How much is too much?

[RaeAnn]

Hello all,
I recently purchased my first bearded dragon about two week ago. I have done a lot of research but am still a litte confused about how much she should be fed. Some places state they do not over eat and to feed them as much as they want while other places state to apply a 5-10min rule. She is slightly longer than 10inches and eats like a horse! She currently eats small/medium sized crickets (no bigger than the space between her eyes) and grazes on collared greens through out the day. She eats anywhere from 30-40 crickets twice a day, so 60+ a day and would eat even more but I cut her off in fear that I am over feeding her. I dust her first meal with calcium every other day and give her multi vitamins once a week. Is this to much food for her? Should I be cutting her off sooner or not cutting her off at all?
Thanks in advance for any helpful insight or advice any of you can offer me. She's my first beardie and I want to take good care of her.

 

[PatsyB]

You are doing good. There is a "rule" out there to feed them whatever they want in 15 minutes but if we don't cut them off they will over eat. 15 minutes is a long time, especially for a quick hunter. Little ones burn off a lot of energy during the day so I think 25-30 crickets per feeding is good. Mine used to eat 3 times a day 25 crickets a time and then as they got older they started tapering off. Plus you start feeding less crickets as the size goes up.

 

[RaeAnn]

Thank you for your response. I just wanted to be sure I am not being a meanie by cutting her off, it does make me feel bad lol. But at the same time I want her to be healthy and well feed not over fed. Once again thank you!