The only worry about getting a beardie

[doodlelou]

The only worry about finally deciding to go and get a beardie is the cost of feeding him. I've read here that most people will feed their beardies 50 to 100 crickets a day or more if they eat more than that in 15 minutes. At that rate with crickets costing 10 cents a piece, that can add up to $5.00 to $10.00 per day or up to $50.00 a month. I'm sorry but that is just way too much for me to pay to feed any sort of pet.

I also know several people who have beardies who tell me that they've never heard of a beardie eating that much a day. So I'm confused and don't know what to think. I would love to get a beardie but want to make sure that I give him the best of everything and I just can't justify spending that much money to feed him.

 

[jeffryjb]

You can order crickets online. $12 or so for 1000. My guy right now is only eating 10-15 per day.

 

[ziggy23]

buy in bulk online, or better yet, breed your own feeders. I spent $90 on roaches, and a few months later I don't have to buy anymore feeders.

 

[mickeysmomma]

That is very, very normal for a baby beardie to eat that many, or more during a day. They need all the protein that want when they are young.

Like the others said, but them on line, buy the thousands. It is shocking at first, that they eat that many, but they do slow down after a while. No way is it affordable to buy them from a pet store.

Beardies aren't a cheap pet, that's for sure...expecially when there are vet visits. But, they are worth it! :wink:

 

[spurlee01]

My beardie really would eat 70-100 a day for a few months (not all the time). Even then, we could buy $20 in crix and it would last a few weeks. However, if you don't feel that this is in the finances for you, it is a good decision not to get a beardie or to get an older beardie who won't need to eat as much.

 

[runningguy]

Even when mine was young I never fed him more than 30-40 crickets per day. I would buy 250-500 crickets online at a time. I also bought superworms which live alot longer. Older dragons on Craigslist, etc. cost more than babies but they also require less live food. Like Spurlee suggested, maybe an older dragon would fit your budget. Live feeders are expensive and can be a pain even for one dragon.