Feeding your bearded dragon the right amount of pinkies is crucial for their overall health and well-being. It may leave you wondering, “how many pinkies 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 pinkies for bearded dragons at different life stages, tips, and factors.
So, let’s get started!
Number of Pinkies Should a Bearded Dragon Eat
The number of pinkies required by a bearded dragon depends on their life stage. Here are five key points to consider when feeding pinkies to your bearded dragon:
- Give baby bearded dragons 20-30 crickets daily, ensuring they are no bigger than the space between the dragon’s eyes.
- Feed juvenile bearded dragons 20-50 crickets daily, with crickets sized properly for their growing heads.
- Supplement sub-adult bearded dragons with 30-50 crickets every other day, adjusting for size as they mature.
- Offer adult bearded dragons 30-50 crickets 2-3 times a week, ensuring they maintain a proper weight and are not overfed.
- Balance bearded dragon diets by including various vegetables, fruits, and the appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements.
Factors Affecting Pinkies Consumption
Several factors can impact the number of pinkies your bearded dragon should consume. Keep these variables in mind when determining the appropriate pinkies quantity:
- Availability of bearded dragons
- Pinkies’ natural instincts and preferences
- Size of the bearded dragons
- Frequency of feeding
- Environmental conditions
- Nutritional requirements
- Health status of pinkies
- Health status of bearded dragons
- Competition for food sources
- Presence of alternative food sources
Feeding Pinkies to Bearded Dragons: A Guide for Each Life Stage
To help you better understand how many pinkies 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 pinkies consumption based on your pet’s age:
| Life Stage | Age | Average Size | Pinkies 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 | 1-2 per feeding | 3-5 times per day |
| Sub-adult Bearded Dragons | 12–20 months | 16–20 inches | 1-2 per feeding | 3-4 times per day |
| Adult Bearded Dragons | 20+ months | 18–24 inches | 1-2 per feeding | 2-3 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 Pinkies to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon (Hatchling)?
You can feed your 0-3 months old baby bearded dragon 1-2 Pinkies per feeding session, with a frequency of 1-2 times per day. This provides your young pet with appropriate nourishment and maintains a healthy growth rate.
2. How Many Pinkies to Feed a Juvenile Bearded Dragon?
A juvenile bearded dragon aged between 3-12 months can be fed with 1-2 Pinkies per feeding session. This feeding can take place 3-5 times a day to ensure the reptile receives adequate nourishment for its growth and development during this period.
3. How Many Pinkies to Feed a Sub-adult Bearded Dragon?
A 12-20 months old sub-adult bearded dragon can be fed 1-2 Pinkies per feeding session, with a total of 3-4 feeding sessions per day. This ensures an adequate and balanced diet for the growing reptile, while also providing proper nourishment for its overall health and well-being.
4. How Many Pinkies to Feed a Adult Bearded Dragon?
An adult bearded dragon of 20+ months can be fed 1-2 Pinkies per feeding, with feedings occurring 2-3 times per day. This frequency and quantity of Pinkies provide the bearded dragon with the appropriate nutrition it needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Feeding Tips
Feeding pinkies to your beardie can be easy and efficient if you follow these helpful tips:
- Defrost pinkies completely before feeding to ensure proper digestion.
- Feed pinkies in moderation, not as a staple diet for your bearded dragon.
- Use tongs or tweezers to hold and offer pinkies to avoid accidental bites.
- Monitor your bearded dragon closely during feeding to ensure proper swallowing.
- Remove any uneaten pinkies promptly to maintain a clean habitat.
Following these tips will make the process of feeding pinkies 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 Pinkies?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating pinkies (baby mice) because they are not a natural part of their diet. Bearded dragons are primarily insectivores, with their diet consisting of staple insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits. While they might occasionally consume small vertebrates in the wild, it is not a significant part of their nutritional needs. Additionally, pinkies can be difficult for them to digest and may cause impaction or other health issues. It is best to provide a balanced diet of appropriate insects and plant-based foods suited for bearded dragons.
2. How do I Store Pinkies for Feeding?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating pinkies (baby mice) because they are not a natural part of their diet. Bearded dragons are primarily insectivores, with their diet consisting of staple insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits. While they might occasionally consume small vertebrates in the wild, it is not a significant part of their nutritional needs. Additionally, pinkies can be difficult for them to digest and may cause impaction or other health issues. It is best to provide a balanced diet of appropriate insects and plant-based foods suited for bearded dragons.
3. How to Feed Pinkies to a Bearded Dragon?
Your bearded dragon may not be eating pinkies (baby mice) because they are not a natural part of their diet. Bearded dragons are primarily insectivores, with their diet consisting of staple insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits. While they might occasionally consume small vertebrates in the wild, it is not a significant part of their nutritional needs. Additionally, pinkies can be difficult for them to digest and may cause impaction or other health issues. It is best to provide a balanced diet of appropriate insects and plant-based foods suited for bearded dragons.
Recommended Readings:
- How Many Nutrigrubs to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Mealworms to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- How Many Locusts 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 pinkies 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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