If you’re a new bearded dragon parent, you may wonder how many crickets to feed a bearded dragon.Â
This Article will cover everything you need to know about crickets for bearded dragons.
What Are Crickets?
Crickets, those captivating bugs belonging to the Gryllidae family, have gained renown for their unique sound produced by the friction of their wings.
If the realm of crickets sparks your curiosity, I’d suggest taking a look at Wikipedia. There, you’ll uncover a wealth of extensive knowledge on this absorbing subject.
How Many Crickets to Feed an Adult Bearded Dragon?
For a mature bearded dragon, it’s important to give your dragon around 10 to 20 crickets daily.
A useful tip is to present as many crickets as they can eat within a span of 15 minutes.
Gauge the food quantity according to their energy level and hunger, offering more or less as necessary.
How many Crickets to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon?
You should offer them as many crickets as they can eat in 10 minutes.
A Baby bearded dragon will need to eat more often than an adult. They should be eating about 25 to 80 insects per day.
It may seem like a lot, but remember that baby dragons are growing quickly and need lots of food to support their growth.
How to Feed Your Bearded Dragon Crickets?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to feed your bearded dragon crickets safely:
Select Healthy Crickets: When selecting crickets for your bearded dragon, opt for healthy ones obtained from a trustworthy source. Avoid crickets that appear lethargic, injured, or have an unusual odor, as they may be unhealthy or carry diseases.
Dust with Calcium and Vitamins: Before offering the crickets to your bearded dragon, it’s essential to dust them with calcium supplements. This step ensures that your reptile gets the necessary nutrients, especially calcium, to support bone health and prevent metabolic bone disease.
Use Proper Enclosures: When feeding crickets to your bearded dragon, avoid using open containers that may allow the insects to escape. Instead, place the crickets in a designated enclosure or a secure feeding dish that prevents them from spreading throughout the bearded dragon’s habitat.
Supervise Feeding: When introducing crickets to your bearded dragon, it’s best to supervise the feeding to ensure that your beardie eats the crickets without any issues. It also helps prevent accidental ingestion of substrate or other foreign objects.
Remove Uneaten Crickets: Remove any uneaten crickets from the bearded dragon enclosure after the feeding session. Crickets can nibble on your bearded dragon while resting or sleeping, causing stress or injuries.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the feeding dish or enclosure to prevent the buildup of waste, uneaten food, or dead crickets, which can attract pests and lead to bacterial growth.
Monitor Your Bearded Dragon: Observe your bearded dragon for any changes in behaviour, appetite, or health after introducing crickets into its diet. If you notice any issues, consult a reptile veterinarian promptly.
Benefits of crickets for bearded dragons
Here are some of the advantages of feeding crickets to bearded dragons:
High Protein Content: Crickets provide a valuable protein source that plays a vital role in the growth and development of bearded dragons, particularly during their younger and more active stages.Â
Nutrient-Rich: Crickets offer a valuable array of essential nutrients, encompassing vitamins like B vitamins, minerals like calcium and iron, and important amino acids that are beneficial for overall health.
Gut Loading Potential: Crickets can be gut-loaded, which means they can be fed a nutritious diet before being offered to the bearded dragons. By doing so, the nutritional value of the crickets is enhanced, making them an even more beneficial food source for reptiles.
Natural Prey Instincts: Bearded dragons are instinctively attracted to moving prey items. Crickets’ movements can stimulate the bearded dragon’s hunting instincts, promoting mental stimulation and physical activity.
Hydration Source: Crickets have a high moisture content, which can contribute to the bearded dragon’s hydration, especially in arid environments where water sources may be limited.
Easy to Find and Raise: Crickets are widely available in pet stores and online, making them a convenient and accessible food option for bearded dragon owners.Â
FAQS
What can I Feed my Bearded Dragon Besides Crickets?Â
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of foods, including crickets, superworms, dubia roaches, mealworms, and vegetables like leafy greens and squash.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dead Crickets?Â
No, bearded dragons should not eat dead crickets.Â
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Black Crickets?Â
Yes, bearded dragons can eat black crickets.Â
Can you Leave Crickets in a Bearded Dragon Cage?Â
It’s not recommended to leave crickets in a bearded dragon cage after feeding because they may bite your dragon or disturb their sleep.
Conclusion
To sum up, crickets serve as a nourishing and advantageous food option for bearded dragons throughout various life stages.
Adult dragons should ideally consume around 10-20 crickets daily, whereas baby dragons can be given as much as they can eat within 10 minutes, typically ranging from 25 to 80 insects per day.
However, when feeding crickets to your bearded dragon, it’s crucial to be mindful of their safety and overall health.
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