Yes, Bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies (also known as pill bugs, woodlice, or potato bugs), but it is not recommended. Rolly pollies are relatively low in nutrition and the hard exoskeleton can pose an issue when it comes to digestion.
Wild-caught rolly pollies can also introduce parasites to your pet.
Adult bearded dragons can eat a few rolly pollies without issue but it is best to avoid feeding them to baby beardies as the isopods’ thick shells can pose a choking hazard.
Rolly pollies sold in pet stores as food for reptiles are bred in captivity and are free from harmful parasites or chemicals.
They should not be fed rolly pollies (also known as pill bugs, woodlice, or potato bugs) on a regular basis due to their low nutritional value.
What Nutritional Benefits And Disadvantages Do Rolly Pollies Have For Bearded Dragons?
The question of whether bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies is a complex one.
For starters, it’s important to understand the nutritional benefits and disadvantages that come with feeding these insects to your dragon.
Rolly pollies are an excellent source of insect protein that helps meet the dietary needs of bearded dragons in terms of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, calcium, and chitin content.
On the other hand, there are several drawbacks when it comes to feeding rolly pollies to beardie dragons.
One major issue is related to their high-fat content which could make them unsuitable for some reptiles if fed too often or in excess amounts.
Due to their small size, they may not provide enough nutrition compared to larger prey such as crickets or mealworms.
There is concern over potential parasites from wild-caught specimens so caution should be taken if considering this option as part of your dragon’s diet.
Therefore it would be best to consult with a veterinarian before using this type of food as part of your dragon’s diet.
Do Rolly Pollies Eat Things That Might Harm Bearded Dragons?
Insects such as roly-polies may be a potential food source for bearded dragons but there are certain dangers associated with eating these items.
When considering what to feed a bearded dragon, it is important to understand the following:
- Poisonous Foods – Roly-polies should not be caught in areas that have been recently treated with pesticides or herbicides since they could contain poisonous substances which would be harmful to your pet if ingested. Additionally, some wild insects may also carry bacteria or parasites which could cause illness if consumed by your beardie. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding them any wild sources of food.
- Harmful Items – In addition to being potentially poisonous, roly-polies may also contain small stones, dirt, or other debris that could harm bearded dragons when swallowed. For this reason, it is advisable to only feed captive-bred roly-polies raised specifically for reptile consumption.
- Dangers Of Eating Too Much – Even though there are no known nutritional deficiencies caused by consuming too many roly pollies, overfeeding can cause digestive upset in bearded dragons due to their sensitive stomachs. It is therefore recommended that you limit the number of insects fed per day and provide variety in their diet through other foods like vegetables and fruits.
Are Rolly Pollies Easy To Find?
When considering whether bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies, one must also ask if they are easy to find.
Generally, the answer is yes; however, it may depend on region and availability.
Rolly pollies tend to be found in areas of dampness such as around pools or garden beds.
Some pet stores may carry them but not all.
If a person does not feel comfortable searching for them outdoors, buying online could be an option.
There are multiple websites that sell live rolly pollies at reasonable prices with delivery included.
Some other places like bait shops or feed stores might have access to rolly pollies which could be helpful when trying to source this food item for a bearded dragon.
Therefore finding rolly pollies does not need to be difficult; with some knowledge about where to look and what questions to ask, obtaining this food item can be done quite easily and safely.
What’s The Best Way To Prepare Rolly Pollies?
Rolly pollies are an excellent food source for bearded dragons, as they provide a good source of protein and calcium.
In order to ensure that the rolly pollies are safe for your pet, it is important to properly prepare them before feeding them to your dragon.
There are several methods of preparing rolly pollies that can be used in order to make sure that they are sanitary and edible.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking | Kills bacteria & parasites Enhances flavor | Can damage nutritional value Takes longer time than other methods |
| Cleaning | Removes dirt & debris Quicker than cooking | Doesn’t kill bacteria or parasites |
| Freezing | Preserves freshness Kills some bacteria & parasites | Can take up more freezer space than other foods |
| Boiling | Sanitizes quickly Enhances flavor & texture | |
| Grinding | Makes food easier for small pets like lizards to consume | |
| Roasting | Enhances flavor & texture Quick method | |
| Drying | Long shelf life Keeps nutrients intact | |
| Preserving | Long shelf life |
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider which one would best suit your needs.
For instance, if you’re looking for something quick, then boiling may be the best option; however, this will not kill all types of bacteria or parasites.
Alternatively, if you want something with a long shelf-life then drying might be your best bet.
Regardless of which method you choose, making sure that the rolly pollies have been properly prepared beforehand is essential for ensuring the safety of your bearded dragon.
How Many Rolly Pollies Should You Feed Your Beardie?
Bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies and many other insects as part of their diet.
When determining how many rolly pollies to feed your bearded dragon, a few factors must be taken into account.
When preparing these insects for your pet’s mealtime make sure they have been gut-loaded appropriately or purchased from a trusted source if caught outdoors.
In addition to finding quality sources of food, it is also important to consider alternative insects when planning meals for your bearded dragon.
Frequency plays an essential role in maintaining good overall health so it is recommended that you stick with a consistent feeding schedule rather than overfeeding or underfeeding your beardie at any given time.
By taking into consideration the above-mentioned points one can determine how many rolly pollies should be included in their bearded dragon’s diet while still providing adequate amounts of essential nutrients needed by all reptiles without causing harm
Can You Feed Your Bearded Dragon The Rolly Pollies You Find Outside?
It is best to avoid feeding your bearded dragon the rolly pollies you find outside.
While some may think that these small bugs are safe for their reptilian pet, there is no guarantee of quality and safety with wild-caught insects.
Outside rolly pollies can carry parasites or pesticides from gardens and lawns which could be detrimental to a bearded dragon’s health.
It is recommended to provide a variety of foods in order to ensure proper nutrition for your beardie.
Feeding only the same type of insect over time could lead to deficiencies if those insects lack certain essential vitamins and minerals.
The majority of commercially available products have been specifically formulated to give your pet all the right nutrients they need so as not to cause any nutritional imbalances or deficiencies.
These items also come already gut-loaded with other beneficial ingredients like calcium and vitamin D3 that cannot easily be found in wild-caught prey items.
What Other Insects Can Bearded Dragons Eat Instead Of Rolly Pollies?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both vegetables and meat. While rolly pollies can be fed to bearded dragons in moderation, they are not the only option. Here are some other insects that can be fed to bearded dragons:
- Crickets: These are a staple food for bearded dragons and are high in protein. They can be gut-loaded with vegetables to provide additional nutrition.
- Mealworms: These are another good source of protein, but they should be fed in moderation as they are high in fat.
- Dubia Roaches: These are a good alternative to crickets as they are lower in fat and have a softer exoskeleton, making them easier to digest.
- Superworms: These are similar to mealworms but are larger and have a higher protein content. They should also be fed in moderation due to their high fat content.
- Hornworms: These are high in water content and are a good source of hydration for bearded dragons. They are also low in fat and high in calcium.
It’s important to note that any insects fed to bearded dragons should be gut-loaded with vegetables and dusted with calcium powder to ensure they are getting proper nutrition.
How Often Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Rolly Pollies?
Once it is established that bearded dragons can safely eat rolly pollies, the next concern might be just how often they should feed them to their dragon. Here are some guidelines to help determine a good frequency of feeding:
- Feed no more than two or three times per week.
- Provide only one or two rolly pollies at each meal.
- Make sure there is enough variety in the diet by also offering greens and other insects along with the rolly pollies.
- Offer vegetables as well for additional nutrition and fiber.
It is important to remember not to overfeed your bearded dragon with rolly pollies; too many could cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation due to their higher fat content compared to other insects offered in captivity diets for herps like bearded dragons or leopard geckos.
If you offer too many rolly pollies on a regular basis it could lead to obesity problems down the line which would ultimately shorten the life span of your pet reptile.
It’s best practice to limit the amount of these invertebrates fed during any given week while still making sure they get all necessary nutrients from other sources in order to stay healthy and happy.
