FAQ: Feeding Bearded Dragons

Can crickets eat my Bearded Dragon?
Yes, leftover crix can do a lot of damage to a Bearded Dragon if left in overnight.

What kind of worms can I feed my Bearded Dragon?
The only worms I recommend as a staple are silk worms. You can offer super worms as a treat to Bearded Dragons that are over 12". The chitin (exoskeleton) is hard to digest. Freshly shed worms (white in color) are best as they digest the easiest. Meal worms are even harder to digest and I don't recommend them at all. Wax worms are high in fat and can lead to liver problems.

Can worms eat their way out of my Bearded Dragon?
No, it's an urban legend.

Can I feed my Bearded Dragon bugs from my garden?
It is safer not to. You don't know what they may have been exposed to. Pesticides, germs, parasites... can all have a deadly effect on your Bearded Dragon. Never feed luminous bugs (fireflies) as they are poisonous.

Does my Bearded Dragon need a water bowl?
Most of the dragon's hydration is supplied by the high vegetation diet and therefore water bowls are not a necessity for drinking. If you do use a water bowl, it should be a bowl or dish shallow enough for your lizard to see easily into and drink out of. Additionally, make sure that it is not too deep so as to make it hard for the dragon to get in and out, especially with babies. It should be heavy enough not to tip over. Sometimes Bearded Dragons will never learn how to drink out of a dish of standing water.

How can I tell if my Bearded Dragon is getting enough to drink?
See to it that your dragon gets enough fluid. The Bearded Dragons skin will appear wrinkled and loose if it is dehydrated and it will be more difficult for it to poop. You can see if they will drink water from an eye dropper by dripping water on their snout. They will usually lap it up. If you notice your Bearded Dragon seems dehydrated you can also offer pedialyte. This will help replace electrolytes. Remember that once pedialyte is opened it must be used within 24-48 hours. You can always make ice cubes from it to prevent it from losing its beneficial properties. Pedialyte and Gatorade do contain sugar so use it in moderation.

Does my Bearded Dragon need to bathe?
Letting your Bearded Dragon soak in a bath every few days will often help keep them happy and hydrated. It is also helpful in the shedding process. Fill the tub with warm water (85° to 95°) just enough to cover the dragon's back if he's laying down flat. 20 minutes at a time should do it. Never leave them unsupervised. Your bearded will also enjoy a shower occasionally. A light misting with water will also help keep the skin humidified to make it easier to shed. Keep in mind that if your Bearded Dragon is not permitted to dry out under a basking light, it will be more difficult to shed as well. The tank, however, should never be damp. Avoid humidity over 20%. Humid conditions higher than this are okay for the short term only. High humidity has been linked to certain respiratory diseases in predominately desert and arid area animals.