Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a quick question.... I know that you can feed a beardie an occasional pinkie, but can you feed them a small mouse, about the size of a rat pinkie, or is that not a good idea because of the fur?

Sincerely Papa G

A large adult dragon 'can' eat a fuzzy mouse but I don't recommend it. Pinkies should only be an occasional treat, once a month maybe if that.

I have fed my bearded dragon rat pinks and mouse pinks but on very rare occasions. I do it to give some variety more than anything. The bulk of his insect/animal protein is from an assortment of feeder insects (crickets, superworms, silkworms, hornworms and butterworms) with a daily salad of mixed greens.
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PHLdyPayne

PhLdyPayne, are you the admin here on this forum?

You have to remember also that reptiles can get bit from live feeder mice..........happens with snakes, im sure it could happen with a dragon also. I think occasional pinkies for adults are fine, but wouldnt feed anything larger than a pinkie.

fuzzy mice wouldn't have developed teeth yet...so shouldn't be a concern for biting. Hopper mice..which are about 20 days old, eyes are open...also have teeth, but still nurse and won't really start on solid foods for another week... and won't be fully weaned till 4-5 weeks old.

So pretty much if the pinky/fuzzy is still crawling and its eyes are closed, its not going to be a biting hazard. Even then I would still stick to mice pinkies or fuzzies, maybe day old rat pinks...as an occasional treat...not a weekly item. Unless you are helping a clutching female keep her weight up between clutches, though to be honest, probably far more fat/protien/calcium in dusted superworms by volume than a single pinky
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PHLdyPayne

he did say small mouse..........didnt he.... I think he did........didnt he lady????

Just kidding. I know, I was just referring to feeding "mice" thinking adults....or small mice.

I won't touch rats. Not since I got bit. Yep, I got bid real good, blood was dripping through the house as I chased the rat that was on the run. I was pissed. Never again.

He did say small mouse..about the size of a rat pinky. A rat pinky is about the same size as a mouse fuzzy. I have breed both over the years and at the same time so the size comparison is good. Of course there is variations but in general, the same size.

Been bit by rats, they hurt and bleed alot...like being hit by a narrow chisel. But still breed the rats as for the most part they don't try and bite me. OR at least they don't live long enough to give it to their young. I also only remove baby rats for feeding/freezing after I take all the adults out. Trying to grab pinkies while the mother is nursing them..guarentee to get bit and bit hard.
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PHLdyPayne

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't fuzzy mice more nutritious than mouse pinks. I think a full grown beardie can handle a fuzzies.

The same parts are there regardless of size so the nutrition should be about the same. The down side with fuzzies is the addition of hair which has no value and that as the babies age their bones get harder and stronger so they are harder to digest and thus a bigger impaction risk.

Beardeds usually won't eat mice if they are too big. They seem to be more attracted to pinkies. Plus, you don't want too feed anything that could bite back. Josh

Yes, that's why you feed frozen one. Mine will take frozen baby mice.