Rolly pollies, pillbugs, or woodlice are small, grayish-brown insects that roll into a ball when threatened. They are commonly found in damp areas, such as under rocks or leaf litter.
Can bearded dragons eat rolly pollies? Bearded dragons can generally eat most insects, so it’s natural to wonder if pillbugs are safe. Some bearded dragon owners advise against feeding rolly pollies, while others believe they can be a healthy addition to their diet.
If you decide to feed rolly pollies to your bearded dragon, you must know the potential risks. Taking precautions can help minimize any adverse effects.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies. These creatures, also known as woodlice, are not poisonous. They offer nutritional benefits, including protein, fat, and calcium.
However, rolly pollies should be fed sparingly. They contain high chitin levels, a substance that bearded dragons struggle to digest. Overfeeding rolly pollies may lead to digestive issues due to the excess chitin.
To avoid these problems, offer rolly pollies to your bearded dragon only as an occasional snack.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Rolly pollies (pillbugs, sowbugs, or woodlice) are highly nutritious for bearded dragons, so many owners feed them to their pets. However, it’s essential to consider how often they should be fed.
The frequency of feeding rolly pollies depends on your bearded dragon’s age, size, and activity level. It’s safe to offer them as a treat once or twice a week. In addition to rolly pollies, it’s crucial to include other insects in your beardie’s diet to ensure variety and balance. Moderation is key to avoiding any health risks.
2 Benefits of Rolly Pollies for Bearded Dragons
Roly-polies, or pill bugs, are commonly found in gardens and forests. These creatures provide a good source of protein and other nutrients for a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons primarily eat various insects in the wild, including rolly pollies and centipedes. As a result, bearded dragons are classified as insectivores.
1: Encourages the Hunting Instinct
Feeding rolly pollies to your bearded dragon can be beneficial. They help stimulate your dragon’s natural hunting instincts.
2: Rich in Protein
Rolly pollies, also known as pillbugs, are rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Protein plays a crucial role in supporting your bearded dragon’s immune function, making these insects a popular food choice for them.
2 Risks of Feeding Rolly Pollies to Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. In the wild, their diet is roughly 30% plant matter and 70% insects. They consume a variety of insects, such as rolly pollies and grasshoppers. While rolly pollies are a natural part of their diet, there are both benefits and risks to feeding them to your pet.
1: Risk of an Infesting Digestive System
It’s essential to take precautions when feeding rolly pollies to your bearded dragon. Rolly pollies can carry Salmonella, a bacteria that causes human food poisoning. They may also carry parasites that could infect your pet’s digestive system.
2: Risk of Severe Health Problems
Always buy rolly pollies from trusted dealers who maintain clean environments for their insects. Inspect before purchasing. Feeding wild rolly pollies can negatively affect your beardie’s health. It’s wise to consult a vet if you have any safety concerns about your pet.
How to Feed Rolly Pollies to Your Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons commonly eat Rolly pollies, pillbugs, or woodlice. In the wild, they provide a good source of protein for these reptiles. If you plan to feed them to your bearded dragon, follow the tips outlined below.
Collect it Yourself
Rolly pollies are commonly found in gardens and other outdoor spaces. Collect them yourself if you plan to feed them to your bearded dragon. It’s essential to ensure they are safe for your pet to consume.
Wash Them Thoroughly
It’s crucial to wash rolly pollies thoroughly before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Always ensure they are clean, as they may have come into contact with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Cook Before Feeding
Rolly pollies can carry bacteria and parasites that pose a risk to your bearded dragon. While it’s unnecessary, cooking them before feeding your pet is a reasonable precaution. Boiling the rolly pollies for a few minutes ensures no harmful bacteria or parasites are killed. After cooking, chop them into small pieces before offering them to your bearded dragon.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can technically eat rolly pollies, but experts generally advise against it. Rolly pollies are not part of their natural diet and may not offer the necessary nutrients. Additionally, they could carry harmful bacteria or parasites that could make your bearded dragon sick. If you feed them, consult a veterinarian and closely monitor your pet. Offer rolly pollies in moderation.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat rolly pollies?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies, which are safe for them. However, you should avoid giving them too many pill bugs, as they may contain harmful bacteria.
Do bearded dragons like rolly pollies?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating rolly pollies. In the wild, their diet includes a variety of insects, and rolly pollies are among the insects they naturally consume.
Are rolly pollies safe for beardies?
Rolly pollies provide proteins and other nutrients but may also carry harmful bacteria and pesticides. It’s essential to feed them in moderation.
Can bearded dragons eat dead rolly pollies?
Dead rolly pollies offer fewer nutrients than live ones. Feeding dead rolly pollies to your bearded dragon won’t benefit them.
Are wild rolly pollies safe for my bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons have a diverse diet that includes insects, vegetables, and fruits. However, avoid feeding them wild-caught rolly pollies. These insects are often found in areas treated with pesticides or herbicides and may carry parasites.