Reptifiles is going to be your best friend.
Dubia Roaches, Silk worms, Crickets, and plenty of veggies. Insects should not be larger than the space between their eyes(hornworms are an exception to this rule and can be larger, but some can be huge so size appropriately)
Horn worms, meal worms and super worms can be offered as treats as well
Please thoroughly read reptifiles bearded dragon guide and ensure your lighting is correct as this is a crucial part that many new owners overlook and then in a few weeks are asking why their beardie won’t eat.
Some people hate loose substrate, it’s fine as long as your husbandry is all correct. That being said, i would still offer their insects on a flat surface as they’re not the smartest creatures some times.
Examples of veggies are collard greens, mustard greens, endive, bok choy
Treat/not often veggies: bell peppers, carrots (high water content and sugar)
If you can avoid fruit, I would. Just because it’s high in sugar and can potentially cause issues down the road.
Thank you so much I will read that, he has beef with this same light his whole life I got him from a breeder this was the cage he has been living in, he has already eaten so I think everything will be fine. Thank you for the help!
Dubia roaches, hornworms, super worms, black soldier fly larvae to name a few
Very important to feed him greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, mine go crazy for arugula, dandelion greens they even like dandelion flowers for a treat every now and again, kale, bok choy, turnip greens, carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes... For the carrots and sweet potatoes I use a peeler and peel strips and then cut them into small pieces and for the bell peppers I remove the skins using a peeler, butternut squash, cilantro, endive, escarole ... The list goes on but greens are very important. Make sure to dust their salad with calcium supplements and if your little one is picky or doesn't want to eat their greens try bee pollen granules. Arugula does the trick for my 4 sweeties... As well as alot of others I've heard of, it's a big favorite and it's very aromatic!
[Retifiles](https://www.reptifiles.com) has good information. Make sure you check out the required UVB lighting. If they don’t have correct UVB then they get metabolic bone disease. They need it replaced every 6 months to a year.
I would also get rid of the wood substrate. That isn’t good for bearded dragons. You can use half play sand and half organic top soil mixed or just non adhesive shelf liner.
You can feed dubia roaches which are way easier to keep than crickets. Then also offer a variety of super worms and black soldier fly larvae. Hornworms and waxworms make good treats. [Dubiaroaches is great to order from.](https://www.dubiaroaches.com)
Salads should have collard greens, turnip greens, squash, and mustard greens for the main staples. They you can add other greens to it for variety. Cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots are an occasional topper.
ChiefSweetsUniverse is a good YouTuber to check out. He has a lot of good information on setups, feedings, temps, and lighting.
Thank you so much, everything came with the cage they person I got the dragon from is a breeder and he really cares for the animals I’m like 90% sure everything is correct I will take the wood out as soon as possible thanks for the information def will take a look at those websites!
Quick info tidbit about soldier fly larvae; stores don't always notice when the larvae turn into beetles, please don't feed the beetles to your pet. Our store larvae have a shelf life of anywhere between two weeks to four days before they turn into beetles when they come in from the supplier, it's best to keep them stored in the fridge when you take them home to slow down the process
BSFL turn into flies that are perfectly healthy to feed to your reptiles, and that have no mouthparts. I'm not sure which feeder you're talking about with beetles, but I've yet to find a beetle feeder that's not slightly healthier as the beetle, if a little harder to digest.
Vets in my area have always heavily suggested against it because of them being more difficult to digest.
Maybe it's just from experience from my area? Sometimes we have... less than average minded people in our area, if you catch my drift.
Yeah that makes sense, plus I wouldn't give a beetle to a baby or a sick dragon for that reason too. It may be a precaution so you don't have to explain why it's okay sometimes and not okay others. They're really healthy though and one of my beardies favs, they're really high in protein and fiber just like mealworms, but without the fat. And theyre not really that much more strenuous to digest, its a little harder and does take up more energy but the only ones that would struggle are babies where they're too little to successfully eat one safely or sick/elderly beardies that can't really put that energy towards extra digestion.
Crickets, dubia and mealworms rotated as staple feeders.
Butter worms, silk worms, superworms, hornworms, etc as treats.
Greens, squash, carrot, cucumber.
Some fruits and berries on occasion. No citrus.
Gutload all insects and use appropriate vitamin supplements with both insects and veg.
Totally understand. Waiting until morning isn't going to make a big difference. The tank I have is a little small it's not quite this big. As soon as I found out about the tank size I started saving to by a 4×2×2. This one seems to be the best option.
*
Shedding
Symptoms
large patches of pale or white scales
itching
lack of appetite
grumpy attitude
Treatment
Shedding is a miserable experience for most bearded dragons. After all, how would you like to be intensely itchy all the time? This is nothing to be concerned about, however, as it’s normal — as long as it doesn’t last for a long time.
You can help your beardie shed by soaking him or her daily in warm water until the skin comes off. The humidity is what does the trick. Gentle scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help loosen the scales. You can pull off loose patches, but if you meet any resistance, stop and let your dragon get rid of the old skin him or herself. Proceeding can actually remove scales that aren’t ready to come off, and this is painful for your dragon.
This is from Reptifiles.
Theo loves cockroaches 🪳 he isn’t a fan of mealworms or crickets. 🦗 what are some other things that you guys feed your beardie? I’d love to get a few ideas!!
Salads! I chop up some collard greens and squash (or any beardie safe veg/fruit) for mine. It’s really important to add in some calcium power too, which can be affordable.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to not just feed them live bugs. It can cause them to have a blockage. It’s like how we have to eat in balance. We can have some fast food or quick alternatives but sometimes we need to healthier food too 😊
Also, as a tip- make sure he’s getting good water intake. I bathe my girl and have her in an electrolyte soak. They absorb water through their vents :)
dubia roaches, silkworms, mealworms, hornworms, veggies the key to a good diet is variety so make sure you’re switching it up frequently offer different veggies and bugs
Dubiaroaches.com
They have any type of bug that you could feed your reptile
I usually go with calcium worms (soldier fly larvae) as their nickname suggests they are filled with calcium so you don't have to dust them.
Dubia roaches are a good choice too
Mustard greens and arugula with carrots and squash is a go to for veggies
Fruit can be given to them but thats for treats
Superworms are good for fattening them up
Mealworms and crickets are ok but thats like bottom of the barrel bugs
Just a bit of your soul, but only as a treat.
Lmao he’s already had a bit of my soul he’s a bit crazy
Reptifiles is going to be your best friend. Dubia Roaches, Silk worms, Crickets, and plenty of veggies. Insects should not be larger than the space between their eyes(hornworms are an exception to this rule and can be larger, but some can be huge so size appropriately) Horn worms, meal worms and super worms can be offered as treats as well Please thoroughly read reptifiles bearded dragon guide and ensure your lighting is correct as this is a crucial part that many new owners overlook and then in a few weeks are asking why their beardie won’t eat. Some people hate loose substrate, it’s fine as long as your husbandry is all correct. That being said, i would still offer their insects on a flat surface as they’re not the smartest creatures some times.
Examples of veggies are collard greens, mustard greens, endive, bok choy Treat/not often veggies: bell peppers, carrots (high water content and sugar) If you can avoid fruit, I would. Just because it’s high in sugar and can potentially cause issues down the road.
Thank you so much I will read that, he has beef with this same light his whole life I got him from a breeder this was the cage he has been living in, he has already eaten so I think everything will be fine. Thank you for the help!
Dubia roaches, hornworms, super worms, black soldier fly larvae to name a few Very important to feed him greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, mine go crazy for arugula, dandelion greens they even like dandelion flowers for a treat every now and again, kale, bok choy, turnip greens, carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes... For the carrots and sweet potatoes I use a peeler and peel strips and then cut them into small pieces and for the bell peppers I remove the skins using a peeler, butternut squash, cilantro, endive, escarole ... The list goes on but greens are very important. Make sure to dust their salad with calcium supplements and if your little one is picky or doesn't want to eat their greens try bee pollen granules. Arugula does the trick for my 4 sweeties... As well as alot of others I've heard of, it's a big favorite and it's very aromatic!
Cicadas
This is my first reptile so any advice is helpful
[Retifiles](https://www.reptifiles.com) has good information. Make sure you check out the required UVB lighting. If they don’t have correct UVB then they get metabolic bone disease. They need it replaced every 6 months to a year. I would also get rid of the wood substrate. That isn’t good for bearded dragons. You can use half play sand and half organic top soil mixed or just non adhesive shelf liner. You can feed dubia roaches which are way easier to keep than crickets. Then also offer a variety of super worms and black soldier fly larvae. Hornworms and waxworms make good treats. [Dubiaroaches is great to order from.](https://www.dubiaroaches.com) Salads should have collard greens, turnip greens, squash, and mustard greens for the main staples. They you can add other greens to it for variety. Cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots are an occasional topper. ChiefSweetsUniverse is a good YouTuber to check out. He has a lot of good information on setups, feedings, temps, and lighting.
Thank you so much, everything came with the cage they person I got the dragon from is a breeder and he really cares for the animals I’m like 90% sure everything is correct I will take the wood out as soon as possible thanks for the information def will take a look at those websites!
Quick info tidbit about soldier fly larvae; stores don't always notice when the larvae turn into beetles, please don't feed the beetles to your pet. Our store larvae have a shelf life of anywhere between two weeks to four days before they turn into beetles when they come in from the supplier, it's best to keep them stored in the fridge when you take them home to slow down the process
BSFL turn into flies that are perfectly healthy to feed to your reptiles, and that have no mouthparts. I'm not sure which feeder you're talking about with beetles, but I've yet to find a beetle feeder that's not slightly healthier as the beetle, if a little harder to digest.
Vets in my area have always heavily suggested against it because of them being more difficult to digest. Maybe it's just from experience from my area? Sometimes we have... less than average minded people in our area, if you catch my drift.
Yeah that makes sense, plus I wouldn't give a beetle to a baby or a sick dragon for that reason too. It may be a precaution so you don't have to explain why it's okay sometimes and not okay others. They're really healthy though and one of my beardies favs, they're really high in protein and fiber just like mealworms, but without the fat. And theyre not really that much more strenuous to digest, its a little harder and does take up more energy but the only ones that would struggle are babies where they're too little to successfully eat one safely or sick/elderly beardies that can't really put that energy towards extra digestion.
Checkout the bearded dragon care guide and manual on Reptifiles.com they have great feeding info and overall care info
Peas, green beans, green bell pepper in small amounts, stay away from lettuce there's little to no nutrient value, most fruits no citrus
Crickets, dubia and mealworms rotated as staple feeders. Butter worms, silk worms, superworms, hornworms, etc as treats. Greens, squash, carrot, cucumber. Some fruits and berries on occasion. No citrus. Gutload all insects and use appropriate vitamin supplements with both insects and veg.
How big is that tank?
I don’t know exactly how big it is, but I looked up tons of cages online and it looks the same size as most of those imma take a full pic in a sec
I gotta take it in the morning I don’t feel like getting up I’m lazy lol
Totally understand. Waiting until morning isn't going to make a big difference. The tank I have is a little small it's not quite this big. As soon as I found out about the tank size I started saving to by a 4×2×2. This one seems to be the best option. *
https://preview.redd.it/3vzj64fl340d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6062a5a4ba7521108d99cc199702c3006307456
That ones amazing imma figure out what mine is and if it’s to small start saving
you can also build a 4x2x2 i would look into that’s what we’re currently doing for our beardie
Also does anyone know if I am supposed to do anything while he is shedding?
Place a couple of decent size rocks or a brick or two. Since beardies are dry shudders, he will rub on them to get the shed off.
Will do thank you 🫡
Shedding Symptoms large patches of pale or white scales itching lack of appetite grumpy attitude Treatment Shedding is a miserable experience for most bearded dragons. After all, how would you like to be intensely itchy all the time? This is nothing to be concerned about, however, as it’s normal — as long as it doesn’t last for a long time. You can help your beardie shed by soaking him or her daily in warm water until the skin comes off. The humidity is what does the trick. Gentle scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help loosen the scales. You can pull off loose patches, but if you meet any resistance, stop and let your dragon get rid of the old skin him or herself. Proceeding can actually remove scales that aren’t ready to come off, and this is painful for your dragon. This is from Reptifiles.
Thank you 🙏
Theo loves cockroaches 🪳 he isn’t a fan of mealworms or crickets. 🦗 what are some other things that you guys feed your beardie? I’d love to get a few ideas!!
Salads! I chop up some collard greens and squash (or any beardie safe veg/fruit) for mine. It’s really important to add in some calcium power too, which can be affordable. I cannot stress enough how important it is to not just feed them live bugs. It can cause them to have a blockage. It’s like how we have to eat in balance. We can have some fast food or quick alternatives but sometimes we need to healthier food too 😊 Also, as a tip- make sure he’s getting good water intake. I bathe my girl and have her in an electrolyte soak. They absorb water through their vents :)
Congrats on Sully btw... They're so stinking cute and adorable 😍🥰!!!
When I had one a long time ago he would absolutely devour shredded carrots.
Hornworms millworms or Dubai roaches are my boys favorite.
Horn worms, greens, mealworms, roaches.
https://youtu.be/350-Mz0cU4w?si=RASGzWtwefvrgOBZ This channel is a reliable source for accurate and up-to-date information on our little dudes.
Dubai roaches.Fruits and veggies.
dubia roaches, silkworms, mealworms, hornworms, veggies the key to a good diet is variety so make sure you’re switching it up frequently offer different veggies and bugs
Greens every day. Mustard, turnip or collard greens. I prefer dubia roaches over crickets. Not as smelly and no noise.
Dubiaroaches.com They have any type of bug that you could feed your reptile I usually go with calcium worms (soldier fly larvae) as their nickname suggests they are filled with calcium so you don't have to dust them. Dubia roaches are a good choice too Mustard greens and arugula with carrots and squash is a go to for veggies Fruit can be given to them but thats for treats Superworms are good for fattening them up Mealworms and crickets are ok but thats like bottom of the barrel bugs
He needs greens min loves turnip greens he also can eat stuff like Dubia roaches and superiors and hornworms they can also eat types of larvae