How essential are crickets?

[culbert9]

Would it be possible to raise a dragon without crickets? with just a vegetarian meal

 

[StlGreaser]

Well you could raise a dragon without any crickets. However there is now way to raise one as a vegetarian! They just will not grow and thrive with out a protein source, especially when they are young dragons.

 

[jharris08]

yea dragons need about 75% protein diet for the first few months of their lives, and then as they reach adulthood you can start feeding a lot more veggies and greens.

 

[diamc]

Moved here from General Discussion forum.

When beardies are less than a yr old, they need LOTS of protein to help them grow and that's why they need 80% feeders and 20% greens. As they mature, they cut themselves back to only 1 feeding a day of feeders. When they are 1 to 1 1/2 yrs old, their diet should be 80% greens/veggies and 20% protein. So, a "vegetarian meal" is not recommended no matter what age.