When feeding feeder insects for bearded dragons, you want to keep the roaches to a minimum. This will be easier on the bearded dragon’s body and digestive system. Also, keep in mind that your beardie is probably hunting at least once a week or six days.
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Earthworms
While earthworms are a popular choice for bearded dragons, they may not be the most nutritious option. They are often contaminated with pesticides and toxic chemicals and do not contain many vitamins, minerals, or protein. Instead, it is best to choose other worm species.
Earthworms are great for your beardie, but only give them to your dragon as a treat! It is also best to buy your earthworms from a reputable pet store. Earthworms are a difficult food to digest and should be fed sparingly.
Phoenix worms
Phoenix worms are a new addition to the bearded dragon diet. This feeder insect is a black soldier fly larva, and is reportedly higher in calcium than most other feeder insects. Phoenix worms are available in various sizes ranging from 1/8″ to 3/4″ long. They make excellent food for hatchling bearded dragons and many other animals. They are also a good choice for baby lizards and small amphibians.
Phoenix worms are extremely easy to breed and do not require any special care. They last around four weeks at room temperature and can last months when kept in the fridge. They do not emit any smell and make no noises, which is a major benefit for bearded dragons. Feeding your beardie a few worms a day will provide your pet with a balanced diet of protein and calcium.
Mealworms
The most important thing to know about mealworms is that they are not suitable for young beardies. Because they have hard chitin shells, mealworms do not break down well in a beardie’s digestive system. This can cause impaction, which is almost always fatal. However, larger beardies can eat mealworms without any problems.
Mealworms can go through nine to 21 instars. However, Park et al. (2014) found that mealworms pupated after 17 instars and had a high mortality rate. The researchers found that only one mealworm survived to reach the 20th instar. While mealworms are better than other insects as feeder insects, they do not have the high mineral content and complex exoskeleton of other insects. This may cause some issues for sick pets.
Superworms
Using Superworms as feeder insects for beardes dragons can be a great way to get your dragon to eat more greens. This is because these insects have a high protein, fat, and moisture content. If your dragon is not eating enough greens, it may become overweight and malnourished.
However, be sure to watch the size of your superworms. Bearded dragons shouldn’t consume live worms that are larger than their head or space between their eyes. Be aware that superworms are very high in fat and may cause your pet to become obese or malnourished.
Dandelions
Dandelions are very nutritious and can make excellent feeder insects for bearded dragons. They are very easy to find and are a healthy way to introduce greens to your beardie. They are also a good source of calcium and contain no toxins. You can feed your beardie dandelions by hand or use a salad bowl filled with the flowers.
Dandelions can be purchased from a pet store or from grocery stores. They are also available in the wild, but be careful not to get any from public parks, as many have been treated with pesticides.
Black soldier fly larvae
Black soldier fly larvae are a great source of protein for many types of reptiles. They are high in calcium and contain omega-3 fatty acids. They are also considered a natural antiparasitic. These insects are available in a number of sizes and stages, so you can feed them to a variety of reptiles. These feeder insects are also easy to store.
Black soldier fly larvae are a good choice for bearded dragons. They can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and the perfect temperature is 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. The larvae can keep for about three weeks at room temperature, but can last for up to a month if kept in the refrigerator.
