How Often Should I Dust Crickets for My Bearded Dragons? (2024)

FAQs

How Often Should I Dust Crickets for My Bearded Dragons? ›

A variety of leafy green vegetables as described for adults and appropriately sized crickets (no longer than the width of the dragons head) should be offered twice per day. Dust crickets with a calcium/vitamin D3 supplement four to five times a week and a multivitamin with Vitamin A once a week.

Once the feeder insects are clean, it's time to dust them with the supplement powder. You can do this by placing a small amount of the supplement powder into a small bowl or cup. Then, using a spoon or shaker, sprinkle the powder onto the feeder insects.

Supplementation will vary depending on species but in general dust with a calcium supplement with D3 twice a week, and a multivitamin supplement at least once a week. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

At most, adult bearded dragons eat insects once a day. Some are fine eating feeders just 3 times a week. Adult bearded dragons can quickly become obese if they are overfed. They no longer need the same amount of protein as babies or juveniles; primarily they need nutrient-rich greens and veggies.

A variety of leafy green vegetables as described for adults and appropriately sized crickets (no longer than the width of the dragons head) should be offered twice per day. Dust crickets with a calcium/vitamin D3 supplement four to five times a week and a multivitamin with Vitamin A once a week.

Scents such as peppermint, lavender, citronella, or vinegar are often unpleasant for crickets. Using essential oils or natural repellents with these scents around your house may help discourage crickets from entering.

Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the body) is rare in bearded dragons, but it can happen, and it can result in illness and death. So it's always best to check with a vet first before starting any supplementation.

Crickets digest food more rapidly, and don't extract all of the nutrients that roaches can. Remember to dust with calcium (if you aren't providing it in the gutload) immediately before offering the prey. Depending on how much UVB light you provide, you may need to use a dust that includes a vitamin D3 supplement.

Dusting Frequency for Optimal Home Health

In order to keep your home's air quality top-notch, you should be dusting at least every other week, if not weekly. Choose a time each week, like after you pick the kids up from soccer practice, to dust your house, or dust a certain area each day.

The general opinion is that dusting once per week should be the standard to maintain a clean environment. This is not to say that you need to dust every surface in your home every week.

How long can a bearded dragon go without eating crickets? ›

If your bearded dragon stops eating, don't despair as this doesn't mean they will die. While it mostly depends on the age, health, and weight of your pet, the fully-grown dragon can usually live for three weeks and sometimes up to two months without eating.

Unfortunately, it's common for crickets to bite and chew on sleeping or resting lizards, but for some reason, pet stores and many websites still recommend leaving crickets in the cage for the lizard to “hunt.” In reality, it's better to only feed one at a time, as many as a dragon will eat, and not leave any in the ...

A typical juvenile can eat 20 to 50 insects each day. Adults will consume more greens than insects, fresh greens should be introduced daily. When using supplements such as waxworms, or Calciworms® dragons should be fed 3 to 5 worms 3 times a week.

How often should I feed my bearded dragon? Most young, bearded dragons should eat once or twice daily. Adult dragons may only eat every 24–72 hours, since they are no longer in a growth phase. It also depends on each pet's individual appetite.