Dragon Doesn't Like Worms or Raw Veggies

[DracoLord510]

Hello,

We have a 1 year old bearded dragon named Java who is, in many circumstances, a picky eater. He relishes crickets of all sizes, and eats them with incredible gusto (he's knocked over nearly every decoration in his cage chasing them). However, he pretty much has zero interest in worms (supers, waxes, giant and regular mealworms, and hornworms) and even less interest in raw vegetables. The only other thing besides crickets he cares for is the rare spotted/dubia roach (he enjoys flipping them over before he eats them).

He will happily eat green bean, squash, and pea baby food which we put calcium powder in. Is there a way to coerce him into eating even a few veggies, or do some beardies just not like them?

 

[CooperDragon]

It can take quite a bit of time for some of them to get into veges, especially at that age. I would just keep a fresh salad available in his enclosure with 2-3 items in it (rotating based on what you can get fresh) from this list http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html He may ignore the salad for a while but having it available will get him used to it being there as a food source. I've had luck cutting squash into small worm shapes but that may not work if he isn't into worms. Bright colors can sometimes get their attention as well. Maybe a small bit of fruit as a highlight. He should naturally start preferring greens and veges over the next year or so. As far as the worms go, that's probably just his preference. As long as he's eating, roaches and crickets are fine. I'd keep trying the worms occasionally as a treat though - their preferences can change over time so he may get into them down the road. Not liking the horn worms is a bit of a surprise. Their bright colors usually make them a favorite.

 

[stellar96]

Hello,

We have a 1 year old bearded dragon named Java who is, in many circumstances, a picky eater. He relishes crickets of all sizes, and eats them with incredible gusto (he's knocked over nearly every decoration in his cage chasing them). However, he pretty much has zero interest in worms (supers, waxes, giant and regular mealworms, and hornworms) and even less interest in raw vegetables. The only other thing besides crickets he cares for is the rare spotted/dubia roach (he enjoys flipping them over before he eats them).

He will happily eat green bean, squash, and pea baby food which we put calcium powder in. Is there a way to coerce him into eating even a few veggies, or do some beardies just not like them?

It takes a lot of patients and repetition. Try many different types of veggies. For my beardy, it was cucumbers and kale that he loved! Start with that, and then try more diversity!

Try dusting the veggies in the white calcium. From my experience, beardies LOVE their calcium. Also try placing vegetables on a paper towel. the contrast in colour will help your beardy notice the food.

If still unsure, try putting some crickets or mealworms in the salad. Even though the beardy aims for the feeder, he may get some collard greens unknowingly! They just need to acquire the taste.

Finally, if none of these work, try holding a piece of collard greens with the tweezers when feeding mealworms. They will eat the mealworm as well as a pleasant surprise!

Like I was saying; very very tedious and takes a lot of patience! Good luck!