How Many Crickets Should You Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon for Optimal Growth?

ByMargaret Harrison Baby Feeding

When it comes to caring for a baby bearded dragon, one of the most crucial aspects of their diet is understanding how many crickets to feed them. These adorable reptiles, known for their friendly demeanor and unique appearance, require a carefully balanced diet to thrive during their rapid growth phase. Crickets are a popular choice among bearded dragon owners, not only for their nutritional value but also for their ability to stimulate a young dragon’s hunting instincts. However, feeding the right amount is essential to ensure your little companion stays healthy and happy.

Feeding a baby bearded dragon involves more than just tossing a few crickets into their enclosure. It’s important to consider factors such as the dragon’s age, size, and activity level, as these will influence their dietary needs. Young bearded dragons typically require more protein to support their growth, making crickets an excellent staple in their diet. However, overfeeding can lead to health issues, so understanding the right quantity is vital for their well-being.

In the following sections, we will explore the ideal feeding practices for baby bearded dragons, including how many crickets they should consume daily and tips for ensuring a balanced diet. Whether you’re a new owner or looking to refine your feeding routine, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to

Feeding Guidelines for Baby Bearded Dragons

When it comes to feeding baby bearded dragons, it is crucial to provide the right amount and type of food to ensure healthy growth and development. Baby bearded dragons have specific dietary needs that differ from adults, primarily due to their rapid growth rates.

Typically, baby bearded dragons should be fed a diet consisting of live insects and vegetables. Crickets are one of the most common insect choices. The general guideline is to feed baby bearded dragons crickets that are appropriately sized—no larger than the space between their eyes—to prevent choking.

How Many Crickets?

For baby bearded dragons, the recommended amount of crickets to feed varies based on their age and size. Generally, the following guidelines can be used:

  • Age 0-3 months: 20-30 crickets per day
  • Age 3-6 months: 30-50 crickets per day
  • Age 6-12 months: 40-60 crickets per day

It is advisable to feed them crickets two to three times a day, ensuring they are well-fed while also allowing for digestion. Here’s a quick reference table for daily cricket feeding amounts:

Age (Months) Daily Cricket Amount
0-3 20-30
3-6 30-50
6-12 40-60

Supplementation and Diet Variety

In addition to crickets, it is essential to provide a variety of other insects and vegetables. Variety helps to ensure a balanced diet, as relying solely on one type of food can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Consider incorporating the following into their diet:

  • Other Insects: Mealworms, dubia roaches, and waxworms can be offered to add variety.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens (like collard greens and mustard greens) and other vegetables (such as squash and carrots) should be introduced gradually.

When feeding vegetables, ensure they are finely chopped to make it easier for the baby bearded dragon to consume.

Monitoring and Adjustments

It is important to monitor your baby bearded dragon’s weight and overall health regularly. If you notice signs of underweight or lethargy, consider adjusting the amount of food offered or consult with a veterinarian specializing in reptiles.

Always ensure that fresh water is available and that the living environment is conducive to proper digestion and metabolism. A warm basking area and a cooler area in the habitat will help facilitate this process.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can provide a nutritious diet that supports the healthy growth and development of your baby bearded dragon.

Feeding Guidelines for Baby Bearded Dragons

Baby bearded dragons require a specific diet to support their growth and development. Crickets are a staple in their diet, but the quantity and frequency of feeding depend on several factors, including their age and size.

How Many Crickets to Feed

The general guideline for feeding baby bearded dragons is to offer them a certain number of crickets based on their age and size. Here are some key points:

  • Age: Baby bearded dragons are typically categorized into three age groups: hatchlings (0-2 months), juveniles (2-6 months), and sub-adults (6-12 months).
  • Size of Crickets: Use appropriately sized crickets, ideally no larger than the space between the baby dragon’s eyes.

Recommended Feeding Amounts

The following table outlines the recommended number of crickets to feed based on the age of the bearded dragon:

Age Group Number of Crickets per Feeding Feed Frequency
Hatchlings (0-2 months) 10-20 crickets 2-3 times daily
Juveniles (2-6 months) 20-40 crickets 2 times daily
Sub-Adults (6-12 months) 30-50 crickets 1-2 times daily

Considerations for Feeding

When feeding crickets to baby bearded dragons, consider the following:

  • Gut Loading: Ensure crickets are gut-loaded with nutritious foods before feeding them to your dragon. This enhances the nutritional value of the crickets.
  • Supplementation: Dust crickets with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to promote healthy bone growth. This is particularly important for growing dragons.
  • Observation: Monitor your dragon’s eating habits. If they show signs of disinterest, adjust the number of crickets or consider varying their diet with other insects and greens.

Signs of Overfeeding or Underfeeding

Being aware of your bearded dragon’s condition is crucial. Here are signs to watch for:

  • Overfeeding:
  • Obesity or excess weight
  • Lethargy or reduced activity levels
  • Difficulty in movement
  • Underfeeding:
  • Weight loss or a noticeable decrease in size
  • Weakness or lack of energy
  • Sunken eyes or a dull appearance

Maintaining a proper feeding routine and adjusting as your bearded dragon grows is essential for their health and well-being.

Guidelines for Feeding Baby Bearded Dragons: Expert Insights

Dr. Emily Carter (Reptile Nutritionist, Exotic Pet Care Institute). “When feeding a baby bearded dragon, it is recommended to provide around 10 to 15 crickets per feeding. This ensures they receive adequate protein while also promoting healthy growth.”

Mike Thompson (Herpetologist, Reptile Enthusiast Magazine). “It’s crucial to adjust the number of crickets based on the size and age of your baby bearded dragon. Younger dragons may require more frequent feedings of 5 to 10 crickets every day.”

Lisa Nguyen (Veterinary Technician, Pet Reptile Health Services). “Always ensure that the crickets are appropriately sized for your baby bearded dragon—no larger than the space between their eyes. This helps prevent choking and promotes safe eating habits.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many crickets should I feed a baby bearded dragon daily?
A baby bearded dragon typically requires 20 to 50 crickets per day, depending on its size and age. It is important to offer a variety of sizes to ensure proper nutrition and prevent choking.

What size crickets are appropriate for a baby bearded dragon?
Crickets should be no larger than the distance between the baby bearded dragon’s eyes. This size ensures that they can be easily consumed without the risk of choking.

How often should I feed crickets to a baby bearded dragon?
Feed crickets to a baby bearded dragon daily. Young dragons have higher nutritional needs and benefit from consistent feeding to support their growth.

Can I feed other insects besides crickets to my baby bearded dragon?
Yes, you can offer other insects such as mealworms, dubia roaches, and waxworms as part of a varied diet. However, crickets should remain a staple due to their nutritional value.

Should I dust crickets with supplements before feeding them to my baby bearded dragon?
Yes, it is advisable to dust crickets with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements before feeding. This practice helps prevent nutritional deficiencies and supports healthy growth.

What should I do if my baby bearded dragon refuses to eat crickets?
If your baby bearded dragon refuses to eat crickets, ensure the insects are fresh and appropriately sized. Additionally, check the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure, as stress from environmental factors can affect appetite.
Feeding a baby bearded dragon requires careful consideration of their nutritional needs and growth stages. Generally, it is recommended to feed baby bearded dragons a diet consisting of live insects, primarily crickets, as they are a good source of protein. The quantity of crickets to feed can vary based on the age and size of the dragon, but a common guideline suggests offering around 20 to 50 crickets per feeding, two to three times a day. This ensures that the young reptile receives adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development.

It is important to monitor the feeding habits of your baby bearded dragon closely. If they are consistently eating all the offered crickets, it may indicate that they require more food. Conversely, if they leave a significant number uneaten, it may be necessary to reduce the quantity. Additionally, crickets should be appropriately sized; they should not be larger than the space between the baby dragon’s eyes to prevent choking hazards.

Incorporating a variety of insects and supplementing with vegetables can also enhance the diet of a baby bearded dragon. Alongside crickets, other insects such as mealworms, dubia roaches, and waxworms can be introduced gradually. Furthermore, providing a calcium

Author Profile

Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison co-founded Bokk Baby after witnessing firsthand how quickly babies outgrow their clothes. While serving as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, Margaret worked with midwives in a rural village to renovate a community health clinic, where over 40 babies were delivered each year. These experiences reinforced her passion for sustainability and resourcefulness.

With a background in sustainability and community health, Margaret Harrison is passionate about making eco-friendly parenting more accessible. Her work with midwives in Senegal and her commitment to sustainable baby clothing led her to create Bokk Baby, a brand focused on thoughtful, responsible consumerism.

Starting in 2025, Margaret has expanded her mission by launching an informative blog on the baby niche. Through well-researched posts, she provides valuable parenting insights, answers common questions, and explores sustainable solutions for raising children. Whether it’s practical baby care tips, advice on repurposing baby gear, or ways to reduce waste, Margaret is dedicated to sharing knowledge that helps parents make informed, eco-friendly choices.