Baby bearded dragons should be fed 25-80 crickets per day, juveniles 25-60, and adults 10-20 crickets every other day. You can distribute these feedings throughout the day, offering 1-3 feedings per day.
It’s also worth noting that bearded dragons should only be fed as many insects as they can consume in 10 to 15 minutes.
What You'll Learn
Feeding Frequency
Adult Dragons
Adult bearded dragons should be fed as many crickets as they can consume in 10-15 minute feeding sessions, which equates to about 10 crickets per day or 20 every other day.
It’s important to remember that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so make sure they get the right amount of food.
Younger Dragons
Younger dragons require more frequent feedings than adults, with baby bearded dragons requiring 25-80 crickets per day and juveniles (3-9 months) requiring 25-60 crickets per day.
They can consume these crickets in 3-5 feedings throughout the day. Make sure to provide calcium supplementation to your insects before feeding to ensure proper growth and development.
Consequences of Overfeeding Crickets
When it comes to feeding crickets to your bearded dragon, it is critical to understand the dangers of overfeeding. Too many crickets can result in fatal gut impaction.
A good general rule is to never feed adults more than 10 crickets per day or 20 every other day, as this will ensure that your bearded dragon receives adequate nutrition while avoiding impaction.
Consequences of Underfeeding Crickets
Underfeeding can result in stunted growth and a weakened immune system. It is critical to remember that feeding your bearded dragon the proper amount of food is critical to their health and well-being.
Considerations When Feeding Crickets
It is critical to consider not only the quantity of crickets fed to your bearded dragon, but also the size and quality of the insects. The size of the crickets should match the size of your dragon. Smaller crickets should be eaten by baby dragons, while larger ones can be eaten by adults.
The crickets should be gut loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure that your dragon gets all of the nutrients it requires.
It is also critical to pay attention to where you purchase your crickets, as poorly sourced insects can harm your pet.
Size of Crickets
When it comes to cricket size, baby bearded dragons should be fed small to medium-sized crickets. They can start eating larger crickets as they grow.
Feeding your dragon crickets of the right size will prevent it from choking or having digestion issues.
Because of their smaller stomachs, juvenile dragons may necessitate more frequent feedings. Adult dragons, on the other hand, may require fewer feedings due to their larger stomachs and ability to process larger prey items. Just keep an eye on your bearded dragon’s appetite and adjust their diet as needed.
Calcium Supplementation
Calcium supplementation, in addition to providing the appropriate number of crickets, is essential for the health of your bearded dragon.
Giving calcium-dusted crickets every other day and vitamin-dusted crickets three times a week will ensure that your pet gets enough of these important nutrients. Provide a variety of feeder insects for a balanced diet, and always provide fresh water on a daily basis.
Gut Load
The significance of feeding your bearded dragon crickets with a proper gut-load cannot be overstated. A gut-load is the nutrition that crickets obtain from their food, which is then transferred to your bearded dragon when they are consumed.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and apples, will provide your feeder insects with the vitamins and minerals that your beardie requires.
Where to Buy Top Quality Crickets
Once you’ve determined how many crickets to feed your bearded dragon, it’s critical to find high-quality crickets. This is due to the fact that providing a nutritious diet is critical to your pet’s health and well-being. You can purchase high quality crickets online or at most local pet stores. When purchasing crickets, make certain that they are clean, healthy, and free of parasites or diseases.
How to Store Crickets
Once you’ve obtained your crickets, you’ll need to store them properly until they’re ready to be fed to your bearded dragon.
The most common method is to use a Kricket Keeper, which is available in small and large sizes and is ideal for storing feeder crickets. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid and is deep enough to keep any crickets from escaping.
That’s not your only option though. Let’s take a look at some of the more long term storing options.
Freezing Crickets
Crickets can be stored for an extended period of time by freezing them. When feeding frozen crickets, remember to include a calcium supplement because the freezing process may reduce their nutritional value.
It is best to gut-load the crickets with nutritious food before freezing them so that your bearded dragon gets the most out of their meal.
When freezing crickets, use an airtight container and spread them out evenly before placing them in the freezer. This ensures that your bearded dragon always gets a fresh meal.
Refrigerating Crickets
When putting crickets in the refrigerator, you should keep them in a tightly sealed container with a layer of substrate, such as vermiculite or shredded paper. This will help to maintain moisture levels and keep them from drying out. Check the container every few days to ensure that there is enough moisture present; otherwise, the crickets may perish.
Drying Crickets
Drying crickets is an effective way to store them for longer periods of time, and it is simple to do at home. Make sure the crickets are completely dry before storing them. If there is any moisture left in the cricket, it may spoil more quickly.
After the crickets have dried, store them in airtight containers or bags. When done correctly, dried crickets can be stored in a cool, dry place for months. If you intend to feed dried crickets, make sure to rehydrate them with a few drops of water before feeding them.
Key Points
- Feeding frequency is an important factor in keeping a bearded dragon healthy and happy.
- Baby bearded dragons should be fed 25-80 crickets per day, juveniles 25-60 crickets per day, and adults 10 every day or 20 every other day.
- Adult bearded dragons should be fed as many crickets as they can consume in 10-15 minute feeding sessions.
- Overfeeding can result in obesity and other health problems, so it’s critical to feed them the proper amount of food.
- Underfeeding can result in stunted growth and a weakened immune system.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
