What You Need to Know About Feeding Your Juvenile Bearded Dragon

Feeding a juvenile bearded dragon can seem daunting, especially if you are a beginner. However, with the right feeding schedule, your bearded dragon can grow to be a healthy and happy pet. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to feeding your juvenile bearded dragon.

Understanding the Diet of a Juvenile Bearded Dragon

Before we get into the feeding schedule, it’s important to understand what a juvenile bearded dragon should be eating. In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

Protein and Vegetables

As a juvenile, bearded dragons will primarily eat insects and vegetables. Some of the best insects to feed your bearded dragon include crickets, mealworms, and wax worms. Vegetables should include a variety of leafy greens such as collard greens, turnip greens, and dandelion greens. You can also provide vegetables such as carrots, squash, and sweet potato. It’s important to chop up the vegetables into small pieces, so they are easy for your bearded dragon to eat.

Calcium and Vitamin Supplements

In addition to protein and vegetables, your juvenile bearded dragon will also need calcium and vitamin supplements. These supplements can be dusted onto the insects before feeding. Without proper supplements, your bearded dragon can develop metabolic bone disease, which can lead to serious health problems.

Creating a Feeding Schedule

Now that we understand what a juvenile bearded dragon should be eating let’s create a feeding schedule. As a general rule, juvenile bearded dragons should be fed once a day. However, the frequency and amount of food will vary depending on your dragon’s age and size. Here is a sample feeding schedule:

0-2 Months Old

• Offer food 2-3 times per day
• Feed as many insects as your dragon will eat in 10-15 minutes
• Offer vegetables once a day

2-4 Months Old

• Offer food 2 times per day
• Feed as many insects as your dragon will eat in 10-15 minutes
• Offer vegetables once a day

4-6 Months Old

• Offer food once a day
• Feed as many insects as your dragon will eat within 15 minutes
• Offer vegetables once a day

6-12 Months Old

• Offer food once a day
• Feed as many insects as your dragon will eat within 15 minutes
• Offer vegetables once a day

Remember to adjust the schedule as your bearded dragon grows. If your dragon refuses to eat, it’s okay to skip a feeding. As long as your dragon is eating regularly, there is nothing to worry about.

Conclusion

Feeding your juvenile bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience. By following a proper feeding schedule and providing a balanced diet, you can ensure that your bearded dragon will grow to be a healthy and happy pet. Always remember to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your bearded dragon’s health or diet.