Some people may suggest feeding grasshoppers for bearded dragons. As a beginner owner, you may keep asking can bearded dragons eat grasshoppers.
This article explains to you whether bearded dragons can eat grasshoppers or not and other things you should know.
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The Safety of Grasshoppers for Bearded Dragons
As wild reptiles, bearded dragons often eat a variety of insects. Due to this fact, it is okay for bearded dragons to eat grasshoppers as one of their diets.
It is okay to catch the grasshoppers by yourself in the garden, but ensure that they don’t expose themselves to pesticides.
Alternatively, you can buy fresh grasshoppers from reputable retailers or pet stores around your living area or online.
The Reason to Give Grasshoppers to Your Bearded Dragons
Now, you know that grasshoppers are safe for bearded dragons, but why do you give this insect? Bearded dragons need to consume insects to get enough protein. This insect also contains vitamins and minerals.
This reptile needs to eat around 20 percent insect-based food sources to get enough protein.
Younger bearded dragons need to eat more insects to keep them growing well. The good thing is that this insect is low in cholesterol.
The portion of grasshoppers for Bearded Dragons
The grasshopper’s portion varies depending on the age of the bearded dragons. For those who have a 1- to a 2-month-old bearded dragon, you can give them as many grasshoppers as they want within 5 to 10 minutes.
Do it no more than 3 times a day. You can even feed them up to 5 times a day. The idea is to fill the need for protein in their body. It is the same case if you have 3 to 8 months old bearded dragons.
At this age, bearded dragons can eat around 25 to 50 grasshoppers a day within 5 to 10 minutes.
Reduce the number of grasshoppers when this lizard reaches 9 to 17 months old. The simple trick is to only shorten the feeding time, and you can let your bearded dragons eat grasshoppers in only 5 minutes.
The most important thing is filling the 20 percent of protein they need.
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Tips to Feed Grasshoppers to Your Bearded Dragons
You can feed the bearded dragons with live grasshoppers. The drawback is that they can jump, making it hard to catch.
The best way to feed the bearded dragons with live grasshoppers is by covering the cage with a small net.
Then, put them close to the bearded dragons. This activity is fun for the bearded dragons while triggering their prey instinct.
You can also feed bearded dragons with dried grasshoppers if it is hard to find live insects.
This option is simpler than serving live grasshoppers. You only have to serve it in a bowl and let the reptile enjoy their meal. Make the feeding time more fun by hiding several dried grasshoppers around the cage.
It triggers your bearded dragons to find their meal while training their nose and hunting instinct.
Seeing this information answers your question about whether bearded dragons eat grasshoppers and the way to serve it.