What can I feed my baby bearded dragon besides crickets?
Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that belong to the agamid family of lizards. They are native to Australia and are named for the spiny scales that run along their throats. Baby bearded dragons are very active and playful, and they require a diet that is rich in protein and calcium.
While crickets are a good source of protein for baby bearded dragons, they should not be the only food that you offer your pet. A varied diet is essential for a healthy bearded dragon, and there are many other foods that you can feed your baby besides crickets.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are an important part of a bearded dragon’s diet. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some good leafy greens to feed your baby bearded dragon include:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Turnip greens
- Kale
- Bok choy
You can offer your baby bearded dragon leafy greens chopped up or whole. Baby bearded dragons may not be able to eat whole leaves at first, so you may need to chop them up into smaller pieces. You can also offer your baby bearded dragon leafy greens mixed with other foods, such as insects or fruits.
Vegetables
Vegetables are another important part of a baby bearded dragon’s diet. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some good vegetables to feed your baby bearded dragon include:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Squash
- Bell peppers
You can offer your baby bearded dragon vegetables chopped up or whole. You may need to chop up vegetables into smaller pieces for baby bearded dragons to eat. You can also offer your baby bearded dragon vegetables mixed with other foods, such as insects or leafy greens.
Fruits
Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and sugars. However, fruits should only be offered to baby bearded dragons in moderation. Some good fruits to feed your baby bearded dragon include:
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
You should only offer your baby bearded dragon a small amount of fruit at a time. Fruits are high in sugar, and too much sugar can lead to health problems for your bearded dragon. You should also avoid giving your baby bearded dragon citrus fruits, as these can cause stomach problems.
Insects
Insects are a good source of protein for baby bearded dragons. However, you should only offer your baby bearded dragon live insects. Dead insects can carry bacteria that can make your bearded dragon sick.
Some good insects to feed your baby bearded dragon include:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Hornworms
- Waxworms
You should only offer your baby bearded dragon a few insects at a time. Insects are high in fat, and too much fat can lead to health problems for your bearded dragon.
Other foods
There are a few other foods that you can offer your baby bearded dragon in moderation. These include:
- Eggs
- Pinky mice
- Baby mice
- Reptile food
You should only offer your baby bearded dragon these foods on occasion. These foods are not as nutritious as other foods, and too much can lead to health problems for your bearded dragon.
Tips for feeding your baby bearded dragon
Here are a few tips for feeding your baby bearded dragon:
- Feed your baby bearded dragon 2-3 times per day.
- Offer your baby bearded dragon a variety of foods from all of the food groups listed above.
- Make sure that your baby bearded dragon has access to fresh water at all times.
- Monitor your baby bearded dragon’s weight and body condition to make sure that it is getting the proper nutrition.
If you have any questions about feeding your baby bearded dragon, you should consult with a veterinarian.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about feeding baby bearded dragons:
- What is the best food for baby bearded dragons?
- How often should I feed my baby bearded dragon?
- How do I know if my baby bearded dragon is getting enough food?
- What should I do if my baby bearded dragon is not eating?
- Offering your baby bearded dragon a variety of different foods.
- Trying to feed your baby bearded dragon at different times of the day.
- Hand-feeding your baby bearded dragon.
- Soaking your baby bearded dragon in warm water for 10-15 minutes before feeding it.
The best food for baby bearded dragons is a varied diet that includes leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, insects, and other foods. You should offer your baby bearded dragon a variety of foods from all of the food groups listed above to ensure that it is getting the proper nutrition.
You should feed your baby bearded dragon 2-3 times per day. The amount of food that you offer your baby bearded dragon will vary depending on its age, size, and activity level.
You can tell if your baby bearded dragon is getting enough food by monitoring its weight and body condition. A healthy baby bearded dragon should have a firm belly and no visible ribs or backbone. If your baby bearded dragon is losing weight or has visible ribs or backbone, you may need to increase the amount of food that you offer it.
If your baby bearded dragon is not eating, you should take it to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems. Once any underlying health problems have been ruled out, you can try the following:
If you have tried all of the above and your baby bearded dragon is still not eating, you should take it to a veterinarian for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Feeding your baby bearded dragon a varied diet is essential for its health and well-being. By offering your baby bearded dragon a variety of foods from all of the food groups listed above, you can help it to grow and thrive. If you have any questions about feeding your baby bearded dragon, you should consult with a veterinarian.
Are you interested in learning more about bearded dragons? If so, be sure to check out our other blog posts on bearded dragons. We have a variety of topics to choose from, including bearded dragon care, bearded dragon behavior, and bearded dragon health.
