Feeding question- away for 3 weeks-no live foods- help!!

[Louis1401]

Hello everyone
I am new in this community and a first time bearded dragon owner!!
I got my little bearded dragon, Louis, in February at Petsmart. He was a baby at that time and about 18 inches long as of last night. I usually feed him plenty of greens over the day (he absolutely loves dandelion greens, acorn squash and mustard greens). I also feed him about 20 large crickets a day.I also tried mealworms every once in a while and he loves those as well.
I will be leaving for Europe next week for about 3 weeks. The person I asked to take care of my beardie is really scared of feeding it any live food (especially crickets) unfortunetly . She said worms would be fine though. Do you guys have any suggestion on what the person could feed him during that time? Like what types of worms are safe to feed every day and how many and which veggies.
Thank you guys already for every answer I really appreciate it !!!

 

[Pushkin]

My beardie liked phoenix worms, and they are very high in calcium. They make a great staple from what I've heard! They are pretty small though, so I'd get the large size and plan on more than 20 a day - probably like 30-40?

 

[justjules]

You could try freeze dried bugs.. I use freeze dried crickets for when my mom is in charge of feeding
Just check the ingredients and make sure it is just plain bugs.. no crap fillers. Good luck!

 

[Taterbug]

Superworms may be easiest. I've kept up to 1000 in a x- large critter keeper. Make them a good bedding (there are a few gut load recipes out there) and they will only need carrot/potato for moisture. Your lizard sitter can scoop them out with a slotted spoon - drop them into a cup with calcium dust, then tip them out of the cup to feed them. Supers keep very well if fed/watered properly. Other worms may be more work or need to be chilled to last three weeks.

I'd stick to easy veggies, since your sitter will need to shop for some at least once. Id probably make a big tub of salad they can use until it goes bad then give them a short list. Dandelion (since you know he will eat them) would be best. Collards, turnip or mustard greens are usually available at stores . If those aren't available kale, bok choy or arugula are good choices. I'd also consider to provide a squash - the flesh stays fresh for a while if you don't peel it - just have them use a veggie peeler to make slices off one end.

 

[Louis1401]

Thanks guys! I think I will order Phoenix worms online for now and then start on the other worms as soon as I get back for sure. The whole dusting and gut loading might be too much for my beardie sitter .I will order 500 large for 22 dollars. Is that a good deal?
Here's a picture of my beardie Louis

 

[AHBD]

Hi there...I would def. go with the superworms and/or freeze dried. The Phoenix worms are nutritious but must be kept at the right temp [ around 50 F , hard to achieve ! ] or they may die if too cool or morph into flies quickly if too warm ! The supers are super -simple !!...just dump them in a plastic container of any sort that is 6" high....even with no lid they cannot escape. I've used them for 20 years. Dump in oatmeal + a carrot and a bit of calcium powder. They are no hassle + last for 1-2 months easily.