Bearded dragons primarily consume insects and worms in their diet. Wild bearded dragons eat large quantities of insects due to their natural habitat. However, pet bearded dragons follow a more structured feeding schedule. In addition to insects, owners often include vegetables and fruits in their pet’s diet.
Nightcrawlers are a popular food choice for wild animals. But can bearded dragons safely eat nightcrawlers? It’s important to remember that your pet’s diet should differ from the wild diet, as you are responsible for their care.
You can feed your bearded dragon various insects, but safety should always be a priority. So, are nightcrawlers safe for your beardie?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Nightcrawlers?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat nightcrawlers. These worms are rich in protein and are found mainly in Europe and Asia. However, always purchase nightcrawlers from a reputable pet store. Please do not feed your beardie nightcrawlers from your garden, as they may not be safe. While nightcrawlers belong to the earthworm family, they differ in size and appearance.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Nightcrawlers?
You can feed your beardie up to 50 nightcrawlers per week. For younger beardies, limit it to 10-20 nightcrawlers weekly. It’s okay to offer nightcrawlers once a week, with a 4 to 5-day gap between feedings.
Bearded dragons need protein-rich meals to support their growth, especially for young ones who require four meals, including protein sources. Nightcrawlers are an excellent protein source, along with waxworms and silkworms.
Ensure you buy insects from a pet-friendly store. Insects from your yard may be contaminated with pesticides and parasites, which can harm your pet.
3 Benefits of Nightcrawlers for Bearded Dragons
Nightcrawlers, like other preferred insects such as crickets and butterworms, are an excellent option for your beardie. When fed in moderation, they can satisfy your pet without risking their health.
1: Water Quantity Provides Moisture to Your Beardie
Nightcrawlers live in soil and absorb a significant amount of water from the land, with 70%-90% of their body made up of water. The amount of water they absorb depends on their environment, with wetter areas allowing them to consume more. This high water content helps keep your pet hydrated and provides moisture for an extended period.
2: Protein Aids in Overall Growth
Your beardie requires ample protein for healthy growth, and nightcrawlers provide an excellent source. These insects are made up of 60% protein, which is ideal for bearded dragons.
3: Other Minerals Play Different Roles
Nightcrawlers are rich in minerals, living in the soil and absorbing nutrients from it. They contain essential minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and fats. Your bearded dragon will benefit from these minerals when it eats nightcrawlers.
Nightcrawlers provide 16% carbs, 7.8% fat, and 2% protein. These nutrients support your pet’s overall health in various ways.
3 Risks of feeding nightcrawlers to Bearded Dragons
Nightcrawlers can offer some benefits, such as a meal for your bearded dragon, but they also pose health risks. These risks can be significant, and it’s best to avoid feeding them to your pet once you’re aware of the potential dangers.
1: Nightcrawlers’s Size Cause Severe Health Complications
Your beardie requires small portions of food, with pieces no more significant than the gap between their eyes. However, nightcrawlers can be pretty long, some up to 14 inches, which can be harmful to your pet. If your beardie swallows a whole nightcrawler, it could lead to constipation or other serious health problems. Be mindful of the size when feeding them, and if unsure, it’s safer to skip the food altogether.
2: Pesticides Lead Your Pet to Various Diseases
Purchase well-bred nightcrawlers from the market. Garden insects are often contaminated with pesticides. If your beardie eats an insect from the garden, it consumes harmful pesticides along with the insect.
Even when serving fruit or vegetables, always wash them thoroughly. If nightcrawlers consume pesticides, there’s no safety for your pet. Pesticides can harm your beardie, leading to various health issues.
3: Parasite-Infested Nightcrawlers Cause Digestive Issues & Vitamin Absorption
Nightcrawlers eat various parasites such as protozoa, nematodes, and Platyhelminthes. Parasites can harm your pet’s health. If your pet eats an insect infested with parasites, it may face digestive issues, poor vitamin absorption, a weakened immune system, and overall health decline. You have two choices: buy insects from the market or avoid them altogether.
How to Feed nightcrawlers to Your Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons enjoy different types of insects. However, they often dislike the taste of nightcrawlers. If your beardie shows interest in them, you can offer them properly.
Purchase from a Reputed Shop
It’s essential to put in some effort to get a safe nightcrawler for your pet. If you’ve bought them from the pet store instead of collecting them from your garden, that’s a good step. If you know how to breed nightcrawlers, you can do so. Otherwise, buying them remains the best choice.
Wash Carefully
After collecting the insects, wash them thoroughly in clean water. Never feed your beardie without adequately washing their food.
Serve in a Bowl
Serve the insects in a bowl that’s easy for your beardie to access. If your pet likes them, it will eat them all. If any insects are left over, remove them promptly. Don’t leave uneaten insects in your beardie’s area, as they could harm your pet.
Conclusion
Before determining if bearded dragons can eat nightcrawlers, consider their preferences. Bearded dragons may not enjoy the slimy texture or bland taste of nightcrawlers.
Your beardie can eat a variety of insects safely, so feel free to select other options. Always research new foods before introducing them to your beardie’s diet.
You can also include fruits and vegetables in their meals. While they eat small portions, these foods provide essential vitamins and minerals for their health.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat nightcrawlers?
Yes, they can eat it, but you must buy the insect from a reputable pet food store.
Do bearded dragons like nightcrawlers?
Mostly, they dislike the taste.
Can bearded dragons eat Canadian nightcrawlers?
Canadian nightcrawlers are too long and unsafe for your beardie.