Feeding your bearded dragon the right amount of mealworms is crucial for their overall health and well-being. It may leave you wondering, “how many mealworms 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 mealworms for bearded dragons at different life stages, tips, and factors.
So, let’s get started!
Number of Mealworms Should a Bearded Dragon Eat
The number of mealworms required by a bearded dragon depends on their life stage. Here are five key points to consider when feeding mealworms to your bearded dragon:
- Give baby bearded dragons 25-50 mealworms daily as they require more protein for rapid growth.
- Feed juvenile bearded dragons 20-30 mealworms daily for a balanced diet and proper development.
- Supplement sub-adult bearded dragons with 10-20 mealworms daily to maintain energy levels and healthy weight.
- Limit adult bearded dragons to 5-10 mealworms daily due to their lower protein requirements and slower metabolism.
- Enhance the bearded dragon’s diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other insects to ensure optimal nutrition.
Factors Affecting Mealworms Consumption
Several factors can impact the number of mealworms your bearded dragon should consume. Keep these variables in mind when determining the appropriate mealworms quantity:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Mealworm size
- Mealworm freshness
- Bearded dragon age
- Bearded dragon health
- Bearded dragon activity level
- Frequency of feeding
- Diet variety
- Feeding environment
- Food competition
- Stress levels
Feeding Mealworms to Bearded Dragons: A Guide for Each Life Stage
To help you better understand how many mealworms 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 mealworms consumption based on your pet’s age:
| Life Stage | Age | Average Size | Mealworms Consumption |
Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Bearded Dragons | 0–3 months | 3–11 inches | 2-5 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
| Juvenile Bearded Dragons | 3–12 months | 11–16 inches | 5-7 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
| Sub-adult Bearded Dragons | 12–20 months | 16–20 inches | 4-6 per feeding | 3-4 times per day |
| Adult Bearded Dragons | 20+ months | 18–24 inches | 4-6 per feeding | 3-4 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 Mealworms to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon (Hatchling)?
You can feed your 0-3 months old baby bearded dragon 2-5 mealworms per feeding, and this can be done 3-5 times per day. This ensures that your young pet receives adequate nutrition and energy for healthy growth and development during these crucial early months.
2. How Many Mealworms to Feed a Juvenile Bearded Dragon?
A juvenile bearded dragon between 3-12 months of age can be fed 5-7 mealworms per feeding. This feeding can be done 3-5 times a day, ensuring that the bearded dragon receives an adequate amount of nutrients and sustenance for its growth and well-being.
3. How Many Mealworms to Feed a Sub-adult Bearded Dragon?
A 12-20 months old sub-adult bearded dragon can be fed 4-6 Mealworms per feeding, and this should be done 3-4 times per day to ensure they receive the proper nutrition and maintain good health. This feeding schedule and quantity provide them with the appropriate amount of protein and sustenance to support their growth and well-being.
4. How Many Mealworms to Feed a Adult Bearded Dragon?
An adult bearded dragon aged 20+ months can be fed 4-6 mealworms per feeding, and this can be done 3-4 times daily. This feeding schedule provides the bearded dragon with an adequate amount of mealworms while maintaining a healthy and consistent feeding frequency.
Feeding Tips
Feeding mealworms to your beardie can be easy and efficient if you follow these helpful tips:
- Choose appropriate mealworm size for your dragon’s age.
- Feed mealworms in a shallow dish to prevent escape.
- Dust mealworms with calcium and multivitamin supplements.
- Offer mealworms 2-3 times per week for balanced nutrition.
- Monitor your bearded dragon’s weight and adjust feeding accordingly.
Following these tips will make the process of feeding mealworms 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:
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Waxworms
Vegetables and Greens
- Collard Greens
- Butternut Squash
- Bell Peppers
FAQs
1. Why is My Bearded Dragon not Eating Mealworms?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating mealworms for several reasons, such as a lack of appetite due to stress, illness, or improper environmental conditions in their enclosure. Additionally, bearded dragons may sometimes develop individual taste preferences or get bored with a monotonous diet, so trying different insects or vegetables may encourage them to eat. It is important to monitor their overall health and consult with a reptile veterinarian if the issue persists.
2. How do I Store Mealworms for Feeding?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating mealworms for several reasons, such as a lack of appetite due to stress, illness, or improper environmental conditions in their enclosure. Additionally, bearded dragons may sometimes develop individual taste preferences or get bored with a monotonous diet, so trying different insects or vegetables may encourage them to eat. It is important to monitor their overall health and consult with a reptile veterinarian if the issue persists.
3. How to Feed Mealworms to a Bearded Dragon?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating mealworms for several reasons, such as a lack of appetite due to stress, illness, or improper environmental conditions in their enclosure. Additionally, bearded dragons may sometimes develop individual taste preferences or get bored with a monotonous diet, so trying different insects or vegetables may encourage them to eat. It is important to monitor their overall health and consult with a reptile veterinarian if the issue persists.
Recommended Readings:
- How Many Locusts to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Insects to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Hornworms 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 mealworms 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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