What to Feed Crickets for Bearded Dragon

Crickets are a common food source for bearded dragons, as they are a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. They should be offered to bearded dragons as a staple diet item but should be fed in moderation as a supplement to other food sources such as leafy greens and fruits. 

Crickets should be gut-loaded (fed a nutritious diet prior to feeding them to the dragon) to enhance their nutritional value and should be dusted with a calcium supplement to ensure proper growth and health. Crickets should be fed live to the dragon and should be appropriately sized for the dragon’s current size. It is also important to clean and sanitize the enclosure and feeder bowl regularly to prevent the spread of disease.

What to Feed Crickets for Bearded Dragon

When feeding crickets for bearded dragons, it is important to gut-load (feed) them with a nutritious diet prior to feeding them to the dragon. This can improve the nutritional value of the crickets and ensure that the dragon is getting all the necessary nutrients from their diet.

Some good options for gut-loading crickets include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and leafy greens.
• A high-quality cricket diet, which can be purchased at pet stores or online.
• Whole wheat bread, oats or cereal
• Scrambled eggs
• Carrot baby food

It is also important to dust the crickets with a calcium supplement before feeding them to the dragon to ensure proper growth and health.

It’s important to not overfeed the crickets, as they can die and rot in the enclosure, which can cause health problems for the dragon. Additionally, it’s important to avoid feeding the crickets anything that is toxic or potentially harmful to the dragon such as avocado, chocolate or caffeine.

How do I keep crickets alive for my bearded dragon?

Here are some tips on how to keep crickets alive for your bearded dragon:

1. Provide a suitable habitat: Crickets need a warm, humid environment to survive. You can use a plastic container with air holes or a mesh terrarium to house them. Make sure to provide a substrate such as coconut fiber or shredded paper for them to burrow in.
2. Keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent: Crickets thrive in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and humidity levels of around 60-70%. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the cricket’s enclosure.
3. Provide food and water: Crickets need a source of food and water to survive. You can feed them a high-quality cricket diet, fresh fruits, and vegetables, or whole wheat bread. You can provide water using a small dish or a sponge.
4. Keep the enclosure clean: Regularly remove any uneaten food and dead crickets to prevent odors and the spread of disease.
5. Monitor the population: Keep the number of crickets in the enclosure at a manageable level. Overcrowding can lead to stress, injury, and death of the crickets.
6. Keep an eye out for any signs of disease or infestations: If you notice any abnormal behavior or signs of disease, such as lethargy or discoloration, it’s best to separate the affected crickets and seek advice from a veterinarian or a pet store expert.

By following these guidelines, you should be able to keep crickets alive for your bearded dragon for an extended period. Remember that gut-loading the crickets with a nutritious diet before feeding them to the dragon will increase their nutritional value.

What is the best way to feed crickets to a bearded dragon?

The best way to feed crickets to a bearded dragon is to use a dish or a container specifically designed for feeding live insects. This will prevent the crickets from escaping and will also make it easier to clean up after feeding.

Here are some steps to follow when feeding crickets to a bearded dragon:

• Gut-load the crickets: Before feeding the crickets to the dragon, feed them a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours to improve their nutritional value.
• Dust the crickets with a calcium supplement: This is essential for the growth and health of the dragon.
• Offer the crickets to the dragon in a dish or container: Place the crickets in a dish or container and offer them to the dragon. Make sure the dish or container is not too deep, as the dragon may have trouble reaching the crickets at the bottom.
• Observe the dragon during feeding: Be sure to watch the dragon as it eats to make sure it is able to catch and eat the crickets. If the dragon is having trouble catching the crickets, you may need to offer smaller crickets or feed them by hand.
• Remove any uneaten crickets: After the dragon has finished eating, remove any uneaten crickets from the enclosure to prevent them from dying and rotting in the enclosure.
• Offer variety: Offer variety in the diet, not only crickets but also other insects, fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens to ensure the dragon is getting a well-balanced diet.

It’s important to note that while crickets are a great food source for bearded dragons, they should be offered in moderation and should be part of a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of other food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.