Bearded Dragons Shall Not Live By Fruits Alone…
Hello, fellow beardie enthusiasts!
We know that nutrition plays a chief role in our dragons’ general health and life span. Experts recommend a regular diet of fruits, insects, vegetables, and… worms.
But one can’t help but wonder what advantages bearded dragons will get from worms, especially in light of their reputation for making dragons chubby. We cant feed just any kind of worm to our dragon friends, so we really have to ask:
What Worms Are Best For Bearded Dragons?
This article will discuss some of the most famous worms that can be used to feed a bearded dragon, how many worms to feed our dragons, and what each worm is best for.
Bearded dragons can munch on a wide variety of worms. Some of them are;
- Butterworms
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Super worms
- Silkworms
- Hornworms
Each of these worms has its particular pros and cons; some may be more nutritious and beneficial to your bearded dragon than others. Below are the specific reviews compiled from years of individual bearded dragon owners’ experiences, pet food sellers’ opinions, and our own research.
Butterworms are also known as chilecomadia moorei. They are the larvae of Chilean moths and are soft, plump, juicy, and bright-colored. They easily attract beardies due to their scent, colors, and size.
These worms are easy to raise, high in calcium, and can be stored for up to eight weeks.
Mealworms Are These The Best Worms For Bearded Dragons?
Mealworms (tenebrio molitor) are basically the larvae of the darkling beetle. They usually grow quite big at .5-.75″ in length to 1.5″. These worms aren’t very active and come in some shades of gold. They have a high storage time of 45 days, as well as vitamins A & B and proteins. They’re common and affordable in pet stores. A downside to them, however, is that they have a thick outer skeleton, which is often difficult to digest for bearded dragons, and they often don’t make good instant snacks as bearded dragons often don’t get attracted to them until they have been close for almost 24 hours.
Waxworms
Wax Worms come from the wax moth. They are plump, off-white in color, with dark heads and feet. Their high-fat content makes them ideal if your bearded dragon needs to put on some weight due to sickness or brumation recovery needs. They’re easy to breed and can survive long periods without food. However, they may not be suitable for regular feeding, and their cocoons must be extracted before being fed to dragons.
Superworms
Superworms (zophobas morio) are very similar to mealworms in their exoskeleton, high protein content, and fat concentration. They are also considerably more active than mealworms, which may be more attractive to bearded dragons. The downside to superworms is that they could bite or sting. This means that they’re not suitable for younger bearded dragons.
Are Silkworms Best Worms For Bearded Dragons?
Silkworms (bombyx mori) come from the domestic silk moth. They are low in fat and have a reputation for being the most nutritious worms for bearded dragons due to their high moisture, protein, calcium, and vitamin content. They’re also easily stored and grow quickly when bred. They, however, have shorter lifespans and are more challenging to keep.
Hornworms
Hornworms, also known as Manduca quinquemaculata, are the larvae of hawk moths. They are exceptionally high in moisture and help keep dragons who don’t like water hydrated. They are packed full of calcium and have less fat than most worms. They also have a fast growth rate, and their exoskeletons are soft and easy for even young bearded dragons to eat. Their size might make them challenging for young or juvenile dragons. They also have an unpleasant smell that comes from their waste.
Now, the general knowledge is that worms are fatty. And fat is generally unwanted, even in bearded dragons. The disclaimer is necessary to have the whole picture before you choose to feed worms to your dragon.
Many argue that a bit of fat from worms may not be so bad after all, beneficial to bearded dragons, especially when they are juveniles.
Whichever school of thought one adopts, most people agree that worms in small quantities aren’t harmful, that bearded dragons enjoy them, and that they make good treats and strategic health supplements for the dragon, too.