Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I adopted a bearded dragon(they think he's about three years old). He's been neglected and I'm sure abused, but not sure on the latter.
Anyway I'm concerned because he ate 2 dozen large crickets in under 5 minutes, 25 super worms in about 10 the next day and then another 2 dozen crickets the next day. I didn't see him regurgetate them and his stool is fine, good and solid. He also eats those pellets and licks his bowl clean. He's super hyperactive and I don't know whether or not the neglect has anythign to do with the way he eats or if he's just burning up what he eats with his hyperactivity... any sugestions?
please tell me.....I'm confused.

I know super worms have no real nutri.value and they're hard to digest, but that's all I had at te moment.

That's actually pretty normal. They have huge appetites, and one that has not been taken care of well might eat just because he went through times without being fed. Super worms are actually not that bad for adult dragons if fed in proper amounts. You should add a nice variety salad like collards, dandelion, escarole, mustard greens. Dark leafy greens with some nice orange veggies added like squash sweet potatoes are favorites around here, and put the pellets on top. At his age he should be eating more veggies, and greens. It might be a good idea to order crickets over the internet. It will save you lots of money on crickets to order from a place like reptilefood.com and buying them in quanity instead of going to a pet store for them. Good luck with the new dragon.
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They have less chitin then mealworms and a bit more protein and fat then crickets, although, crickets have more moisture.

Serving Size: 1 Zophobas Worm (Supers)
Amount/serving %

Moisture 58%
Ash 1%
Protein 19%
Fat 17%
Other 5%
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Crickets

Serving Size: 1 Crunchy Cricket
Amount/serving %

Moisture 75%
Ash 1%
Protein 17%
Fat 6%
Other 1%
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thank you... I just didn't know what to do. do you have any clue how to get him to eat veggies?

I'd cut back on the crickets and offer him more dark leafy greens. I only use the superworms as an occasional treat and not as a meal, as too many will mess their stomach up. I also would add to his greens a calcium/multivitamin supplement a couple times a week. Just a pinch. Don't overdo it. Many beardies are now being raised as crix-free. Although I choose this not for my animals, many herpers only feed their beardies the veggies. It is possible that you've obtained one of these and he's just in heaven with all the insects.
Now, I have a question for you. You said his stool looked fine. Have you taken a sample to the vet for examination. Many herpers would agree that looking fine & being parasite free are two different issues. Only a vet with experience can tell you if the stool REALLY LOOKS FINE.
Cricket

I guess the owner begore me gave him crickets.. he was treated a lot nice by the guy beofre me.. I dont' know if he'll eat greens. I dont' know if he's ever had them. I'll have to try it. I put the calcium powder on the crickets before i give them to him.
thanks for the advice.. I'll run out and get some greens today. and we'll see what the deal is.