A few questions about my beardie.

[ReptileBabe]

I got a bearded dragon from a previous owner yesterday and Ive noticed his behavior , Im not an expert on them but I would like some answers.
1. Why does he move frantically and clings onto my shirt when i pick him up from underneath his stomach ?
2. I gave him unpeeled diced apples , is that bad?
3. How many crickets should I feed him?
4. When are you supposed to feed them?

 

[gilliesexotics]

Hi, Welcome to the forums!

1. He is just trying to make himself feel secure. The more all four feet feet feel like they are solid ground the more he is going to feel safe.
2. Fruits are ok to give. I personally would only as snacks or very little portion of his diet.
3. This is going to be the part where we cant particularly tell you an exact amount but the number is going to come from your observation. You want a nice healthy fit and active dragon as opposed to a fat barely ever moves dragon. If he is full grown and you like where he is now. Take a gram scale and weigh your boy. Most people give the advice of allowing your animals to eat what they can in a 5-15 minute period. The truth is some dragon need more or less than another dragon to maintain weight. Monitor how many he is eatting and record his weights weekly to fine tune a feeder regimen.
4. Adults: Veggies everyday / Insects every other day

 

[ReptileBabe]

1. It seemed that way but I just wanted to be sure that he didnt trust me , the previous owners didnt really hold him as much so maybe thats why..
2. It said on some site that your supposed to peel the apples and i had no idea. I had to put the apple piece on a straw for him to eat it , he didnt eat it in the feeding dish.
3. Interesting , I will have to buy a scale then.
4. what do you mean by insects? like crickets or other bugs?

 

[Augie]

Crickets and roaches are your best bet. You can use worms like super worms, wax worms, mealworms, butterworms, and Phoenix worms, but only as treats. Dubia roaches are illegal in Florida, but discoids and I think lobster roaches are ok.

 

[Germ]

By insects\live prey, yes we mean crickets, roaches, locusts (If available where you live), etc, along with various types of worms as periodic treats. You will find the answers to many of these & future questions in the links below. Read them over a few times, you will have a much better understanding of your new pet & it's care. You & your BD will be the better for it.

A few good links to help get you started ...

Basic BD Care Sheet - A Place To Start

Bearded Dragon --- Exclusive Care Info Library

Beautiful Dragons Nutrition Chart

Is Bearded Dragon Co-habitation a good plan?

How To Sex A Bearded Dragon

 

[emilybeardie]

Hi...my girl does the clingy thing too...Ive noticed with her she has to have her hands and feet touching something at all times. My other one wasnt like that at all...Im thinking my girl may have been dropped a lot when she was a baby ( I did not have her then. Its normal though!!!!

*Moderated*

 

[Augie]

It's more instinct than learned behavior. It's just a natural reaction to not having all four feet touching Mother Earth.