Regarding your beloved bearded dragon’s diet, you might ask, “Can my bearded dragon eat rolly pollies?”
Yes, bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies (pill bugs) occasionally. Ensure they are free from pesticides and fertilizers. Avoid feeding wild-caught rolly pollies to prevent potential health risks.
This article delves into the specifics of feeding rolly pollies to bearded dragons, examining the benefits and potential risks.
What Are Rolly Pollies?
Rolly pollies are small bugs known for their ability to roll into a ball when touched. They belong to isopods, which are more like crabs than insects.
You can usually find them in dark, damp places like gardens or under rocks. They help the environment by breaking down dead plants and making the soil healthier.
Although tiny, rolly pollies play an important role in nature and are safe for bearded dragons to eat when properly sourced.
Why Are Rolly Pollies Named Like That?
Rolly pollies get their name because they roll into a tight ball when they feel scared or threatened. This rolling action protects their soft parts from danger, similar to how an armadillo curls up.
The name “pill bug” also comes from this behavior, as they look like little pills when rolled up. Sometimes, they are called “potato bugs” because they can roll into a shape like a small potato. These names all highlight the unique way rolly pollies protect themselves.
Nutritional Value of Rolly Pollies for Bearded Dragons
Rolly pollies offer some nutritional benefits for bearded dragons. They are a good source of protein, which helps your dragon grow strong. They also contain calcium, which is important for healthy bones.
While rolly pollies have some vitamins and minerals, they shouldn’t replace other insects in your dragon’s diet. Instead, think of them as an occasional treat.
Be sure to feed your bearded dragon rolly pollies only, free from pesticides and chemicals, to keep them safe and healthy.
Also Read: Bearded Dragon Keeps Scratching At Glass – How To Stop It!
Health Risks of Rolly Pollies to Bearded Dragons?
1. Pesticide Exposure
Rolly pollies found outside may have been exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals. If your bearded dragon eats these bugs, they could ingest these toxins, leading to serious health problems.
2. Parasite Contamination
Wild rolly pollies might carry parasites that can infect your bearded dragon. These parasites can cause digestive issues, weakness, and other health concerns.
3. Hard Exoskeleton
Rolly pollies have a tough outer shell that can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest. This can lead to digestive blockages, especially in baby dragons.
4. Choking Hazard
The small, round shape of rolly pollies could pose a choking risk, particularly for younger bearded dragons. To avoid this danger, it’s important to monitor feeding closely.
5. Nutritional Imbalance
While rolly pollies offer some nutrients, relying on them too much can cause an unbalanced diet. Bearded dragons need a variety of insects to get all the nutrients they need.
6. Overfeeding Risks
Feeding too many rolly pollies can lead to obesity and other health issues in bearded dragons. It’s best to offer them an occasional treat, not a staple food.
Alternatives to Rolly Pollies
If you’re looking for safe and nutritious insect options for your bearded dragon, consider the following alternatives:
1. Other Safe Insects for Bearded Dragons
- Crickets: A staple in many bearded dragon diets, crickets are an excellent source of protein and can be easily dusted with calcium supplements.
- Dubia Roaches are highly nutritious and low in chitin, making them an excellent choice for bearded dragons.
- Mealworms: While higher in fat, mealworms can be a good occasional treat, especially for younger dragons that need extra protein.
- Silkworms: Known for their high protein content and low-fat profile, silkworms are a great addition to your bearded dragon’s diet.
Also Read: How Long Can A Bearded Dragon Go Without Heat: Care Tips!
2. Nutritional Comparisons
Compared to rolly pollies, the above insects provide a better balance of protein, fat, and minerals without the high chitin content, making them easier to digest and safer for your bearded dragon.
Are Rolly Pollies Safe for Bearded Dragons?
Rolly pollies can be safe for bearded dragons to eat if they are clean and free from pesticides or chemicals.
These bugs are not toxic and can be a healthy treat in small amounts. However, avoiding feeding your dragon rolly pollies found outside is important, as they might carry harmful substances.
It’s better to get them from a trusted source. Also, be cautious with baby dragons, as the hard shells of rolly pollies might be difficult to digest. Feeding them to adult dragons occasionally is a safer option.
What Insects Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of insects to stay healthy. Common options include crickets, mealworms, and Dubia roaches, which provide good protein.
They can also eat silkworms, hornworms, and occasional treats like waxworms or butterworms, which are higher in fat. It’s important to feed them insects from reliable sources to avoid pesticides.
Ensure the insects are the right size so your dragon doesn’t choke. Rotate different insects to give your dragon a balanced diet, and dust them with calcium powder to support strong bones.
Are Any Insects Dangerous for Bearded Dragons?
Yes, some insects can be dangerous for bearded dragons. Fireflies are especially harmful and deadly, so never feed them to your dragon. Insects that glow, like certain beetles, are also toxic.
Avoid bugs found outside, as they might carry pesticides, fertilizers, or parasites that can make your dragon sick. Wild-caught insects should be avoided because they might contain harmful chemicals or bacteria.
Always choose safe, store-bought insects, and avoid feeding your dragon anything you’re unsure about to keep them healthy and safe.
Read Also: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Eggplant – A Comprehensive Guide!
Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Rolly Pollies?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon rolly pollies as an occasional treat. They are not toxic, but make sure they are free from pesticides and chemicals. Overfeeding can cause digestive issues, so offer them in moderation.
Can I Feed Pill Bugs Aka Woodlice To My Bearded Dragon??
Yes, pill bugs, also known as woodlice, are safe for bearded dragons to eat occasionally. However, they must come from a clean source and be free from harmful chemicals. Also, avoid feeding them too often to prevent digestive problems.
Beardie Ate A Roly Poly
If your bearded dragon ate a rolly poly, there’s generally no need to worry if it was clean and free from chemicals. Monitor your dragon for any unusual signs like digestive issues, but a single rolly poly isn’t usually harmful.
Eating Pill Bugs/ Rollie Pollie
Feeding pill bugs or rolly pollies to your bearded dragon is fine in moderation. Ensure they are free from pesticides and chemicals. Rolly pollies should be an occasional treat, not a main food source.
Reptiles That Would Thrive On Rolly-Polly Diet?
Most reptiles, including bearded dragons, can eat rolly pollies as an occasional treat. However, no reptile should rely solely on rolly pollies for a balanced diet. They should be fed a variety of insects for proper nutrition.
My Bearded Dragon Ate A Rollie Polly (Pill Bug). Should I Worry?
If your bearded dragon ate a rolly poly, it is usually not a big concern if it was from a safe source. Watch for any signs of digestive issues or unusual behavior. If problems arise, consult a vet.
Baby Beardie Ate Pill/Rollie Pollie Bug From Yard
Be cautious if a baby bearded dragon ate a rolly poly from the yard. Wild-caught bugs may carry pesticides or parasites. Watch for signs of distress and consult a vet if you notice any issues.
Advice On Wild Pill Bugs
Avoid feeding wild-caught pill bugs to your bearded dragon, as they might carry pesticides or parasites. It’s safer to buy insects from reputable sources to ensure they are clean and free of harmful substances.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dubia Roaches?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat Dubia roaches. They are a great source of protein and nutrients. Make sure to offer them in appropriate sizes and ensure they are gut-loaded and dusted with calcium for optimal health.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Earthworms
Yes, bearded dragons can consume earthworms. They provide protein and nutrients but should be offered in moderation. Earthworms should be clean and free from pesticides. Too many can cause digestive issues, so balance them with other food.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Slugs
Bearded dragons can eat slugs occasionally, but they should be carefully cleaned. Slugs can carry parasites and toxins. Limiting them in your dragon’s diet and focusing on safer insects for regular feeding is better.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants
Bearded dragons can eat ants, but they should be offered sparingly. Ants might carry pesticides or have strong bites that can harm your dragon. Always ensure ants are from a safe source and feed them occasionally.
Do Lizards Eat Rolly Pollies
Yes, many lizards, including some species of skinks and geckos, eat rolly pollies. These bugs can be a part of their diet, but like bearded dragons, they should be clean and pesticide-free.
What Bugs Can Bearded Dragons Eat
Bearded dragons can eat various bugs, such as crickets, mealworms, Dubia roaches, and silkworms. These insects provide necessary nutrients. However, they should avoid bugs from outside, as they may carry pesticides or parasites.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Centipedes
Bearded dragons can eat centipedes, but they should be fed cautiously. Centipedes can be hard to digest and may have toxins. Sticking with other insects that are easier on your dragon’s digestive system is safer.
What Eats Rolly Pollies
Various animals eat Rolly pollies, including birds, frogs, and some insects. They play a role in the food chain, providing nutrients to these predators.
How Often Should Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Bearded dragons should not eat rolly pollies frequently due to their hard exoskeleton and potential health risks. Feeding them once every few weeks as a snack should be safe, provided they are from a trusted source and adequately prepared.
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Can Leopard Geckos Eat Rolly Pollies?
Leopard geckos can eat rolly pollies, but it’s risky. Their hard shells can be challenging to digest, and wild-caught bugs may carry pesticides or parasites. Stick to safer, store-bought feeders for them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Isopods?
Bearded dragons can eat isopods in small amounts. While they offer some nutrients, their tough exoskeleton can cause digestive issues. Always clean them properly and feed them in moderation to avoid problems.
Can Lizards Eat Rolly Pollies?
Some lizards can eat rolly pollies, but it’s not always safe. Rolly pollies have hard shells that may cause digestive issues. Use them as an occasional treat, not a primary food source.
Can You Eat A Rolly Pollie?
Humans can eat rolly pollies, but it’s not common. They’re not toxic, but their taste and texture aren’t appealing. They are technically edible, though often not considered part of a typical diet.
What Animals Eat Rolly Pollies?
Rolly pollies are eaten by various animals, such as frogs, toads, birds, and some lizards. These creatures help control rolly polly populations in gardens and natural environments, where they thrive in damp areas.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Roly-Poly?
Rolly pollies, or pill bugs, typically live for about two years. Under favourable conditions with access to moisture and food, they can survive even longer, up to five years in some cases.
Can Rolly Pollies Drink Water?
Rolly pollies absorb water through their environment rather than drinking it. They prefer damp areas because their bodies rely on moisture to survive and stay hydrated.
Can Rolly Pollies Lay Eggs?
Yes, rolly pollies can lay eggs. Female rolly pollies carry eggs in a pouch on their body until they hatch into tiny juveniles, which resemble miniature versions of adults.
What’s The Real Name For A Rollie Pollie Bug?
The actual name for a rollie pollie is “pill bug” or “woodlouse.” They are part of the crustacean family, closely related to lobsters and crabs, though they live on land instead of water.
Help My Dragon Ate…
If your bearded dragon ate something questionable, monitor it closely for signs of discomfort or illness. Contact a reptile vet immediately if it shows unusual behaviour like lethargy, bloating, or refusal to eat.
Must Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hibiscus Leaves – Benefits & Risks!
Am I Able To Put Wild Rollie Pollies (Pill Bugs) In My Gecko Tank As Food/Clean-Up Crew?
It’s risky to use wild-caught rolly pollies in your gecko tank. They could carry harmful pesticides or parasites. Use captive-bred ones from trusted sources to ensure safety for both food and cleaning purposes.
If I were to get a bearded dragon, what insects should I feed it? I live in Canada so I’m not able to get Dubia roaches, and I’ve read that crickets can carry parasites.
If you can’t get Dubia roaches in Canada, you can still feed your bearded dragon other insects like crickets, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and silkworms. Crickets are fine if you buy them from reliable sources to avoid parasites. Adding variety keeps your dragon healthy!
FAQs
1. Are Rolly Pollies Reptiles?
No, rolly pollies are not reptiles. They are isopods, a type of crustacean similar to small crabs or shrimp but unrelated to reptiles.
2. What Do Rolly Pollies Drink?
Rolly pollies drink water from damp environments. They absorb moisture from their surroundings, such as soil or decaying leaves.
3. How Long Can A Roly-Poly Live Without Food?
Rolly pollies can live for a few weeks without food but need regular moisture to survive. Without water, their survival time is shorter.
4. Why Do Rolly Pollies Lay On Their Backs?
Rolly pollies may lie on their backs when stressed or when they roll up to protect themselves. This is a defense mechanism or a sign of distress.
5. What Bugs Can Bearded Dragons Not Eat?
Bearded dragons should avoid bugs like fireflies, glowworms, and insects from outside due to potential toxins or pesticides.
6. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wild Isopods?
Bearded dragons can eat wild isopods like rolly pollies but ensure they are pesticide-free. Wild-caught insects can carry harmful chemicals.
7. Can I Put Rolly Pollies In My Terrarium?
Yes, you can add rolly pollies to your terrarium. They help clean up waste and can be a food source, but ensure they’re pesticide-free.
8. What Bugs Are Poisonous To Bearded Dragons?
Poisonous bugs for bearded dragons include fireflies and some types of beetles. These insects can be toxic and harmful if ingested.
9. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pill Bugs?
Bearded dragons can eat pill bugs, also known as rolly pollies. They are safe in moderation and should be free of chemicals.
10. Can I Feed My Baby Bearded Dragon Pill Bugs?
Feeding pill bugs to baby bearded dragons is risky due to their hard shells. Babies should stick with softer insects.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can safely eat rolly pollies as an occasional treat, provided they are free from pesticides and chemicals. While they offer some nutritional benefits, they should not replace other insects in your dragon’s diet. Always prioritize variety and monitor your dragon ‘dragon’s health when introducing new foods.
