crickets are not good as a stable protein source

[ShannyBeard]

Those feeders are good for bearded dragons that age and they can still eat it as they get older. I'm assuming you also offer greens/veggies daily, too.

 

[sanchezjc]

Both if my boys ignore them

 

[ShannyBeard]

That seems to be a common complaint. Our 3 year old beardie ignores her salad, too. Even with tough love... :|

 

[sanchezjc]

I knowat ur going threw

 

[DNADragons]

I don't understand why you single me out, LOL. You must have missed the part where other people were talking about mealworms. I could not agree more though, mealworms don't have much protein.

Mealworms have been proven safe for decades, they may not have the nutritional value of an exotic insect or a. domsetica but they are a fine treat.

This discussion is about the OP wanting a new staple feeder insect for a good protein source.

Mealworms don't fit this even if you are for or against them so they don't need to be brought up in this thread. All mealworm discussion does is lead to arguments.

Best Staple insect IMO is butterworms and silkworms. Although, the key to a healthy dragon is a varied diet. You wouldn't want to eat the same thing everyday and you shouldn't force your dragon to either.

-Brandon

 

[DNADragons]

I have heard of the phosphorus issue too. I would like to find more information on this. Either way, they make a poor staple.

Also, consider floating the greens in water. I have heard this may help. Though the best way is to start feeding greens when young, or find greens they likes (kale and dandelion greens are usually a big hit. Also consider adding herbs, cilantro is very attractive to many of my animals.

some

Mealworms have been proven safe for decades, they may not have the nutritional value of an exotic insect or a. domsetica but they are a fine treat.

I agree. A few mealworms aren't going to hurt a bearded dragon. I feed the very small mealworms to my anoles several times a week. The real problem with mealworms is the way they affect calcium absorption. They are phosphorous heavy and it causes an imbalance. They don't dust very well with calcium powder, either. The powder comes off very easily in transfer because they have such a shiny shell - it just doesn't stick. I have found if you use a powder with a very fine grind it will stick better. If you are just feeding them as treats, then dusting them isn't a huge issue either way. I personally don't feed them to my dragons because they are so high in phosphorous and they aren't worth feeding. I'd rather have my dragon fill up on something with a better nutritional balance.

My favorite wormy feeders are silkworms and Repti-worms, and I also feed crickets.

 

[Claudiusx]

Because your post was the only post implying that they could be a suitable staple feeder.

-Brandon

 

[DNADragons]

Brandon. Knowing your position I can certainly see where I could have clarified on my earlier responce. I often do not transition from two different thoughts very well on the discussion forums. I did state "fine as a treat" but my over-emphasis is easily misinterpreted. From my experience working with bearded dragons and closely with other professional breeders is that mealworms pose no threat, but they are in no way shape or form fit to be a staple. I hope this better clarifies my statement.

 

[Claudiusx]

Honestly I did not see you say as a treat at first, so that is my mistake.

I agree with you, they are in no shape or form suitable to be fed as a staple, but I still wouldn't feed even as a snack; that's just my opinion.

But thank you for clarifying. I didn't see that you said that until you mentioned it.

-Brandon

 

[ShannyBeard]

Also, consider floating the greens in water. I have heard this may help. Though the best way is to start feeding greens when young, or find greens they likes (kale and dandelion greens are usually a big hit. Also consider adding herbs, cilantro is very attractive to many of my animals.

Interesting strategy!