Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can grass grubs be fed to dragons? My lawn is full of them, I have never sprayed my yard so they are pesticide free. I always dig them up but I didn't know if they were safe to feed so I just threw them away.

Can anyone answer?

Thanks

Even if outdoor bugs are not poisonous you take a high risk of parasites.

OK, I've never - intentionally - fed my dragons any wild-caught insects (they've snagged the occasional grasshopper when I've had them outside, though). I've always read that there is a danger of them (wild bugs) carrying harmful parasites, plus even though you may not spray your own yard, what are your neighbors spraying in theirs?

BUT... lately I've been thinking - how do I know the insects that I buy and breed myself aren't carrying just as many parasites as their wild brethren? In fact, given the conditions they are raised in, with hundreds or thousands of them constantly confined in a small space and intermingling, isn't there in reality a greater possibility of high parasite concentrations in domestic insects? Has anybody ever actually tested their insects for parasites, bacteria, etc, etc?

What do the rest of you think?

Hey,

I was wondering about the parasite thing but I'm comfortable with that as I've watched wild iguanas in my yard feed off of pill bugs and the same grass grubs, beetles and all kinds of other stuff. I just wanted to make sure they weren't harmful to beardies in particular. Plus I do feed other wild bugs (like my roaches).

I live in a very agricultural neighborhood. A lot of people grow their own fruits and veg and own cows and horses so no one sprays really.

I don't consider commercial insects "parasite free" hopefully just better than what is found outside. Generally it's recommended to have a fecal done on your dragon every 6-12 months.

I do reptile rescue and rehabilitation for Vet hospitals. About 50-75% that come in need to be treated for parasites. Mine that live here rarely test positive. I can't explain why, but, likely it is due to overall poor care by others.

In captivity cats live into their teens. Feral cats generally live less that 6 years mostly due to complications from parasites.