My bearded dragon just ate two quail chicks

[Wendym]

I put two quail chicks in my bearded dragon aquarium just for a moment while I was getting their aquarium ready. Before you worry- they hatched yesterday in a sanitary incubator and have not been exposed to anything. He immediately ate them before I could reach in and take them away. I tried pulling one out of his mouth but he had his jaws clamped down tight. I was worried about him choking or the chick being large enough to cause paralysis. I've only had him for a month and I've researched alot, but I'm still learning. I know now that they eat birds and mice in the wild- I googled it. How varied does his diet need to be? Should I continue to give him chicks once in awhile? Has anyone made the same mistake?

 

[BeardedHippy]

I think they will go for anything thats small and moves fast. Some people do give their dragons the occasional frozen pinkie, but I wouldnt give them live animals, I think the risk is just too great. If there is any chance they could have problems digesting something like that it could cause some health issues (feathers, beaks and bones?). I dunno, I would stick with the bugs and veggies

 

[Canicke]

hi - how old is your beardie? I would probably not continue to give chicks. they may eat them in the wild - but our prepared vivarium environments differ. pinkies may be give to females who have laid eggs - to replenish their body fat. sorry 'bout your chicks!

 

[Hdrydr31]

Oh my... yep if given the chance they will eat prey items that are smaller than them...I would not encourage this but I don't think it will harm him...Just make sure he passes them..

 

[PatsyB]

I would call your vet and tell them what happened and ask them what to do. They will tell you what to look out for. Feeding them chicks is not a good idea. It's very hard for them to digest the bones not to mention the energy it takes to digest all the protein.

Honestly I think you wanted to see what would happen if you put them in your dragons tank. common sense tells us not to put anything in a cage with another animal. That's like putting your baby in a cage with a lion because you have to go to the bathroom and you are afraid it's going to crawl away!