Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

at which size it will be good starting to give the baby beardeds superworms?
Would it be possible to feed a 23gram baby superworms?

Thanks, Kevin

Most people recommend waiting until a dragon is at least 12" long.

Why? Is it dangerous feeding superworms to babys?

Thanks, Kevin

They are to large for baby beardies and can cause impaction. I mean would you feed a baby a whole hotdog? ha. Are you sure you arent thinking about meal worms? I feel like its obvious superworms would be to large for small beardies. Also I think their young small digestive systems would have trouble digesting the hard shell.

superworms have a hard shell which isn't digestible and feeding a large superworm to a hatchling dragon can cause pressure against their spine and possible blockage if too many are given. Its not worth the risk, better to stick with crickets that are no bigger than the space between the dragon's eyes. Once your dragon is 12" long or longer, feeding superworms is far less a risk.

Mealworms I don't recommend mostly due to the fact they have very little 'meat' compared to exoskeleton. Phoenix worms are a far better choice for hatchling and small dragons not yet big enough for superworms. Small silkworms and butterworms are also a good choice of insect food as variety for very young dragons though well gut loaded and dusted appropriate sized crickets is still the best staple for a dragon's first 3-6 months. Dragons under 6 months of age eat so much insects, its often more cost effective to feed just crickets.
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PHLdyPayne

I feed my hatchlings mini superworms along with crickets. The key is to ease the dragons on to them. Feed them a couple each, a couple hours later a couple more, and so on. Too many initially will cause the dragon to gorge and throw up. After a few times of easing them onto the supers, they can be fed as much as they can eat. You can also feed the just molted "white" supers to just about any size bearded. They are soft at this stage and easy to digest. Babies can pull them apart too, if a couple are thrown into the cage.

Being that large crickets are less and less common because of the virus, I have no choice but to start feeding my juvies large supers. They also get eased on to them the same as the babies. Feeding them supers early in the day works well so they have the rest of the time to digest them.

One more thing...hydrate the supers well before feeding them out. It will make them easier to digest. Try carrots, cactus, etc.

Josh

Thanks for your advices.
Do you cut the head off by the baby beardeds? I heard that Superworms can bite.

Thanks, Kevin

Not at all. Dragons chew them up pretty good before they eat them. Never had any issues with super biting back.
Josh

Thanks.

Kevin

I do the exact same thing as pdragon...just a few at a time...when they are baby superworms. Superworms are so easy to care for,too. They can't climb,so dump them in a sterilite bin...even a sweater box. Add a container of oatmeal,wheat bran. Put a large carrot in,a leafy collard green and the supers will chow down. Just check any veggie matter to be sure it doesn't get moldy. I wash then pat dry the veggies I give to my superworms.