Introduction
Hey readers,
Welcome to our article on feeding baby bearded dragons! As a new reptile owner, you may be wondering how many crickets to feed your little friend. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about feeding baby bearded dragons, including how many crickets to feed them, how often to feed them, and what size crickets to choose.
How Many Crickets per Day?
The number of crickets you should feed your baby bearded dragon depends on its age and size. A general rule of thumb is to feed them as many crickets as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period once or twice a day. This means you’ll need to offer them a few crickets at a time and then remove any uneaten crickets after the feeding period is over.
Age Considerations
- 0-3 months old: Feed 10-15 crickets once or twice a day.
- 3-6 months old: Feed 15-20 crickets once or twice a day.
- 6-12 months old: Feed 20-25 crickets once or twice a day.
Size Considerations
As your baby bearded dragon grows, you’ll need to increase the size of the crickets you’re feeding them. Here’s a general guide:
- 0-3 months old: Feed 1/4-inch crickets.
- 3-6 months old: Feed 1/2-inch crickets.
- 6-12 months old: Feed 3/4-inch crickets.
How Often to Feed
Baby bearded dragons should be fed once or twice a day. As they get older, you can gradually reduce the frequency of feedings to once every other day or even every three days.
Feeding Techniques
There are a few different ways to feed crickets to your baby bearded dragon. You can either:
- Offer them directly from your hand (not recommended for small babies).
- Place them in a shallow dish.
- Use tongs to drop them into the enclosure.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to supervise your baby while they’re eating to prevent any accidents.
Cricket Nutrition
Crickets are a good source of protein for baby bearded dragons, but they’re not very nutritious on their own. To ensure your baby is getting all the nutrients they need, you’ll need to supplement their diet with other foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and insects.
Feeding Chart
Here’s a table summarizing the feeding guidelines we’ve discussed:
| Age | Crickets per Day | Cricket Size | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 10-15 | 1/4-inch | Once or twice a day |
| 3-6 months | 15-20 | 1/2-inch | Once or twice a day |
| 6-12 months | 20-25 | 3/4-inch | Once or twice a day |
Conclusion
Feeding your baby bearded dragon crickets is a simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly. By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure your little friend is getting all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out our other articles on bearded dragon care and nutrition for more information.
FAQ about How Many Crickets to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon
How many crickets should I feed my baby bearded dragon daily?
- As a general rule, feed 10-20 crickets daily, depending on their size.
How often should I feed my baby bearded dragon crickets?
- Feed them 3-4 times a day.
What size crickets should I feed my baby bearded dragon?
- Feed crickets that are no longer than the space between their eyes.
Should I dust the crickets with calcium?
- Yes, dust the crickets with calcium powder 2-3 times a week.
What other insects can I feed my baby bearded dragon besides crickets?
- Other insects include mealworms, dubia roaches, and silkworms.
Can I overfeed my baby bearded dragon with crickets?
- Yes, overfeeding can lead to health problems like obesity and impaction.
What if my baby bearded dragon doesn’t eat all the crickets?
- Remove any uneaten crickets after 15-30 minutes to prevent them from biting your dragon.
How long can baby bearded dragons go without eating?
- They can go 1-2 days without eating, but longer periods can be harmful.
What should I do if my baby bearded dragon is losing interest in crickets?
- Try offering other insects, such as mealworms or dubia roaches.
When should I stop feeding my baby bearded dragon crickets?
- Gradually reduce the number of crickets as they grow older and their diet becomes more varied.
