{"id":5538,"date":"2023-08-27T16:45:51","date_gmt":"2023-08-27T10:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/?p=5538"},"modified":"2023-08-27T16:45:55","modified_gmt":"2023-08-27T10:45:55","slug":"feed-baby-bearded-dragon-besides-crickets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/feed-baby-bearded-dragon-besides-crickets\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can I Feed My Baby Bearded Dragon Besides Crickets?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"gspb_infoBox-id-gsbp-d47e6095-64bd\" class=\"gspb_infoBox gspb_infoBox-id-gsbp-d47e6095-64bd wp-block-greenshift-blocks-infobox\"><div class=\"gs-box update_type \"><div class=\"gs-box-icon\"><\/div><span class=\"label-info\">16\/04\/2023 &#8211; Update<\/span><div class=\"gs-box-text\">\n<p>In addition to crickets, baby bearded dragons or hatchlings can also eat vegetables and leafy greens, fruit, locusts, super worms, and dubia roaches.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For baby bearded dragons, it is important to provide a balanced diet that includes both protein and vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-variety-matters-in-your-baby-bearded-dragon-s-diet\">Why Variety Matters in Your Baby Bearded Dragon&#8217;s Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr wp-block-embed-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/27Br8GB\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/833\/42407814215_007c82cdfc.jpg\" alt=\"Bearded Dragon\" width=\"500\" height=\"402\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Nathan Rupert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeding your baby bearded dragon a diverse diet is crucial for several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Nutritional balance:<\/strong> Different feeder insects and vegetables provide unique nutrients that contribute to the overall health of your baby bearded dragon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appetite stimulation:<\/strong> Offering a variety of foods can help encourage your pet to eat more and maintain a healthy weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preventing food boredom:<\/strong> Rotating food options keeps mealtimes exciting for your bearded dragon and helps prevent picky eating habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"insect-alternatives-to-crickets\">Insect Alternatives to Crickets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-flickr wp-block-embed-flickr\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/oFJhjQ\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/3919\/14889441860_9c48904025.jpg\" alt=\"lunch break\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Viktoria S<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While crickets are a popular staple in the bearded dragon diet, there are numerous other insects you can offer to your baby bearded dragon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dubia roaches:<\/strong> Rich in protein and relatively low in fat, these insects are a nutritious option for your baby bearded dragon. They are also easy to digest and less likely to carry parasites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black soldier fly larvae (Phoenix worms):<\/strong> These calcium-rich larvae are an excellent choice for promoting healthy bone development in your growing pet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waxworms:<\/strong> Although high in fat, waxworms can be offered occasionally as a treat to add variety to your bearded dragon&#8217;s diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mealworms:<\/strong> Rich in protein, mealworms should be fed sparingly due to their high chitin content, which can be difficult for baby bearded dragons to digest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Butterworms:<\/strong> Another high-fat treat option, butterworms can be provided occasionally for added diversity in your pet&#8217;s diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vegetables-and-greens-for-a-balanced-diet\">Vegetables and Greens for a Balanced Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to insects, it&#8217;s important to incorporate vegetables and leafy greens into your baby bearded dragon&#8217;s diet. Here are some excellent options to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Collard greens:<\/strong> High in calcium and vitamins, collard greens should be a staple in your bearded dragon&#8217;s diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Turnip greens:<\/strong> Another excellent calcium-rich choice, turnip greens also provide essential vitamins for your pet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mustard greens:<\/strong> Packed with vitamins and minerals, mustard greens are a nutritious addition to your bearded dragon&#8217;s diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dandelion greens:<\/strong> These calcium and vitamin-rich greens can be found in your backyard or purchased from a grocery store.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Butternut squash:<\/strong> This low-oxalate vegetable provides essential nutrients and is a favorite among bearded dragons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tips-for-feeding-your-baby-bearded-dragon\">Tips for Feeding Your Baby Bearded Dragon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To help your baby bearded dragon thrive, keep these feeding tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Chop vegetables finely:<\/strong> Ensure all vegetables are cut into small, manageable pieces for your baby bearded dragon to avoid choking hazards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitor calcium intake:<\/strong> Supplement your bearded dragon&#8217;s diet with calcium powder to support healthy bone development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establish a feeding schedule:<\/strong> Offer food to your baby bearded dragon multiple times a day, gradually decreasing the frequency as they grow older.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember to consistently offer a mix of nutritious insects and vegetables, supplement their diet with calcium, and establish a suitable feeding schedule. As your bearded dragon grows, continue to adjust their diet to meet their changing nutritional needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions-about-baby-bearded-dragon-diets\">Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Bearded Dragon Diets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this section, we&#8217;ll address some common questions and concerns related to baby bearded dragon diets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-often-should-i-feed-my-baby-bearded-dragon\">How often should I feed my baby bearded dragon? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the first few months, feed your baby bearded dragon three times a day. Gradually reduce the frequency to twice a day as they grow older and eventually to once a day for adult bearded dragons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-should-i-feed-my-baby-bearded-dragon\">How much should I feed my baby bearded dragon? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow your bearded dragon to eat as much as they want within a 10-15 minute period during each feeding session. Remove any uneaten food to prevent spoilage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-should-i-introduce-vegetables-to-my-baby-bearded-dragon-s-diet\">When should I introduce vegetables to my baby bearded dragon&#8217;s diet? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start introducing finely chopped vegetables and greens to your baby bearded dragon&#8217;s diet around the age of 4-6 weeks. Gradually increase the number of vegetables as they grow older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-baby-bearded-dragons-require-vitamin-supplements\">Do baby bearded dragons require vitamin supplements? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, in addition to calcium supplements, it&#8217;s essential to provide a multivitamin supplement for your baby bearded dragon. Follow the manufacturer&#8217;s recommendations for appropriate dosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-i-ensure-my-baby-bearded-dragon-stays-hydrated\">How can I ensure my baby bearded dragon stays hydrated? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Provide a shallow water dish in their enclosure and mist their vegetables with water to promote hydration. You can also offer occasional baths for additional hydration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For baby bearded dragons, it is important to provide a balanced diet that includes both protein and vegetables. Why Variety Matters in Your Baby Bearded Dragon&#8217;s Diet Feeding your baby bearded dragon a diverse diet is crucial for several reasons: Insect Alternatives to Crickets While crickets are a popular staple in the bearded dragon diet, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6456,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":".gs-box{padding:20px;border-left:5px solid transparent;margin-bottom:25px}.gs-box-text>p{margin-bottom:20px;margin-top:0}.gs-box-text>p:last-of-type{margin-bottom:0}.gs-box .label-info{background-color:#5bc0de;display:inline-block;margin:0 5px 10px 0;padding:3px 6px;font-size:75%;font-weight:700;color:#fff;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:baseline;border-radius:.25em;line-height:14px}.gs-box.update_type{color:#004458;background-color:#d9edf7;border:1px solid #bce8f1}","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5538"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5538"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12309,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5538\/revisions\/12309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6456"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}