Before feeding your pet, consider both nutrients and taste. For example, bearded dragons enjoy various insects rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. These compounds are necessary for their healthy growth. Calci worms are a popular choice for reptiles and amphibians. But can bearded dragons eat calci worms? If they eat various insects, is this worm a good option? This article will provide all the necessary information about feeder worms.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Calci Worms?
Bearded dragons can eat calci worms, and they generally enjoy their taste. Similar to wax worms, beardies find calci worms appealing. You can offer them occasionally but in moderation. Calci worms are high in fat, and their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is not ideal, making them unsuitable as a staple food.
It’s important to note that people often confuse repti and phoenix worms with calci worms. While all three belong to the same family, they are different species with distinct nutritional values. Calci worms are the larvae of black soldier flies.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Calci Worms?
The number of worms you feed depends on your bearded dragon’s age. For beardies under one-year-old, you can feed them calci worms more often, as they require more insects than plants. For beardies over one-year-old, reduce the frequency, as they need fewer insects.
There’s no exact guideline for how often to feed calci worms, but beardies can consume 20 to 60 per day. You should also include other insect supplements, such as crickets and wax worms.
Phoenix and repair worms can be given as staple foods, but calci worms should not be. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in phoenix and repti worms is nearly 1.5:1, while calci worms are 3.28:1, making them unsuitable as a staple food.
5 Benefits of Calci Worms for Bearded Dragons
Calci worms, like other insects, are rich in nutrients such as calcium, fat, and lauric acids. When fed in moderation, these worms can be a beneficial addition to your beardie’s diet.
1: Half of the Worm’s Fat Level is Lauric Acid
Calci worms are rich in fat, with 52% being lauric acid. Lauric acid is a beneficial compound for both humans and animals, helping prevent viral diseases like the flu and infections. Properly feeding these worms to your pet can be highly helpful. They can meet your beardie’s essential fat requirements.
2: Calcium Promotes Skeletal Structure
Calcium is essential for baby, juvenile, and pregnant beardies. It supports their skeletal development and helps with proper growth in babies. For pregnant beardies, calcium boosts egg-laying ability. Feeding your pet calci worms in moderation offers these benefits. However, an excessive amount can disturb the calcium and phosphorus balance, leading to potential risks. We will explore these risks in more detail.
3: Taste Enhances Your Beardies Mood
Beardies love calci worms because they taste great. If you find tasty foods for them throughout the day, why not offer them? These worms provide essential nutrients while satisfying their taste preferences. Beardies enjoy the variety in their diet.
4: Easy to Maintain the Worms
Calci worms, unlike earthworms or nightcrawlers, require minimal attention. They can live at room temperature without food for several weeks. Keep them in the pot or jar from the store.
5: The Size is Easy to Digest
Calci worms can grow up to 1.5 cm in length. Whether small or medium, they are an excellent food choice for your beardie. The ideal size of food pieces for beardies is the length between their eyes, making calci worms a suitable option. Additionally, these worms are easy for your pet to digest.
3 Risks of Feeding Calci Worms to Bearded Dragons
1: Excessive Fat Causes Obesity
Calci worms are high in fat, which can harm your pet if fed in excess. Too much fat can lead to unnecessary weight gain. To avoid this, feed them in moderation and monitor your pet’s condition.
2: The Ratio of Calcium & Phosphorus is Not Compatible
The recommended calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is between 1:2 and 2:1. When phosphorus levels are too high, it can interfere with calcium absorption in the bloodstream. Conversely, excess calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease.
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in calci worms is 3.28:1, which can harm your bearded dragon. However, if fed in moderation, they are safe for your beardie.
3: Long Worms Lead Your Beardie to Complications
Consider the size of the worm before feeding it to your pet. An appropriately sized worm can prevent digestive problems, choking, and other serious health issues.
How to Feed Calci Worms to Your Bearded Dragons?
Beardies are naturally inclined to catch insects. However, your pet is unique and not wild. Therefore, you need to invest extra effort in its care.
Purchase from a Reputed-Shop
To start, purchase worms from a reputable, pet-friendly store. Avoid using calcium worms found in your yard or other locations.
Keep Them in Comfort
After receiving the worms, you can store them at room temperature until your bearded dragon is ready to eat them. No extra care is needed; keep them in the same jar.
Serve in a High Pot
To feed worms to your beardie, place them in a one-inch high pot to prevent escape. You can offer calci worms alongside other types of worms for balanced nutrition. However, they serve calci worms in smaller quantities than other nutritious foods.
Conclusion
Calci worms are safe for bearded dragons if you stick to the recommended feeding guidelines. Yes, they can eat calci worms, but moderation is key.
Before feeding your pet, it’s essential to consider the nutritional value and potential risks. Ensure to follow the proper quantity when offering worms with supplements, and establish a feeding schedule.
Even if the food is safe, constantly monitor your pet for any signs of adverse reactions. Every pet’s body responds differently.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat calci worms?
Yes, they can. However, consider both the size and frequency.
Do bearded dragons like calci worms?
“They love the taste.”
Are calci worms safe for Beardies?
Yes, it is safe if you don’t exceed the limit.
Can bearded dragons eat dead calci worms?
Dead worms lose their nutritional value, making them unsuitable for your pet. Avoid feeding them to ensure your pet gets the best nutrition.