?? feeding baby beardie mealies...

[dmmcnair]

I've been warned against feeding a baby beardie mealies, and I understand the reason...but what about feeding the ones that just shedded? You know the white ones...I for some reason cannot think of what that is called at the moment. Anyhoo, I try to feed those to the geckos as much as possible, so was wondering if that was fine for now. I'm already looking up ordering different feeders, but getting confused on the sizes...and really some of them are just giving me the willies. LOL

I was looking at the horn worms? Ugh, my memory is not working tonight...the green/blue ones? I understand they can be pretty large...how large are they when they hatch? Are those appropriate for the younger beardies?

Maybe if someone can give me a list of acceptable feeders for babies/juveniles so I can do more research? Are the same feeders appropriate for the smaller beardies good for the geckos too?

Sorry...at this point I just want someone to tell me exactly what to get. My brain is on overload. LOL

Thanks!

Tomorrow I go shopping for supplies for the enclosure. Yay!

 

[CooperDragon]

There is definitely a lot of info out there to process. The soft mealworms are easier to digest because they don't have as much chitin. They still aren't the most nutritious bug though. For a young dragon, the best worm feeder is probably the Phoenix Worm because they are well balanced and nutritious (but small and relatively expensive). Silkworms are another good feeder. There is more info about worms here https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=197902

I suggest using a rotation of something like crickets or roaches along with some Phoenix Worms. Variety is the best way to provide balance.

 

[dmmcnair]

Thanks! Yes I'm on information overload, and don't even have the baby yet! LOL Want to make sure I have everything set up.

Right now I'm starting to breed superworms and mealies for the geckos. I'm so far away from the city, it's easier and cheaper. Guess I will be thinking very seriously about setting up a dubia colony and ordering others. Wow...might have to hide the dubia colony from my hubby. LOL

 

[CooperDragon]

A dubia colony is a good choice. I started one in September and it is working out very well.

 

[dmmcnair]

It's a no go on the roaches. My daughter and son are both allergic. Yay for allergy testing. So I will have to stick to the many different worms. My husband doesn't want to keep crickets, so I guess I will just have to purchase those. Off to do more research...

 

[CooperDragon]

You can probably raise your own worms. I don't have experience with that but there are others on here who raise silkworms which are a pretty decent feeder. You may also be able to raise black soldier fly larva which would be a good choice. I'm not really sure what's involved though.