is my replenishing food source safe?

[Shocka311]

So about a week ago we had a devil fly from hell that was pestering us to death and my beardies were watching it very hungrilly from their trees. I caught the fly and put it in their terrerium and now a week later, there are like 15 flies in there and they keep laying more flies. So are flies safe for them to eat and is there anything I need to worry about with them? It works out great till I have to open their terrerium and like 5 flies come out into my house andterrorize me.

 

[NegativeCreep]

Feeding any wild-caught insect is discouraged...

But, my biggest thing.. somewhere in your tank.. there must be maggots.

 

[Shocka311]

Yes, I have considered that. I have looked around and am unable to find them. Is that a problem or a health risk to my beardies?

 

[diamc]

Yes, it sure is. It's very important that you find the source of the baby flies by tearing the tank apart if you have to.

 

[ScooterBlenny]

Oh no! I would clean and sterilize your viv ASAP. Do you get regular fecal exams done on your beardies?

 

[Shocka311]

I do not get regular fecal exams. So please explain why it is dangerous for them to eat flies if they are not from outside or anything and what can happen with maggots somewhere in their tank. I'll clean them out immediatly but what is the risk? They are not contaminated if the are born in their tank then grow into flies and are eaten. I have som worm medicine. Should I give them that?

 

[Catalyst]

I do not get regular fecal exams. So please explain why it is dangerous for them to eat flies if they are not from outside or anything and what can happen with maggots somewhere in their tank. I'll clean them out immediatly but what is the risk? They are not contaminated if the are born in their tank then grow into flies and are eaten. I have som worm medicine. Should I give them that?

The problem is that the original fly was from outside. Flies grow by eating decaying dead stuff (plant or animal) and waste, and so carry all sorts of nasty germs, bacteria and parasites. They are also exposed to all types of chemicals and pesticides. Some of these things can be passed on through the generations so that even though the new flies who are appearing didn't likely feed off dog poo or roadkill, they can still be carrying the nasties that the original fly had. Also, you don't know what these flies are feeding on in order to grow since you said they're just appearing there, so you again don't know what they could possibly be carrying that could spread to your dragon, and you don't know how nutritious they even are for your dragon.

If you're looking for a self sustaining food population that's safe for your dragon, I'd suggest looking into breeding feeders, starting with creatures that come from a safe source.

 

[jscott]

oh :shock: . please remove the flies and find a reliable and clean food source. most flies eat fecies and that means your dragons poop. ive heard dragons can get serious infections/deseases if they eat their fecies.

 

[Shocka311]

Thanks for the advice guys. I just got done cleaning out all the flies. My wife won't let me breed any insects in our house so I will just keep buying the crickets. Hopefully I can learn to keep them alive better.

 

[Shocka311]

Should I give them some deworming treatment

 

[diamc]

What you should really do is take fecal samples to the vet to be checked for parasites, then there won't be any wondering, that's really the best thing to do.

 

[Shocka311]

I would like to do that but I currently cannot afford it. I'll have to keep an eye on them for anything abnormal and if it becomes evident I need to take them in I will. I have my first child due in Jan. and between baby sruff and Christmas my wife has a giant pregnant woman padlock on the bank accounts. Can you give me any sugestions on what to look for?

 

[diamc]

To have just a fecal done, you don't need to take the beardie in unless something really seems wrong like weight loss, lethargy, etc. Most plain fecal checks are about $7.00 up, I paid $14.00 but that also included antibiotics and a short consult which I didn't plan on (without the beardie) so I feel I definitely got my money's worth.

Parasite symptoms to look for would include a runny stool and extra stinky, sometimes tinged with blood, decrease in appetite, mucous, once in a while you will even see certain types of worms. Those are the symptoms I can think of off the top of my head.

Good luck with your first baby, that's very exciting. The holidays next yr will certainly be different for you.

 

[Shocka311]

Hey thanks alot for the help