Feeding your bearded dragon the right amount of hornworms is crucial for their overall health and well-being. It may leave you wondering, “how many hornworms 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 hornworms for bearded dragons at different life stages, tips, and factors.
So, let’s get started!
Number of Hornworms Should a Bearded Dragon Eat
The number of hornworms required by a bearded dragon depends on their life stage. Here are five key points to consider when feeding hornworms to your bearded dragon:
- Give baby bearded dragons 20-30 small hornworms daily, alongside 2-3 feedings of 20-30 crickets each time.
- Feed juvenile bearded dragons 10-20 medium hornworms daily, along with 2 feedings of 15-20 crickets each time.
- Supplement sub-adult bearded dragons with 5-10 large hornworms daily, in addition to 1 feeding of 10-15 crickets.
- Provide adult bearded dragons 3-7 extra-large hornworms every other day, and 1 feeding of 5-10 crickets every other day as well.
- Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other insects in the bearded dragon’s diet for optimal nutrition.
Factors Affecting Hornworms Consumption
Several factors can impact the number of hornworms your bearded dragon should consume. Keep these variables in mind when determining the appropriate hornworms quantity:
- Availability of hornworms
- Age and size of bearded dragons
- Health of bearded dragons
- Feeding habits and preferences
- Temperature and environmental factors
- Frequency of feeding
- Nutritional requirements of bearded dragons
- Presence of alternative food sources
- Stress and behavioral factors
- Handling and care practices
Feeding Hornworms to Bearded Dragons: A Guide for Each Life Stage
To help you better understand how many hornworms 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 hornworms consumption based on your pet’s age:
| Life Stage | Age | Average Size | Hornworms Consumption |
Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Bearded Dragons | 0–3 months | 3–11 inches | 1-2 per feeding | 1-2 times per day |
| Juvenile Bearded Dragons | 3–12 months | 11–16 inches | 2-3 per feeding | 1-2 times per day |
| Sub-adult Bearded Dragons | 12–20 months | 16–20 inches | 3-4 per feeding | 2-3 times per day |
| Adult Bearded Dragons | 20+ months | 18–24 inches | 2-3 per feeding | 1-2 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 Hornworms to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon (Hatchling)?
You can feed your 0-3 months old baby bearded dragon 1-2 Hornworms per feeding, and offer these feedings 1-2 times per day. This ensures the proper nourishment and growth for your young pet while keeping a balanced diet.
2. How Many Hornworms to Feed a Juvenile Bearded Dragon?
A juvenile bearded dragon between 3-12 months old can be fed 2-3 Hornworms per feeding session. This can be done 1-2 times per day, providing a nutritious and appropriate feeding regimen for the young reptile’s growth and development.
3. How Many Hornworms to Feed a Sub-adult Bearded Dragon?
A 12-20 months old sub-adult bearded dragon can be fed with 3-4 Hornworms per feeding session and this can be repeated 2-3 times per day, ensuring that the reptile receives an adequate amount of nourishment and sustenance for its growth and well-being.
4. How Many Hornworms to Feed a Adult Bearded Dragon?
An adult bearded dragon aged 20+ months can be fed 2-3 Hornworms per feeding, 1-2 times per day. This feeding schedule provides the appropriate amount of nourishment for the bearded dragon while considering its age and dietary needs.
Feeding Tips
Feeding hornworms to your beardie can be easy and efficient if you follow these helpful tips:
- Choose appropriately sized hornworms for your bearded dragon’s size.
- Limit hornworms to occasional treats, due to their high moisture content.
- Hand-feed or use tongs for a controlled and interactive feeding experience.
- Allow the hornworm to wriggle, stimulating your bearded dragon’s hunting instinct.
- Always gut-load hornworms with a nutritious diet before feeding.
Following these tips will make the process of feeding hornworms 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 Hornworms?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating hornworms due to a variety of reasons such as being unfamiliar with this type of prey, feeling stressed, having a decreased appetite, or experiencing health issues. It is essential to ensure that your bearded dragon is kept in a suitable environment with proper temperature gradients and lighting, as well as offering a balanced diet and monitoring its health. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to a veterinarian specializing in reptiles for a professional evaluation.
2. How do I Store Hornworms for Feeding?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating hornworms due to a variety of reasons such as being unfamiliar with this type of prey, feeling stressed, having a decreased appetite, or experiencing health issues. It is essential to ensure that your bearded dragon is kept in a suitable environment with proper temperature gradients and lighting, as well as offering a balanced diet and monitoring its health. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to a veterinarian specializing in reptiles for a professional evaluation.
3. How to Feed Hornworms to a Bearded Dragon?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating hornworms due to a variety of reasons such as being unfamiliar with this type of prey, feeling stressed, having a decreased appetite, or experiencing health issues. It is essential to ensure that your bearded dragon is kept in a suitable environment with proper temperature gradients and lighting, as well as offering a balanced diet and monitoring its health. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to a veterinarian specializing in reptiles for a professional evaluation.
Recommended Readings:
- How Many Grapes to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Dubia Roaches 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 hornworms 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.
References:
