Feeding live worms is a beneficial choice for bearded dragons. Worms are nutrient-rich and essential for their growth. Bearded dragons, an exotic species, thrive on a balanced diet and a favourable environment.
As omnivores, bearded dragons eat meat, vegetables, and fruits. But can they eat hornworms? Are hornworms safe for them? Hornworms can be an excellent addition to their diet.
Hornworms provide water, calcium, and protein, meeting a bearded dragon’s nutritional needs. Let’s explore whether feeding hornworms to bearded dragons is safe.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat hornworms. These small, jiggly worms are an excellent source of protein and are often loved by beardies. Hornworms can be blended into their food to enhance their nutritional value, especially as they are rich in calcium, water, and protein. However, they should only be fed occasionally, which is ideal after brumation. Feeding live hornworms can make the meal even more appealing, as bearded dragons enjoy eating live insects.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?
Adult bearded dragons should consume 20-50 hornworms daily once a month. If fed occasionally, provide 9-15 hornworms per week. Feed your adult bearded dragons at least 3 to 5 times weekly, preferably in a three-day rotation.
Many bearded dragon owners wonder how often and how many worms they feed their pets. Overfeeding can lead to life-threatening health issues, so knowing the correct feeding amounts is crucial.
If you’re new to feeding bearded dragons, begin with vegetables and fruits on the first day. From the second day, worms are gradually introduced to their meals.
Taking necessary precautions while feeding hornworms ensures your bearded dragon remains healthy and active throughout its life.
How Many Hornworms To Feed Bearded Dragons
You should feed your bearded dragon 20-50 hornworms per month. For weekly feeding, 9-15 hornworms are ideal.
Bearded dragons don’t need worms daily. Instead, they include vegetables and fruits in their diet. Worms should only be an occasional addition. In limited amounts, they make an excellent treat.
Overfeeding worms can cause organ failure, which may result in death.
Other worms like super, and calcium can also be added to their diet.
3 Benefits of Hornworms for Bearded Dragons
Young bearded dragons are more inclined toward being insectivores compared to adults. Providing them with food can feel rewarding. However, repeatedly offering the same diet can lead to boredom. It’s recommended to include a variety of insects in their meals. Bearded dragons enjoy the crunchy and jiggly texture of bugs. Here are the nutritional benefits insects provide for them:
1: Good Calcium Level Aids in Bone and Muscle Development
Bearded dragons need sufficient calcium for healthy bone and muscle growth. Without enough calcium, they risk developing metabolic bone disorders. Adding calcium to their diet is essential. Hornworms, rich in calcium, are an excellent dietary addition.
2: Nutritional Value Will Not Make Obese
You don’t need to worry about fat intake for bearded dragons. They won’t become obese from eating worms. However, ensuring they receive the proper quantity of worms in their diet is essential. While beardies may gain weight after consuming fats, managing fat intake adequately is key. Worms provide good nutritional value, helping to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being for your pet dragon.
3: Water Content Helps in Hydration
Bearded dragons require moisture to adapt to heat and environmental changes. Hornworms are an excellent choice as they are rich in moisture, helping maintain hydration levels for your bearded dragon.
2 Risks of Feeding Hornworms to Bearded Dragons
Feeding hornworms to bearded dragons carries certain risks, some of which can be life-threatening. It’s best to avoid these risks altogether. Below are the potential dangers of feeding hornworms to bearded dragons:
1: Low Levels of Protein Make it Not Good for Baby Beardies
Protein is essential for the growth and development of bearded dragons. Hornworms contain only 9% protein, making them suitable for adult bearded dragons who require less protein. However, baby bearded dragons need a higher protein intake for proper development.
2: Moisture Content can Lead to Diarrhea
Bearded dragons need adequate moisture for healthy growth. A deficiency in any nutrient can lead to health problems. However, too much humidity can cause diarrhoea.
How to Feed Hornworms to Your Bearded Dragons?
Feeding habits play a crucial role in improving the diet of bearded dragons. Encouraging them to search for food or engage with puzzles can enhance their nutritional intake. Before feeding your bearded dragon, consider a few essential factors. Bearded dragons enjoy eating insects, whether alive or dead.
Dangling Food, Good Stimulation
Worms are jiggly and slippery, moving in a zig-zag pattern on the ground. Hornworms display a similar motion, which catches the attention of beardies. This makes them use their tongues to grab the worms. Beardies enjoy the crunchy taste of insects. To feed them, pick the worms with tweezers.
Mix With Other Ingredients
Always mix worms with other food items for a balanced diet. Including fruits and vegetables helps maintain the nutrient levels in your bearded dragon’s body. Aim to add three to four different items to the plate. Let your beardie decide what to eat first.
Conclusion
Feeding an animal can be both satisfying and challenging. Like humans, bearded dragons can’t eat certain foods due to potential adverse effects on their bodies. However, they do enjoy eating hornworms. So, the question of whether bearded dragons can eat hornworms is answered. Providing high-quality food helps maintain their health and can extend their lifespan.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat hornworms?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat hornworms, Which are highly nutritious. Feeders should provide 20-40 worms daily to boost their protein intake.
Do bearded dragons like hornworms?
Yes, bearded dragons enjoy hornworms. However, adult beardies do not require insects every day.
Are hornworms safe for bearded dragons?
Hornworms are safe for bearded dragons. They are high in calcium and have a high water content, making them a suitable food choice.
Can bearded dragons eat dead hornworms?
Feeding a dead insect generally doesn’t lead to issues unless the insect is fresh in the body. If the insect has been dead for a few days, it’s best not to feed it. In some cases, feeding a dead insect can lead to parasite infestations.
Can bearded dragons eat hornworm moths?
Yes, beardies can eat hornworm moths, provided the insect is the right size to ingest safely. Otherwise, it is best to avoid feeding them such insects.