Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what is the best way to get juvies to switch to rep-cal all my adults eat it and it makes life alot easier, just wanted to get babies to eat as well, as i dont care for crickets so much
thanks in advance

I am assuming you mean rep-cal pellets and not the multivitamin/calcium powder made by the same company.

Not all dragons will eat pellets. The only way to get them to try pellets is to add some to their salad, or hand feed them.

The brightly colored pellets (I can't remember the name of the company that makes it) seem to be more accepted than the 'rabbit pellet' looking ones.

If you are getting tired of feeding crickets, pellets are not a suitable substitute for crickets. They are more an addition to a normal healthy diet, not a replacement. They are too dry to be a good regular source of food. You really have to make sure your dragons are well hydrated if fed pellets, even pellets soaked in water.

Other insect foods that can be given to your dragon are phoenix worms (great for young dragons), small to large silkworms (depending on size/age of dragon), hornworms, superworms (sparingly) and various species of roaches (for young dragons, aim for the smaller softer shelled roaches, and feed the babies, instead of adults).

If your dragons eat them, the 'cooked in the can' canned insects (can 'o series) can also be used for variety. Just keep in mind that not all dragons will eat 'dead' insects but with some hand feeding or wiggling, they may accept them.
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PHLdyPayne

I think you'd have a tough time finding someone who likes crickets or other live food. It's just part of doing the right thing for the animal. If you couldn't handle the live food then a herbivor would maybe be a better pet for you. It's kinda like saying it would be easier to feed your kids delivery pizza every day. They'll survive but their nutrition will be seriously lacking.

have any of you done research on repacal bearded dragon food the juvie formula is made to help beardies grow, its been in my experience that when my juvies have made the switch to the pellets they grow at a much faster rate and are very healthy, without having to supplement with crickets, however i do supplement with greens and offer plenty of fresh water, beardies are smart and dont need to be misted throuought the day to get their fluids they are plenty capable of drinking from a dish. ALL of my adults i have had since being hatchlings, all of them feed on the adult formula pellets and thrive i have been keeping beardies for over 10 years this way and have had NO ill effects.
I am not saying this is the only way to keep beardies, but it is an alternative and seems to be a good one