Question what to do!

[springbreaker]

Hi. I am a owner of three bearded dragons they are few months old. I recently been feeding greens like romaine lettuce and tomatoes. Crickets and worms as well for them.
But recently had a lot of problems with are dog. He had a mass on spleen and enlarge heart. Been in surgery alot and is very costly. We lost him during his last surgery. It's been so rough as of late. With that said my question and concern is I been barely feeding them. Money has been tight very much. Looking skinny and keeping them hydrated.
Would it be right thing to do to feed insects from outside. I never spray or use fertilizer back there. There losing fat pads I have seen near there heads. Got me worried about them.
Your ideas and opinions are needed and thank you!

 

[popsickle18]

Lettuce is not very good as a staple for them. It does not have enough nutrients to sustain them. Tomatoes are not very good for them either. Here is a great color coded guide for different things that you can feed your dragon. Collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens would be a much better staple! This chart is awesome though and I'm sure you must have some of these fruits and veggies laying around the house!

http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html

You really should never feed them bugs from outside. Since they are not raised in a controlled environment they could be riddled with parasites which could be passed to your bearded dragons. Not to mention you have no idea what those bugs have been eating before you caught them.

If things really are getting that tough perhaps you can ask a friend, family member, or animal care shelter to assist with their care for a while. I know that you are trying but your sweet little beardies need you! Young beardies need a lot of food especially insects because they are growing. Perhaps someone on this site could help you but we need to know where you are located first.

I hope this helps. I'm sorry you are going through a rough time. I am also sorry about the passing of your dog. Hang in there!

 

[springbreaker]

I have grapes and oranges and the romaine for them about it tho. Really oh no I don't want my little kiddos to get sick from outside bugs eww.
I been getting a few bucks here and there from family and friends. Am in Illinois am giving them my best overall.
It has been alot of help Ty. It has been so rough but I have faith it will get better. Thank you appreciate it. We miss him so much and so heartbroken recently happen. Just need mind control and no more tears. Thanks again....

 

[popsickle18]

Collard greens and mustard greens are usually available right in the grocery stores around me. I do not know how it is for you. They are usually priced about the same and even less than romaine. I would try to ditch that romaine. It will fill their tummies but not much else.

Make sure you reference the color chart too! The grapes and oranges should be "fed occasionally". I usually have a staple (one of the green ones) mixed with some of the black ones so my beardie doesn't get too bored with his diet. I can feed mine veggies for under $5 a week. I usually buy collard greens or dandelion greens or mustard greens, green beans, and yellow squash.

I remember when I lost my dog. She was a sweet girl and we still miss her. My first bearded dragon actually lasted longer than her. He was such a loss too. Things will get easier. I really hope you are feeling better soon!

 

[springbreaker]

It's so odd that these greens I heard of but never find them. I found kale and spinach about it tho. I need to take this chart with me for now on. It is a great chart for beardies.
Wow your beardie out lasted your pup you must of had one old dragon wow! Thank you so much am fine when am out. But at home I look at something. That remembers him by and I get so upset. So hard but I know in time it will get better.

 

[popsickle18]

Kale and spinach can cause a bearded dragon to bind calcium and not properly absorb it. Those should be fed sparingly. Printing it out sounds like a great idea! Yes, my poor dog passed away because of a rare neurological disorder at the age of 8 and my dragon passed away of old age at 10.5 years old. They were both wonderful pets <3

 

[springbreaker]

I didn't know this with the calcium. I won't be feeding these to them. Aww am sorry and I bit they were. Just like the ones I used too know and still know. Take care

 

[springbreaker]

They been having there eyes closed alot. They are losing fat pads in top of there heads. Just a worried mommy...

 

[MsWanda10166]

I understand funds being tight. I have found a great place for free produce locally. I go to the farmers market regularly, to get fresh stuff for my family, and dragons. One day I was looking at some squash, and noticed a bad spot on one. I handed it to the vendor and he tossed it in a bucket. It was a Huge bucket with all kinds of damaged produce, I asked him what he did with it, and he told me he threw it out. I asked if I could have some to give my worms and roaches. Now almost all the produce I give to my dragons, and the worms, and roaches are free. For me this frees up funds to by them extra special treats like cactus pad, and other luxuries they might not always get.

 

[springbreaker]

Yeah they are very tight. Farmers market? I'll have to look into this thanks. You feed you beardies roaches like cockroach no way eww. Great you have extra funds that's pretty neat.

 

[springbreaker]

No luck at the market today tried to get sweet potato and collard greens. I have found online and tried today. My parents don't treat the lawn and dandelion greens are all over. They eat well on that today. Need some rain cause it was so dry even on bare feet. Haven't feed bugs in a while and think there getting used to greens now. I first got them wouldn't touch them.

 

[springbreaker]

I just loss my baby leatherback beardie. Guessing greens ain't great for them. Poor little guy..

 

[popsickle18]

A baby should have mostly insects in their diet because they need the protein from the insects to grow and nourish their bodies They should always be offered a salad but insects that young is a must. Perhaps he got too hungry... I'm so sorry. How is your other one doing?

 

[springbreaker]

The other ones seem ok normal behavior. Thank you

 

[MsWanda10166]

They are not cockroaches, they are dubias. I forget about the ick factor at the word roach, although I was the same way when I first got dragons. You can actually buy special feeding (roaches) Dubias. There are some places listed here in the for sale section. There is a guy here that sells a whole kit, that has you breading your own roaches, just add a few oranges, and in under an hour you have a fairly self sustained live feeder supply. Then one time a month you clean it out, its super simple.