Enclosure question

[Beardylover4511]

So I'm building my beardy a new enclosure as he has outgrown his starter tank. I came up with a design that would have a built in cricket pen and a plexiglass door (think doggy door) that would allow him to access the pen whenever he wants food. Any thoughts on how hard it would be to train him and if it's even a good idea. My main concern is him overeating.

 

[KarrieRee]

Off the top of my head I would say no-- what happens if your dragon does not like crickets- it does happen- along w/ health issues I am thinking but that is just me --- others can give thoughts on the idea
Karrie

 

[Beardylover4511]

Well he seems to like crickets so far, always excited to eat and eats everyone I give him. I would like to give him roaches but they are illegal where I live. I do give him treats once a week or so, mealworms and hornworms. Unfortunately crickets are his mainstay, any ideas on what else I could feed him as a main? Mostly I want to know if beardies will over eat if given unlimited access to a food source. Thanks for your input.

 

[KarrieRee]

Yes some will-- you can feed silk worms as another staple you can order from here www.reptilianarts.com if you order bulk make sure you get food you can order by the cup w/ food or you can check this website www.mulberryfarms.com last I looked they were out of stock or this site www.coastilsilkworms.com- they sell discoid roaches in FLA but it's more starting colonies- if your in FLA-
Karrie

 

[MrSpectrum]

So I'm building my beardy a new enclosure as he has outgrown his starter tank. I came up with a design that would have a built in cricket pen and a plexiglass door (think doggy door) that would allow him to access the pen whenever he wants food. Any thoughts on how hard it would be to train him and if it's even a good idea. My main concern is him overeating.

They can be trained to open a door for food, and it's something they can actually learn from another dragon. 'Copycat' Bearded Dragons Mimic Their Peers

Whether it's a good idea... :dontknow:
Sounds like an opportunity for the crickets (or other feeders) to escape the pen into the main enclosure, especially if there's a beardie body part holding the door partway open. I've seen various feeder dispensers that ostensibly dispense one bug at a time, but I have no personal experience with any of them (never used crickets). For roaches & worms, I use various bowls with slick interiors so they can't climb out.

Most dragons will not overeat, but there are always exceptions. Those who've eaten too much may barf, and it ain't pretty (or sweet-smelling :roll: ).

There are many kinds/species of roaches that are/can be used as feeders, so I'd check into which species are/are not legal where you are--there may be alternatives. Some species of worms (e.g. supers) are ok as staples, but I'd still rotate/vary feeders--variety is good.