Feeding your bearded dragon the right amount of black soldier fly larvae is crucial for their overall health and well-being. It may leave you wondering, “how many black soldier fly larvae should a bearded dragon eat?”
Worry not, because I’ve spent countless hours researching and gathering information to guide fellow pet lovers like you on this very topic.
In this blog, we’ll explore the appropriate number of black soldier fly larvae for bearded dragons at different life stages, tips, and factors.
So, let’s get started!
Number of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Should a Bearded Dragon Eat
The number of black soldier fly larvae required by a bearded dragon depends on their life stage. Here are five key points to consider when feeding black soldier fly larvae to your bearded dragon:
- Give baby bearded dragons 25-50 Black Soldier Fly Larvae daily, covering them with calcium and multivitamin supplements 4-5 times a week.
- Feed juvenile bearded dragons 15-30 Black Soldier Fly Larvae daily, supplemented with calcium and multivitamin powder 3-4 times a week.
- Supplement sub-adult bearded dragons with 10-20 Black Soldier Fly Larvae daily, dusted with calcium and multivitamin powder 2-3 times a week.
- For adult bearded dragons, provide 5-10 Black Soldier Fly Larvae daily and supplement them with calcium and multivitamin powder 1-2 times a week.
- Balance the bearded dragon’s diet by also offering a variety of vegetables, fruits, and other insects to ensure proper nutrition and health.
Factors Affecting Black Soldier Fly Larvae Consumption
Several factors can impact the number of black soldier fly larvae your bearded dragon should consume. Keep these variables in mind when determining the appropriate black soldier fly larvae quantity:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Larvae size
- Bearded dragon age
- Bearded dragon health
- Feeding frequency
- Competition with other food sources
- Environmental stress
- Behavioral factors
- Nutritional composition of the larvae
Feeding Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Bearded Dragons: A Guide for Each Life Stage
To help you better understand how many black soldier fly larvae to feed your bearded dragon during each stage of their life cycle, I’ve created a clear and concise table below.
Refer to this table as a guideline for black soldier fly larvae consumption based on your pet’s age:
| Life Stage | Age | Average Size | Black Soldier Fly Larvae Consumption |
Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Bearded Dragons | 0–3 months | 3–11 inches | 5-10 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
| Juvenile Bearded Dragons | 3–12 months | 11–16 inches | 10-20 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
| Sub-adult Bearded Dragons | 12–20 months | 16–20 inches | 10-15 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
| Adult Bearded Dragons | 20+ months | 18–24 inches | 5-10 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
Note: These figures are general guidelines. Monitor your bearded dragon’s weight and appetite to ensure they’re receiving proper nutrition.
1. How Many Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon (Hatchling)?
You can feed your 0-3 months old baby bearded dragon 5-10 Black Soldier Fly Larvae per feeding session. To ensure proper nutrition and growth, it is recommended to offer these feedings 3-5 times per day, allowing your young pet to consume an adequate amount of larvae throughout the day.
2. How Many Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Feed a Juvenile Bearded Dragon?
A juvenile bearded dragon aged between 3-12 months can be fed with 10-20 Black Soldier Fly Larvae per feeding session, and this can be done 3-5 times per day. This feeding schedule ensures that the young reptile receives adequate nourishment for healthy growth and development.
3. How Many Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Feed a Sub-adult Bearded Dragon?
A 12-20 months old sub-adult bearded dragon can be fed 10-15 Black Soldier Fly Larvae per feeding session. This can be done 3-5 times per day to ensure proper nutrition and support healthy growth for the bearded dragon.
4. How Many Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Feed a Adult Bearded Dragon?
An adult bearded dragon of 20+ months can be fed 5-10 Black Soldier Fly Larvae per feeding session, with 3-5 feeding sessions taking place daily. This ensures the bearded dragon receives an appropriate amount of nutrition while maintaining a healthy diet.
Feeding Tips
Feeding black soldier fly larvae to your beardie can be easy and efficient if you follow these helpful tips:
- Choose the right size larvae for your bearded dragon.
- Limit feeding to 3-5 larvae per meal, depending on age.
- Dust larvae with calcium and multivitamin supplements.
- Offer larvae with tongs or in a shallow dish.
- Observe your bearded dragon for signs of hearty eating.
- Alternate larvae feedings with other insect options.
Following these tips will make the process of feeding black soldier fly larvae to your bearded dragon easy, safe, and efficient, while ensuring they get the essential nutrients required for their health and growth.
Diversifying Your Beardies Diet
While focusing on one food item might seem convenient, it’s essential to provide your bearded dragon with a diverse diet to ensure proper nutrition and well-being. In this section, we’ll explore alternative insects, vegetables, and greens to create a balanced diet:
Insects:
Vegetables and Greens
- Collard Greens
- Butternut Squash
- Bell Peppers
FAQs
1. Why is My Bearded Dragon not Eating Black Soldier Fly Larvae?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating Black Soldier Fly Larvae due to various reasons, such as stress, illness, or simply being a picky eater. Environmental factors, such as improper temperature or lighting conditions, can also impact their appetite. It’s essential to closely monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and overall health, and consult with a veterinarian if the issue persists.
2. How do I Store Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Feeding?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating Black Soldier Fly Larvae due to various reasons, such as stress, illness, or simply being a picky eater. Environmental factors, such as improper temperature or lighting conditions, can also impact their appetite. It’s essential to closely monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and overall health, and consult with a veterinarian if the issue persists.
3. How to Feed Black Soldier Fly Larvae to a Bearded Dragon?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating Black Soldier Fly Larvae due to various reasons, such as stress, illness, or simply being a picky eater. Environmental factors, such as improper temperature or lighting conditions, can also impact their appetite. It’s essential to closely monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and overall health, and consult with a veterinarian if the issue persists.
Recommended Readings:
- How Many Blueberries to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Calci Worms to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Dandelions to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
By reading these articles, you can expand your knowledge on the best dietary practices for keeping your bearded dragon healthy and thriving throughout their life stages.
You can check other foods quantity that your beardie can eat by clicking here.
I hope you found this guide on feeding black soldier fly larvae to bearded dragons helpful.
I’d love to hear about your experiences and get your insights on bearded dragon care. Please feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and stories in the comments section below.
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