Non-insect diet

[DragonJosh]

So my friend insisted getting a bearded dragon yet decides shes NOT going to do insects. She came to me for all the other help since I own bearded dragons, but refuses to do the insect thing as I said as they freak her out. I tried explaining the NEED for them, and all the pros/cons of all the tons of choices she has. I'm going to keep trying on that front trust me.

Everything else care wise is spoiled for her new dragon, but she insists on feeding that pellet stuff from Zoo-Med. Which on a related note I wanted to choke the Petco workers who insisted its FINE as a replacement over insects. Can a bearded dragon be fine on this plus the usual greens/veggies/fruits? She's also open to making her own non-insect food as I showed her those pellets have a lot of fillers. So I need help on some type of sustainable non-insect food she can throw together for a COMPLETE diet while attempting to still persuade her with the insects in the meantime.

 

[scubasteve25]

honestly, sounds like your friend should consider another reptile. maybe something that eats only veggies or something.

edit: im pretty sure that it CAN be done, but i don't think it is in the best interest of the dragon to do it.

 

[Cammy]

Are worms included in her ideas of "insects?" She could use silkworms or phoenix worms as a staple protein source. Explain to her that she can use feeding tongs to pick up the worms--she never has to come in contact with them at all. Honestly, if she can't get over bugs at all, she needs to find a different reptile to keep. (I know you know that; I'm just reiterating the fact.)

 

[Gail]

The dragon will live on a bug free diet but it won't be healthy. He will be undersized with possible bone issues. Pellets are ok as a addition but they in no way take the place of feeder insects. He needs protein and lots of it, if she can't provide that then she will basically be abusing him by way of malnutrition. Tell her to get a uro instead.

 

[DragonJosh]

Yeah I know guys :? so I just don't know what to suggest that's why I was wondering if there was a complete mash, jello-like, pellets, idk substance she can make from scratch that will be a complete substitute for insects. She already has the thing, and she's not gonna get rid of it so idk what to suggest in the mean time as I said I'm not giving up the insect thing (yes I said tongs, and using other containers to scoop up and basically never physically touching one, but she said NO insects *sigh*).

 

[scubasteve25]

well, you can always throw her an "i told you so" in a couple weeks when the beardie isnt doing too hot, sucks, but if she doesnt wanna listen, nothing you can do. other than i guess hit her with a bat and take the beardie..... or you could always feed it if you live close she would just have to pay fpr the bugs.

 

[trinity040400]

If you read the label on the pellets it tells you it is a suppliment not a replacement.

I have always wanted a snake but their main diet is mice and rats. Well over the years I have kept mice as pets so there is no way I could feed one to a snake, (it would be like owning a pet that only ate bearded dragons!) :shock: Now I could say I will get a snake but just feed it bugs, but that will leave me with one sick snake. So I have decided that snakes are not the right pet for me.

I think your freind needs some tuff love and needs to be told how it is. The bottom line is she is being selfish and only thinking about herself. If she wont feed it what it needs to be healthy then maybe she should find it a home that will.

P.S. I know its not your fault, stupid stuff like this just makes me mad. :mrgreen:

 

[DragonJosh]

I agree so much guys. It made me really aggravated when she expressed she wanted one and her ridiculous view of feeding, and even more so when she carried out this poor plan. I'll show her all these responses so she'll see that it's just not one person (me) who "thinks" this way. Thanks guys!

 

[tempusfugit]

Release a couple hundred crickets in her house every week until she gets over her fears.

 

[trinity040400]

Maybe you could try and google pics of sick bearded dragons and shock some sense into her. :idea:

 

[Jess]

... Why exactly is it that she won't do bugs? If she is scared of crickets jumping at her, she can pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before she feeds her beardie, and that kills them. (This is what I like to do, LOL)
Silkworms are hornworms are just huge caterpillars, and IMO they are really cute and not scary. Phoenix worms are tiny and squirmy, so I don't see why those are gross either.

If she can't feed her beardie bugs, then she shouldn't have a beardie. It's like trying to feed tofu to your snake because you're squeamish about mice.

 

[tempusfugit]

Phoenix worms are tiny and squirmy, so I don't see why those are gross either.

They remind me of internal parasties like hookworms. I can do roaches fine, and I'll buy worms for the babies, but I don't like it.. lol

 

[Jess]

Probably because they are maggots LOL.
I love my roahces! They are so much less gross than other feeders, and they don't pupate into weird things like superworms do.

 

[zombie89]

im by FAR no expert and the obvious solution would be for your friend to GET OVER IT lol but what about about if she fed him some other source of protein like chicken or turkey baby food several times a week? this is just a guess and i KNOW someone will have some feed back on my opinion, which i welcome but like i said, GET OVER IT hahaha

 

[SamusTheDragon]

I have a suggestion! Buy some worms, or bring over some of your beardies food. Show it to her and then proceed to feed the dragon. I was weary of the bugs at first, but you get over it. If not she should really rehome it and consider getting a uromastyx. They're not as social, but they don't need bugs and shouldn't have them.