Yes, bearded dragons can eat earthworms. However, they should be fed in moderation and prepared properly to ensure your bearded dragon’s health.
Table of contents
Feeding them a proper diet is crucial for their health and longevity. This article will provide the do’s and don’ts of feeding earthworms to bearded dragons. Learn about bearded dragon care, a step-by-step preparation guide, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Related Article: Bearded Dragon Care: Expert Tips and Insights
Do’s
- Feed earthworms in moderation: Bearded dragons require a varied diet, so offering earthworms once or twice a week is appropriate.
- Choose the right size of earthworms: Smaller worms are easier for your bearded dragon to digest. Make sure the worm is no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes.
- Offer gut-loaded worms: Feeding the earthworms a nutritious diet before offering them to your bearded dragon ensures they provide more nutrients.
Don’ts
- Avoid wild-caught worms: Wild worms can carry parasites or pesticides. Always source your earthworms from a reputable supplier.
- Don’t feed exclusively earthworms: Bearded dragons need a varied diet that includes a mix of insects, vegetables, and fruits.
- Don’t offer too many earthworms at once: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues in bearded dragons.
Best Practices for Feeding Earthworms to Bearded Dragons
Following best practices when feeding your bearded dragon will ensure their safety and overall health. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Understand your bearded dragon’s nutritional requirements: Bearded dragons have specific nutritional needs that vary depending on their age and size. Adult bearded dragons need a diet with approximately 20% protein, while juveniles require closer to 50% protein. Earthworms are high in protein, so adjust the quantity you feed based on your dragon’s age and overall protein intake.
- Consider the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio: A proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is essential for bearded dragons to maintain strong bones and prevent metabolic bone disease. Earthworms have a relatively low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, so it’s important to supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with calcium-rich insects, such as black soldier fly larvae, and dust other insects with calcium powder.
- Quarantine and gut-load earthworms: Keep the earthworms in a separate container for 24-48 hours before feeding them to your bearded dragon. During this time, provide them with a high-quality gut-loading diet, such as commercial gut-load products, leafy greens, or vegetables. This ensures that the worms are free from any parasites and have a higher nutritional value when consumed.
- Clean the earthworms thoroughly: Rinse the worms under cool water to remove any dirt or debris before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You can also use a soft brush to gently clean the worms if necessary.
- Chop the earthworms if needed: If the earthworms are too large for your bearded dragon, you can cut them into smaller pieces. This helps prevent choking hazards and ensures proper digestion.
- Supplement with vitamins: In addition to calcium, bearded dragons require a variety of vitamins for optimal health. Dust the earthworms with a reptile-specific multivitamin powder every other feeding to ensure your dragon receives essential vitamins and minerals.
- Monitor your bearded dragon’s health: Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, energy levels, and overall health to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrients from their diet. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help identify any potential health issues early on.
- Rotate earthworms with other insects and food sources: Providing a varied diet is essential for the health and well-being of your bearded dragon. Rotate earthworms with other insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, as well as fruits and vegetables to ensure your pet receives all the necessary nutrients.
Related Article: Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide: Nutrition Tips
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Earthworms for Your Bearded Dragon
Step 1
Purchase earthworms from a reputable supplier: This ensures that the worms are parasite-free and safe for your bearded dragon.
Step 2
Gut-load the earthworms: Feed the worms a nutritious diet for 24-48 hours before offering them to your bearded dragon.
Step 3
Rinse the earthworms: Clean the worms under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 4
Choose appropriately-sized worms: Select worms that are no bigger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes.
Step 5
Offer the earthworms to your bearded dragon: Place the worms in a shallow dish or use feeding tongs to offer them to your pet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can baby bearded dragons eat earthworms?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat earthworms, but ensure the worms are small enough for the baby to easily swallow and digest.
How often should I feed earthworms to my bearded dragon?
Earthworms should be fed in moderation, about once or twice a week, as part of a varied diet.
Are there any risks associated with feeding earthworms to bearded dragons?
Feeding wild-caught earthworms or offering worms that are too large can pose risks, such as parasites, pesticides, or choking hazards. Always source your earthworms from a reputable supplier and choose appropriately-sized worms.
Can I feed my bearded dragon other types of worms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat other types of worms, such as mealworms, waxworms, and superworms. Always ensure you offer a varied diet and follow proper feeding guidelines for each type of worm.
What other insects can I feed my bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of insects, including crickets, dubia roaches, locusts, and hornworms. Make sure to provide a balanced diet by including vegetables and fruits as well.
Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
Feeding your bearded dragon earthworms can be a healthy addition to their diet when done correctly. Follow the do’s and don’ts, adhere to best practices, and use the 5-step preparation guide to ensure your bearded dragon receives the proper nutrients.
Always monitor your bearded dragon’s health and make adjustments to their diet as needed. A healthy, well-balanced diet will contribute to your bearded dragon’s overall well-being and longevity.
Looking for more? Here’s our roadmap:
General Bearded Dragon Pet Owners Guide
Bearded dragons are native to the arid regions of Australia and are known for their unique beard-like appearance. As pets, they have become increasingly popular due to their friendly and inquisitive nature, making them an ideal choice for reptile enthusiasts. Bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and their average lifespan ranges from 8 to 12 years, with proper care. When considering adopting a bearded dragon, it’s essential to be prepared for a long-term commitment and be well-informed about their care requirements.
One of the most crucial aspects of bearded dragon care is providing an appropriate enclosure. Adult bearded dragons thrive best in a 20 to 50-gallon tank, but a larger enclosure is always better. It’s important to always keep the tank clean. The tank should have a basking area with a temperature range of 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a cooler area with a temperature between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, bearded dragons need access to UVB lighting to help them synthesize vitamin D3 and properly metabolize calcium, which is vital for their bone health.
A balanced diet is essential for a healthy bearded dragon. Their dietary requirements change throughout their life stages; juvenile bearded dragons need a higher protein intake, with insects making up around 80% of their diet and the remaining 20% consisting of vegetables and fruits. As they grow into adults, their diet should consist of approximately 20% insects and 80% vegetables and fruits. It’s important to offer a variety of food items to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients, and to dust their food with calcium and multivitamin supplements as recommended by a reptile specialist or veterinarian.
Regular interaction and observation of your bearded dragon are vital for maintaining their well-being. Handling your pet gently and frequently can help build trust and strengthen your bond. Monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior, appetite, and overall health to detect any potential issues early on. If you notice any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or irregular bowel movements, consult a reptile specialist or veterinarian for guidance. Proper care, feeding, and attention will ensure your bearded dragon remains a happy and healthy companion for years to come.
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