You’ve decided to feed your bearded dragon Dubia roaches because they’re nutritious, but your pet just isn’t interested. This can be frustrating, especially when you know how beneficial these roaches can be for your dragon’s health.
As a bearded dragon owner, it can feel discouraging when your pet refuses to eat something you know is perfect for them. You may worry about their nutrition or even wonder if you’re doing something wrong in their diet plan.
Don’t worry—getting your bearded dragon to eat Dubia roaches doesn’t have to be difficult. Here, we’ll share seven proven tips to help urge your dragon to eat these nutritious insects from your Dubia roach starter colony, ensuring they get the best diet for a long, healthy life.
1. Start with Fresh and Active Roaches
When introducing Dubia roaches to your bearded dragon, it’s crucial to offer them fresh, active roaches. Dragons are more likely to show interest in roaches that move around, as they mimic the natural hunting behavior of wild dragons. Roaches that are too old or lethargic may not catch your pet’s attention.
Ensure the roaches are healthy and lively by keeping them in a clean, warm environment with the right humidity. Fresh roaches will not only stimulate your dragon’s hunting instincts but will also be more nutritious.
2. Gut-Load Your Dubia Roaches
Before feeding Dubia roaches to your bearded dragon, consider gut-loading them for 24 hours with high-calcium food. This means feeding the roaches nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits like leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
The process of gut-loading helps boost the nutritional content of the roaches, especially their calcium levels. Bearded dragons need adequate calcium for healthy bone growth, and by feeding them well-nourished roaches, you’re making sure your pet gets all the nutrients they need. This can make the roaches more appealing and beneficial to your dragon’s health.
3. Vary the Size of the Roaches
Sometimes, bearded dragons are picky eaters, and the size of the Dubia roaches can play a big role in whether they’ll eat them. Offering a variety of sizes, from small nymphs to larger adults, can help.
Young bearded dragons, in particular, prefer smaller roaches that are easier to hunt and eat. If your dragon is hesitant, try offering smaller roaches and gradually increase the size as they get more comfortable with eating them. Mixing different sizes will ensure they get the right amount of nutrition and keep mealtime interesting for them.
4. Provide a Variety of Feeder Insects
While Dubia roaches are an excellent source of protein, your bearded dragon may get bored if that’s all they’re offered. Introducing a variety of feeder insects, such as crickets, waxworms, or mealworms, can help create more excitement during feeding time.
Over time, your dragon will start to associate mealtime with a variety of tasty options. You can mix in Dubia roaches alongside other insects to help encourage your dragon to eat them. Once they’re used to the idea of eating various insects, they may become more willing to try and enjoy the Dubia roaches.
5. Dust the Roaches with Calcium Powder
To further entice your bearded dragon to eat Dubia roaches, dust the roaches with a calcium powder or a multivitamin supplement before feeding them. Dragons love the taste of dusted insects, and adding calcium helps ensure that they’re getting enough of this essential nutrient for their bones and overall health.
It’s important to dust the insects lightly – you don’t want to overwhelm the roaches with too much powder, as this can be unappealing. Just a light dusting will make the roaches more attractive and provide your dragon with extra vitamins.
6. Feed at the Right Time
Sometimes, timing can make all the difference when it comes to encouraging your bearded dragon to eat Dubia roaches. Bearded dragons tend to eat more when they’re active, which is typically during the day.
Try feeding them during their peak activity periods when they’re most likely to be hunting and foraging. Also, avoid overfeeding your dragon with other foods, as they may not be hungry enough to eat the roaches. By creating the right conditions, your bearded dragon will be more inclined to hunt and eat the Dubia roaches.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Introducing new foods can take time, especially if your bearded dragon is used to other feeder insects. Patience is key when it comes to getting your dragon to eat Dubia roaches. Keep offering them consistently, and don’t be discouraged if they don’t take to them immediately.
Over time, as your dragon associates the Dubia roaches with mealtime and sees the nutritional benefits, they’ll likely develop a preference for them. Consistency is essential in building this new feeding routine, so keep offering the roaches in a stress-free, calm environment.
Conclusion
Getting your bearded dragon to eat Dubia roaches may require a bit of patience, but with the right approach, it will become part of their healthy diet. Start by offering fresh, active roaches and gut-loading them with nutritious food. Vary the size of the roaches, and mix in other insects to keep things interesting.
Don’t forget to dust the roaches with calcium powder and feed them at the right times. Above all, be patient and consistent, and soon, your bearded dragon will be eagerly eating these nutritious, protein-packed insects. By following these seven tips, you’ll ensure your pet remains happy, healthy, and well-fed.