Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Heylas All--
Well, I've been lurking around here for what seems like forever and never post much- mostly just search the forums for answers. But, I got a new beardie and have to share!!
She(i think)'s so cute. Tame and a great eater. And, I haven't searched for this, but if anyone feels like answering, they can- is it true (healthy) that you can stop feeding them crickets after 6 months or so?? I've had adult beardeds before, but he still ate crickets because I thought it was just part of the diet....I would be ecstatic if I could not use crickets. (Mostly cuz I hate when they escape and drive the cats batty. I much prefer superworms!)
Just wondering. Hopefully the pic will post!
Have a lovely day...

Nice little dragon

It is both true and untrue that you can stop feeding crickets at 6 months of age. It is untrue in the fact dragons that age are still growing and need the protein and energy they can get from crickets.

It is true (somewhat) that you don't need to use crickets at all. However, you still need to feed insects of lesser amounts as the dragon ages.

Healthy feed every day (or several times a day depending on age) insects other than crickets are: several species of roaches (for large adult roach species, the smaller and softer young are best to feed, use the same space between the eyes size rule with roachs as you do with crickets), silkworms, butterworms, phoenix worms (these are new in the market, haven't yet had a chance to research them for nutrition content and overall suitability for bearded dragons. They are basically fly larvae, like maggots), hornworms (captive bred ones, not wild caught...wild ones are toxic!), and superworms. Mealworms and waxworms can also be fed but sparingly and no mealworms to very young dragons (probably best not to feed mealworms till your dragon is at least 10" long and only small numbers...6-12 at the most at a time)

Once your dragon reaches 14 months only a few insects a day is required (typically no more than 10% of their daily diet as insects). A couple silkworms one day, supers another, some butterworms etc...gives a good variety and keeps your dragon interested in what his next insect meal will be and also helps him being picky.
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PHLdyPayne

Thats a cute little ?girl? and We'll definately need more pics as she ages! Good luck!