Can Bearded Dragons Eat Worms?

Introduction

Bearded dragons are increasingly common pet lizards, and their diet is an important part of their health and well-being. One of the most common questions new owners ask is whether bearded dragons can eat worms. The short answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind when feeding them worms.

Types of Worms for Bearded Dragons

Not all worms are created equal. Some worms are safe for bearded dragons to eat, while others can be harmful. The safest worms to feed your dragon are:

• Silkworms: These are the most nutritious and easily digestible worms for bearded dragons.
• Mealworms: These are a good source of protein, but they can be difficult for dragons to digest.
• Waxworms: These worms are high in fat, so they should only be fed as a treat.

Wild-caught worms should never be fed to bearded dragons. These worms may contain parasites or pesticides that can harm your dragon.

Feeding Frequency

How often you feed your bearded dragon worms will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Young dragons should be fed worms daily, while adult dragons can be fed worms 2-3 times per week.

Size of Worms

The size of the worms you feed your bearded dragon is also important. Baby dragons should be fed small worms, while adult dragons can eat larger worms. The worms should be no larger than the width of your dragon's head.

Nutritional Value

Worms are a good source of protein and fat for bearded dragons. However, they are not a complete diet. Bearded dragons also need to eat vegetables, fruits, and insects to stay healthy.

Table 1: Nutritional Value of Worms

Feeding Methods

There are two main ways to feed worms to your bearded dragon:

• Hand-feeding: This is the most direct way to feed your dragon worms. Simply hold the worm in front of their mouth and let them eat it.
• Bowl-feeding: This is a less messy way to feed your dragon worms. Place the worms in a shallow bowl and let your dragon eat them at their leisure.

Benefits of Feeding Worms

There are several benefits to feeding worms to your bearded dragon:

• High in protein: Worms are a good source of protein, which is essential for bearded dragon growth and development.
• High in fat: Worms are also high in fat, which provides energy for bearded dragons.
• Easy to digest: Worms are easy for bearded dragons to digest, making them a good choice for dragons with sensitive stomachs.

Risks of Feeding Worms

There are also some risks associated with feeding worms to your bearded dragon:

• Parasites: Wild-caught worms can contain parasites that can harm your dragon. It is important to only feed your dragon store-bought worms.
• Pesticides: Worms can also be exposed to pesticides, which can be harmful to bearded dragons. It is important to only feed your dragon organic worms.
• Obesity: Worms are high in fat, so feeding your dragon too many worms can lead to obesity.

Table 2: Pros and Cons of Feeding Worms

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that new beardie owners make when feeding them worms:

• Feeding too many worms: Overfeeding worms can lead to obesity and other health problems.
• Feeding wild-caught worms: Wild-caught worms can contain parasites that can harm your dragon.
• Feeding worms that are too large: Worms that are too large can be difficult for your dragon to digest.
• Feeding worms that are not nutritious: Some worms, such as waxworms, are not very nutritious and should only be fed as a treat.

FAQs

• Can I feed my bearded dragon earthworms?

No, earthworms can contain parasites that can harm your dragon.

• Can I feed my bearded dragon nightcrawlers?

Yes, nightcrawlers are a good source of protein and fat for bearded dragons.

• How often should I feed my bearded dragon worms?

Young dragons should be fed worms daily, while adult dragons can be fed worms 2-3 times per week**.

• What is the best way to feed worms to my bearded dragon?

The best way to feed worms to your bearded dragon is by hand-feeding or bowl-feeding**.

• What are the risks of feeding worms to my bearded dragon?

The risks of feeding worms to your bearded dragon include parasites, pesticides, and obesity.

• What are some other foods that I can feed my bearded dragon?

In addition to worms, bearded dragons can also eat vegetables, fruits, and insects.

Conclusion

Worms can be a healthy and nutritious part of your bearded dragon's diet. However, it is important to feed your dragon the right type of worms in the right amount. By following the tips in this article, you can help your bearded dragon stay healthy and happy.

References

• Bearded Dragon Nutrition
• Feeding Your Bearded Dragon