Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all-
I just became the proud papa of an Australian Water Dragon purchased from Agama International (whom I will strongly recommend to anyone) I have kept snakes and other wild animals all my life, and now as a career, but lizards are a new feat for me. I have done extensive research on them, but still retain one question that can only be answered by those with actual experience with the animals...are freeze dried crickets or mealworms a legit option for feeding my Aussie or should I always go with live ones? Also, how stressful is the presence of other animals to the dragon? I have a bobcat hybrid who has run of the house and also a crow I rescued as a hatchling (wierd pets I know, but I love em)....any help at all is greatly appreciated.

Cats and birds are both predadors to your dragon, they will probably terrify him, although over time he may get more used to them. I would keep the cat far away though, many dragons have been killed by pet cats. Live food is usually preferable since you can make sure they are properly gutloaded prior to feeding.
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she is totally right, gutloading is so beneficial, i too was tempted by the convenience of freeze dried insects, but my wd's showed no interest, i have seen zoo med i think makes a vibrating food bowl for just such issues, but i never tried it. if you choose to do so, vitamin dust, if no luck, try live, if your aussie still wont eat, it may be stressed by the presence of the cat/bird, try to minimize visual contact by creating visual barriers if thy cannot be totally seperated, i too love agama international, bert and hester are so nice and are very generous with their time, hope this helps, keelsey
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