When do dragons transfer to more plant matter

[Slawson]

Hi guys!

Gobi is growing nicely, I assume he’s about 6 months old. Picture of him at most current weigh in. He is seeming a little less interested in his bugs lately, but has been eating all of his salad most days. So my question, when do u start offering less bugs? And how many times a week do u feed bugs when that time comes. Any information regarding this is highly appreciated. Thanks everyone. Hope 2021 is treating u well.
[Click image to enlarge]

[CooperDragon]

It's great that he is eating his salads. That will help him get plenty of nutrients. I would continue to offer salads every day, but also a feeding of bugs every day for now. He is still not fully grown at 346g. They usually reach full size between 18-24 months, but it varies. Same goes for the feeding schedule. Once they are fully grown, they need less protein but this is a gradual change and varies between dragons. I usually recommend cutting back on bugs slowly between about 12-18 months. At 12 months maybe offer bugs every other day, then every third day etc. This is certainly not a set in stone rule, but an opinion and general suggestion based on my experience. I give my adult a bug meal once or twice a week (sometimes more, sometimes less) depending on his mood and appetite. He eats his veges every day and is nice and healthy. Sometimes if I have treats like hornworms or BSFL on hand I'll give him a few every day as treats while they are on hand. Others will have different experience and suggestions that are certainly worth taking into consideration and applying to your situation.

[Slawson]

Thank you for the info! Super useful. How does he look to you? Healthy? Weight ok for a six month old?

[CooperDragon]

He looks good to me based on that photo

[kingofnobbys]

It try to get my bearded dragon onto some shredded greens and finely chopped veg from the getgo as hatchlings ( in that these are always available in their rearing tub as hatchlings ). If they eat any it this stage I regard is as a bonus.

I slowly move to more greens ( in particular ) + chopped veg as they mature ( mostly from their 1st BD ) , but again I don't obsess over any lack of interest if they turn their noses up at greens and veg because my live insect staples when my dragons are young include
> gut loaded crickets ( same greens and same vegs )
> BSFL
> silkworms ( raised on mulberry leafs )
so I know they are getting all the vits, minerals they need.
As my dragons become subadults ( 18 months - 30 months ) I move to live insects every other day with greens and veg alterative days , and I allow one day of fasting per week.
ie

Fasting ,
V
then bugs ,
V
then greens & veg ,
V
then bugs ,
V
then greens & veg and recycle ^ again.