New to bearded dragons....

[Lindsy]

I just received my first bearded dragon yesterday. he is around 2 1/2 months old. I did a ton of reading before I got him so I would know how to give proper care. He seems healthy and is doing fine.
The problem is that I ordered some crickets and reptiworms from the breeder and they didn't ship them out. I have no local recourse to get him live food. I keep a compost ben at home and keep earthworms in it. Only plant matter ever goes into the compost and we never use any pesticides on our property. Would it be okay to feed him a few small ones until my other food comes in?

 

[PatsyB]

Earthworms are normally okay but I'm really not sure about getting them from the compost pile. How much longer until you get your crickets?

 

[Lindsy]

They won't be in until Thursday or Friday. I should have chosen expedited shipping and gotten them here sooner but it's too late to change it now, they have already shipped...like I said before, only fruits/veggies or plant matter go into the compost but I am worried about parasites....

 

[Canicke]

He's going to get really hungry by Thursday or Friday. Is your compost bin outside? Is it in a container? What kind of temperature?if it were me – I'd use the earthworms.

 

[Lindsy]

it is out side and it is in a closed container so nothing can get in that I don't put in and the temp inside it gets pretty hot but I don't know the exact temp....I don't want to stress him out anymore than the trip through the mail did (the box wasn't marked as a live animal)...I think I will fed him a few to hold him over until they come in...we have a vet appointment next week that I made ahead of time, I will be sure to mention the earthworms to him...

thank you for the help...

 

[Lindsy]

He is eating his greens and veggies well by the way but I know he will need the protein from insects....

 

[Canicke]

Eating greens at 2 1/2 months? Good for him!

 

[cold blooded]

Yeah I'm jealous. My guy is always picky with greens. Even now as adult. I think if he's eating something...like the greens I wouldn't sweat it.

Since you don't have a local source of bugs I think you might consider growing your own bugs. Have you considered Dubias? They are really easy. I have a colony with 1000's now. I don't think I've payed for food for over a year now!