keep your pet active and engaged.
In addition, dead crickets may be contaminated with bacteria or parasites that could infect your beardie and make them very ill.
To ensure your beardie’s health and safety, you should only feed them live crickets. Live crickets are easy to find and fairly inexpensive. When buying crickets, make sure you get them from a reputable dealer and keep them in a secure, ventilated container until you feed them to your beardie.
To make it easier for your pet to eat the crickets, you can gut-load them before you feed them. Gut-loading involves giving the crickets a meal that is rich in nutrients before you feed them to your beardie.
This will help to optimize the nutritional value of the crickets and ensure that your beardie is getting all the nutrients that it needs.
How often should you clean a bearded dragons cage?
It is important to maintain optimal habitat conditions for your bearded dragon and to do this, you should clean their cage regularly. Depending on the size of the cage and the number of dragons you are housing, you should aim to do a full clean out at least once a week.
This involves removing all the substrate and objects from the enclosure, washing it, and then scrubbing it with a light bleach solution. After rinsing the enclosure with warm water and allowing it to fully dry, you can then place completely new substrate and furnishings, as well as a new set of water and food dishes.
Additionally, spot cleaning should be done daily, as some areas may require more care and attention due to droppings and other debris. This includes cleaning the water, food and substrate and replacing it as needed.
It’s also important to frequently monitor the temperature, humidity and lighting in the enclosure and make any adjustments needed.
What can I feed my bearded dragon if I run out of crickets?
If you run out of crickets, there are many nutritious alternatives to feed your bearded dragon that you can purchase or make at home. Commercially-available options include mealworms, waxworms, hornworms, grasshoppers, and roaches.
These are all excellent sources of protein and calcium, which are essential nutrients for bearded dragons. You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as collard greens, kale, bell peppers, squash, and other squash varieties.
Try to vary their diets as much as possible. If you have an insectivore, consider providing flies and moths in addition to the crickets. If your bearded dragon is a herbivore, provide them with a variety of leafy greens, such as dandelion greens, parsley, endives, and cabbage.
Most importantly, your bearded dragon needs regular access to permeable soil or sand to crunch on. This helps stimulate their digestive system, as well as aiding in their calcium absorption.
Is it OK to not feed your bearded dragon everyday?
No, it is not OK to not feed your bearded dragon every day. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they need a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, insects, and occasionally some protein. Without proper nutrition, these animals can become lethargic and uninterested in food, and can even suffer from nutritional deficiencies, resulting in more serious health issues.
Additionally, food can provide your bearded dragon with mental stimulation and help reduce boredom, which means skipping meals can lead to behavioral issues.
In general, healthy adult bearded dragons should be fed daily. However, hatchlings and juveniles may need to be feed at least twice a day to accommodate their growth and development. Keep in mind that your bearded dragon’s diet should be highly varied.
For example, if you are feeding your bearded dragon insect proteins, offer different types that are appropriately sized for their size like mealworms, waxworms, and crickets. Be sure to also give them plenty of crunchy dark green vegetables like collard greens, kale, and mustard greens.
Finally, provide a small portion of fresh fruit like blueberries or papaya for a treat. With the right nutrition and a sophisticated eye toward balance, your bearded dragon will remain healthy and happy.
What are the times to feed a bearded dragon?
It is important to provide your bearded dragon with proper nutrition to keep them healthy. The best way to do this is to feed them a variety of live insects and vegetables daily. Generally, a juvenile dragon should be fed 2-3 times a day, while an adult should be fed 1-2 times a day.
You should feed them as much as they can eat in 10-15 minutes. The best time to feed your bearded dragon is when the lights are on and the temperature is warm. This will help ensure that your dragon is alert and hungry enough to eat their food.
It is also important to offer variety when feeding your dragon. For example, offer them crickets, silkworms, cockroaches, or mealworms. In addition to insects, offer your dragon greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and endive.
You can mix these leafy greens with other vegetables such as squash, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Provide your dragon with as much water as they can drink, as they will get most of their hydration from their food.
Lastly, make sure that you are also providing them with the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Provide them with a supplement within the food, such as a multivitamin powder, or with an ultra-violet light.
Is it OK to leave crickets in with my bearded dragon?
The short answer is no, it is not advisable to leave crickets in with your bearded dragon. Crickets are a natural predator of bearded dragons and crickets have a tendency to bite and scratch your pet.
Additionally, crickets can carry parasites and other pests that can be harmful to your beardie. Keeping crickets in an enclosure with your bearded dragon also increases the risk that your pet can become stressed by their presence.
If you want to offer your beardie a cricket as a snack, it’s best to do it as a one-time only treat. Feed the cricket to your beardie, and then remove it. This way, the cricket will not become a potential threat, and your dragon will get the nutrition it needs without being exposed to any risks.
Why do my crickets for my bearded dragon keep dying?
First and foremost, check to make sure the enclosure you are keeping them in is not too hot or too cold as crickets need temperatures between 75-85°F to survive. Too hot or too cold temperatures can cause them to die.
Additionally, make sure the enclosure has adequate ventilation as crickets need fresh air. Additionally, alter the diet of the crickets you are feeding the bearded dragon, if the crickets are eating the same thing day in and day out, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Instead, offer the crickets a variety of food items such as carrots, apples, oatmeal, etc. Lastly, make sure the enclosures that you’re keeping the crickets in are clean and as stress-free as possible; crickets are sensitive to smells, noise and light that can potentially cause them stress and lead to their death.
