Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms? Benefits & Risks (Answered 2023)

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Picture a bearded dragon in the wild, its keen eyes scanning for prey. In seconds, it spots something small and wriggling – a hornworm! But can bearded dragons eat hornworms? Sure they can. Hornworms are an excellent source of protein with low fat content, making them perfect for supplementing your beardie’s diet.

Plus, their high moisture content helps keep your pet hydrated during those hot summer months! Of course, there are risks associated with feeding hornworms to your beardie as well – too many worms may be harmful due to their phosphorus levels.

That’s why it is important that you understand the benefits and risks involved before introducing this tasty snack into your pet’s diet plan.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?

You’ll be delighted to discover that hornworms make for an excellent occasional treat for your bearded dragon friend. They offer up loads of moisture and calcium to support their health, as long as you keep portions small.

Hornworms contain ample calcium, which is beneficial for promoting strong bones and preventing metabolic bone disease.

However, it’s important to limit treats to 2-3 times weekly, as too much protein can cause gout. To prevent impaction, only offer hornworms that are narrower than the space between your dragon’s eyes. For juveniles, it’s recommended to sprinkle the hornworms with calcium powder before feeding.

For adult bearded dragons, an occasional hornworm provides a nice nutritional boost and adds excitement to mealtime.

How to Feed Hornworms to Your Beardie?

Transition from previous subtopic: Hornworms offer important nutritional benefits for bearded dragons but must be fed properly to maximize those benefits while minimizing potential risks.

When feeding hornworms to your beardie, follow these tips:

• Use feeding tongs to offer 1-2 appropriately-sized hornworms 2-3 times per week. Avoid overfeeding.
• Make sure hornworms are no wider than the space between your dragon’s eyes to prevent impaction.
• Dust them with calcium powder just before feeding to balance their phosphorus levels.
• Offer hydration like misting or fresh greens after feeding since hornworms have high moisture content.
• Monitor your dragon for signs of impaction like appetite loss or difficulty moving if concerned about hornworm exoskeletons.
• Rotate feeder insects like dubia roaches and crickets to ensure a balanced, diverse diet.
• Adjust portion sizes and frequency based on your dragon’s age and appetite.

Following these feeding techniques will allow your bearded dragon to enjoy hornworms safely.

Are Hornworms Good for Baby Bearded Dragons?

Little ones are fine with hornworms on occasion, but they have different nutritional demands than adult beardies, so it is important to follow guidelines. Offer appropriately-sized hornworms just 2-3 times each week and combine them with other insect feeders daily to supply complete nutrition.

Babies need much more protein and fat than adults do in order to grow, so a varied diet is necessary to prevent obesity and support proper bone formation. Never make any single feeder the sole diet, and track weight weekly to adjust the diet as needed.

Stimulate appetite with movement, and naturezoneappetite drops can help picky eaters as well.

Where to Buy Hornworms?

Look for hornworms at local pet stores or reputable online reptile feeder sellers. Some great options are reptile shows, breeders at herpetological societies, or online stores like Rainbow Mealworms, Dubia Roaches, or Carolina Pet Supply.

When purchasing, opt for smaller hornworms no bigger than the space between your beardie’s eyes to prevent impaction. Ensure they are alive, healthy, and from a clean facility. Research sellers’ practices for raising and caring for feeders.

Once home, house hornworms in an open container with hydration gel and vegetables for 1-2 weeks max. Feed them fresh greens daily. Then offer 2-3 hornworms to your adult dragon 2-3 times per week. Hornworms make an excellent occasional treat, so buy them in smaller quantities as needed.

With the right hornworm sources and sizes, you can provide great protein, calcium, and moisture benefits.

How to Store Hornworms?

You’ll want to keep hornworms in the fridge in a ventilated container lined with paper towels that you change out daily – this prevents bacteria growth and keeps them alive longer before feeding.

Feed hornworms to your bearded dragon within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness and nutrition. Store-bought hornworms don’t live long, so buy them in small quantities right before feeding.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?

You’d better use calcium powder when feeding superworms to your bearded dragon. Superworms offer beneficial protein and moisture, but their phosphorus content risks inducing metabolic bone disease. Schedule superworm treats just once or twice weekly for adult dragons. Feed no more than 2-3 appropriately-sized superworms per serving.

Prior to feeding superworms, coat them with calcium powder to prevent deficiency. Superworms work well as an occasional treat, but locusts, crickets, and roaches make healthier staples.

While superworms tempt juveniles, their high fat content can spur obesity. Stick with daily staples like small crickets, avoiding any feeders wider than the space between your juvenile’s eyes. Metabolic bone disease poses grave dangers, so use superworms sparingly and with ample calcium for your bearded dragon’s lifelong bone health.

How Many Superworms for Bearded Dragons?

Now that you’re well-versed in the superworm diet for bearded dragons, let’s delve into the intriguing world of hornworms. These plump, green larvae can be a tempting alternative to superworms, offering their unique set of benefits and risks.

Balancing superworms and hornworms in your bearded dragon’s diet can provide a well-rounded nutrition plan.

How to Feed Superworms to Your Bearded Dragon

Grab some tweezers and offer your bearded buddy a couple of superworms twice a week.

Use tweezers or tongs to pick up superworms – their mandibles can pinch.

Offer 2-3 appropriately sized worms per feeding.

Gently wiggle the worm to stimulate striking and feeding response.

Superworms provide protein, fat, and hydration when given occasionally. Limit treats to avoid obesity and impaction from their tough exoskeletons.

Follow dietary guidelines for your dragon’s age and watch for signs of deficiency or toxicity.

With the right care, superworms can be a fun part of a balanced bearded dragon diet!

How to Keep Superworms for Bearded Dragons

Look into storing your superworms properly to keep them healthy for feeding your bearded dragon.

Monitoring their environment allows superworms to grow big and strong to offer the best nutrition possible for your bearded dragon. Selecting quality feeder insects is key for proper reptile hydration and nutrition.