changing diets?

[vsbeardies]

I recently got two beardies, and they are basically on a diet of mustard greens, kale and crickets. I would like to add a little more variety for them, and I am wondering how I would go about that? I know with some animals, you need to do switches slowly. I did give them a little grated carrot today, which I saw on the "ok occasionally" list, and they chowed it down.

I have a list of good staple foods and the occasional foods from here: http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html

Id love to be able to give them something new!

Thanks so much

 

[vsbeardies]

And if someone knows approx. how many phoenix worms, that approx. 2 yr old adults would need a week, that would be great! Im wanting to make an order soon, as I cannot find any locally! And if you feed mainly a worm diet, if you could give me an example? Im hoping to get away from too many crickets and I think they would do better on the worms.

 

[ronni1221]

All phoenix worms come from the Phoenix Worm Location: http://www.phoenixworm.com/servlet/StoreFront. No matter what site you order from, this is where they come from. So you're best off going directly to this site to order. They'll be fresh and clean!

As for the amount to feed, I'm not sure. These worms are REALLY small, so I imagine they can eat quite a bit.

See if you can find waxworms, hornworms or roaches nearby. My Brutus LOVES his waxworm treats!

 

[ronni1221]

Oh yeah, there's also butterworms and silkworms. So many worms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Variety is the spice of life- your beardie will love when you switch things up a little bit and give him an extra wormy treat.

 

[vsbeardies]

Thanks I just didnt want to hurt them if I offered new things!

I tried a little of the homemade squash baby food I made, and so far, it seems a hit! Dont know if its because its orange or not LOL

 

[ronni1221]

Ya know, no matter how much everyone raves how much their beardies like orange foods, my Brutus won't touch them! He just looks at me like I'm crazy!
This is Brutus with sweet potato I put on his nose to try to get him to actually try it. He just sat there with it on his nose for 30 min, and never even tried to get it off until I did it for him. He's so picky. hehe.

 

[vsbeardies]

Thats so funny!

I put a spoonful of the squash in there, and I didnt even get it to the bowl and one of them was eating it.

Do any of you feed cactus? One of our stores has it and I see its a good staple. Im going to go search now

 

[peera]

Gibby and Miss Priss adore cactus. You have to be careful about removing the evil little spikes though, I've "found" them weeks later with my stocking feet.

 

[vsbeardies]

Do you just chop it up? Im going to get one today! Wasnt sure if I should chop or grate? The way they are just chowing on whatever I give them, I dont forsee any issues. Going to look for some worms today as well.

When you measure them, is it nose to tail? I know Ive read you shouldnt give superworms until they are 16"+ right? Im sure they are, and will measure today hehe

 

[peera]

I just chop mine up thin (make sure the pieces are smaller than the space between their eyes and they should be fine to chew it a little). I suppose you could grate it, but the leaves are so flimsy it could be difficult.

Yeap, measure from nose tip to tail tip.

 

[gwoody]

we also feed chard, especially Dandelion greens since they are good for them anyway, Arugula. I don't worry about leftover greens because we try to eat healthy and that is a regular part of a healthy diet anyway, so we just share all the nice organic exotic greens we get w/ the beardies. My Adult female absolutely loves red radishes. She also loves tomatoes, though that is a food to be eaten in moderation. I have seen beardies raised on roaches as the primary 'bug' as compared to same age beardies raised on crickets. The roacher's have always been bigger! Research seems to back this up as far as nutritional value / protein levels. In the summer if you know an area is safe IE: pesticide free, fresh dandelion flowers are yummy and super nutritous . I'm thinking I will capture some seeds this summer and grow my own in boxes so I know they are non toxic. I guess i was crazy thiking I could search for a seed supply! I know they will be very easy to grow!!LOL.. G......

 

[viral013]

I was always wondering about picking things out of your yard or garden. Is it safe? And earthworms straight out of the ground are they safe as well?

 

[peera]

I was always wondering about picking things out of your yard or garden. Is it safe? And earthworms straight out of the ground are they safe as well?

Feeding greens from your yard or garden are fine as long as you don't use pesticides and wash them very well. Don't pick greens from outside your yard or along the fence or whatever separates you from your neighbors because you don't know what has been used on them.

Never, EVER feed wild insects to your dragons because you don't know what they've eaten. I don't believe earthworms are good for your dragon period, or else someone around here would feed them, and I've never seen anyone say they do.

 

[vsbeardies]

Thanks again everyone! I grabbed some cactus pads and a few other things off the list.

I may try growing some dandelion greens later on in pots, as thats one thing I have yet to see in a store. Only one store around us has the cactus pads.

 

[vsbeardies]

One more question!!

The list that is "feed occasionally" Can you choose a different thing from that list each day and not give the same thing in a row? Does that make sense?

So like..one day I have bell pepper. Another day carrot. Another day cilantro? Or do they need days with JUST greens?