Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding Schedule by Age

• 0–2 Months (Hatchlings)

  • Insects: 5–6 appropriately sized bugs twice daily; focus on easy-to-digest insects (BSFL, micro dubia, etc.).

  • Greens: Offered once daily.

  • Note: Remove all uneaten insects immediately.

• 3–6 Months (Young Juveniles)

  • Insects: 5–6 appropriately sized insects once daily.

  • Greens: Available at all times (refresh daily).

• 7–12 Months (Juveniles / Sub-adults)

  • Insects: 5–6 appropriately sized insects every other day.

  • Greens: Available at all times (refresh daily).

• 12+ Months (Adults)

  • Insects: 5–6 appropriately sized insects twice per week.

  • Greens: Available at all times (refresh daily).

Portion Guidelines

• Size Rule: Insects should be no larger than the space between the dragon's eyes.

• Control: Avoid "all-you-can-eat" feeding (even for babies).

• Adjustments: Quantities should be based on growth rate, body condition, and activity level.

Recommended Feeders

• Daily Feeders: Dubia roaches, Discoid roaches, BSFL (black soldier fly larvae), Mealworms, Crickets.

• "Treat" Insects (Offer sparingly, 1–2x per week max): Hornworms (good for hydration), Superworms (high in fat), Waxworms (high in fat).

Salad Staples & Additions

• Staples (Variety recommended): Collard greens, Mustard greens, Turnip greens, Squash (acorn, spaghetti, summer, hubbard, scallop, butternut), Cactus pad, Endive/Escarole, Kale (moderate use; max 15% of salad).

• Occasional Additions: Dandelion leaves, Clover, Carrot, Cilantro, Bell pepper, Green beans, Alfalfa sprouts, Radicchio, Asparagus, Parsnips.

Tips for Picky Eaters

• Engagement: Add bee pollen, grains, or store-bought fresh flower toppers.

• Movement: Add live bugs to the salad bowl to entice eating.

• Variety: Add different colored veggies.

• Routine: Offer salad before insects.

• Discipline: Offer fewer bugs—your beardie will not starve and will eat the salad if it is the only option.

Supplements (Critical)

• Calcium without D3 (4 days/week): Dust lightly on salad and insects. (Recommended: Zoo Med, Arcadia Earthpro A, Jurassic Natural).

• Calcium with D3 (2 days/week): Dust lightly on salad and insects. (Recommended: Zoo Med, Repashy SuperCal LoD, Jurassic Natural).

• Multivitamin (1 day/week): Dust lightly on salad and insects. (Recommended: Zoo Med Reptivite, Repashy Calcium Plus, Miner-all Indoor, Repashy Supervite).