Hornworms are a popular treat for bearded dragons, but are they a good choice for your pet? These vibrant, green worms are eye-catching and packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your beardie.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat hornworms, which are a great source of calcium. However, they should be fed 2-3 times a week as a treat, not as a staple, as overfeeding can lead to imbalances.
This guide will explore the benefits, proper feeding practices, and important considerations for incorporating hornworms into your bearded dragon’s diet.
Can I Feed My Beardie Hornworms?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon hornworms. They are a great treat, providing protein, calcium, and water.
Ensure the hornworms are the right size, smaller than the space between your beardie’s eyes. Feed them occasionally, as part of a balanced diet, to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.
1. Are hornworms a staple for bearded dragons?
No, hornworms should not be a staple food for bearded dragons. They are best given as a treat every few days. Feeding too many hornworms can lead to an unbalanced diet.
Adult bearded dragons need more vegetables and fewer insects, so use hornworms as a supplement, not a daily food.
What to Know About Feeding Your Beardie Hornworms
When feeding your bearded dragon hornworms, ensure they are smaller than the space between your beardie’s eyes to prevent choking.
Feed them one at a time, and watch your beardie eat. Remove any uneaten hornworms after 10-15 minutes to avoid bites. Hornworms are a good treat but should be given in moderation.
1. How do I store my bearded dragon’s hornworms?
Store your hornworms in the cup they came in in a cool, dry place. To slow their growth, keep them at 55°F. For faster growth, store them at 82°F. If you plan to use them soon, you can even refrigerate them for two days to stop growth completely.
2. How long do hornworms live?
Hornworms live for about 2-3 weeks, depending on the temperature. Warmer temperatures help them live longer and grow bigger, while cooler temperatures shorten their lifespan. Store them in a cooler place to make them last longer, but be sure to use them before they die.
3. Can you cut hornworms in half?
Yes, you can cut hornworms in half if needed. However, it can be messy, and the hornworm will die quickly after being cut.
Feed the pieces to your bearded dragon immediately, especially if they are used to eating live insects. This way, your beardie can still enjoy the nutrition.
Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Millipedes? – What You Should Know
4. How do you dispose of hornworms?
To safely dispose of hornworms, place them in an escape-proof bag and freeze them for 24 hours. After freezing, throw the entire bag in the trash.
Never release live hornworms into the wild, which can harm the local environment. Proper disposal is important to prevent any issues.
Other Protein Sources
Besides hornworms, you can feed your bearded dragon other protein-rich insects like crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and wax worms.
These insects provide variety and essential nutrients for your beardie’s diet. Always buy insects from reputable sources to ensure they are safe and healthy. Mixing up protein sources helps keep your bearded dragon strong and happy.
1. What insects should I not feed my beardie?
Never feed your bearded dragon insects found outside, like wild-caught bugs. They might carry pesticides or parasites that could harm your beard.
Also, avoid feeding fireflies, as they are toxic. Stick to insects from trusted reptile suppliers to ensure they are safe and nutritious for your bearded dragon.
Why Hornworms Are an Excellent Food Choice for Bearded Dragons
1. High Moisture Content
Hornworms have high water content, making them a good hydration source for your bearded dragon, especially after brumation or during hot weather.
2. Rich in Essential Nutrients
Hornworms are packed with essential nutrients like protein and calcium, supporting your bearded dragon’s overall health and well-being.
3. Low in Fat
Hornworms are low in fat, making them a healthy snack that won’t contribute to obesity in your bearded dragon when given in moderation.
Why Hornworms Shouldn’t Be a Staple in the Diet
1. Potential for Overhydration
Hornworms have a high water content. Feeding too many can lead to overhydration, which can cause digestive issues. To avoid problems, it’s important to balance their diet with drier foods.
2. Imbalanced Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
Hornworms have an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can affect your bearded dragon’s bone health. They should be fed alongside calcium-rich foods to maintain proper dietary balance.
Also Read: What Temperature Will Kill A Bearded Dragon: Expert Insights
3. Inadequate Fat Content
Hornworms are low in fat, which is good, but bearded dragons need a mix of nutrients. Feeding only hornworms can lead to a lack of necessary fats in their diet.
4. High Fiber Content
Hornworms have high fiber content, which is generally good, but too much fiber can cause digestive problems in bearded dragons if not balanced with other foods.
5. Cost and Availability
Hornworms can be more expensive and harder to find than other insects. This makes them less practical as a staple food, so they should be used sparingly.
Crafting a Balanced Diet for Your Bearded Dragon
To keep your bearded dragon healthy, offer a mix of protein, vegetables, and occasional fruits. Rotate between different insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and hornworms, to provide a well-rounded diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms Everyday
No, bearded dragons should not eat hornworms every day. While nutritious, hornworms should only be given occasionally to avoid dietary imbalances. Overfeeding can lead to health issues, so stick to a varied diet for your beardie.
How Many Hornworms Should A Bearded Dragon Eat A Day
A bearded dragon should eat only a few hornworms daily, ideally 3-5, depending on size and age. Up to 10 hornworms might be fine for juveniles, but moderation is key to preventing dietary issues.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms
Bearded dragons can eat hornworms every 2-3 days. They should be given as a treat rather than a staple food. Ensure their diet includes a variety of insects and vegetables to maintain balanced nutrition.
What To Feed Hornworms For Bearded Dragon
Feed hornworms fresh fruit and vegetables like leafy greens or carrots. Keeping hornworms well-fed helps them remain nutritious for your bearded dragon. Avoid feeding them anything processed or unsuitable for insects.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dead Hornworms
No, Bearded dragons should avoid eating dead hornworms. Dead insects can carry harmful bacteria and might cause health problems. Always offer live or freshly dead hornworms and remove any uneaten food promptly to ensure safety.
What Do Hornworms Turn Into
Hornworms eventually turn into large moths called tomato hornworms. They go through a pupal stage before becoming moths. However, only the larval stage (hornworms) is suitable for feeding bearded dragons.
How To Store Hornworms For Bearded Dragons
Store hornworms in a cup or container in a cool, dry place. To slow their growth, keep them at around 55°F. You can refrigerate them briefly if needed but use them soon after.
At What Age Is It Appropriate To Use Hornworms?
Hornworms can be fed to bearded dragons at any age, but they are especially good for juveniles who need extra protein. To avoid health issues, ensure the hornworms are appropriately sized for your beardie.
How Many Hornworms Is Too Many?
Feeding more than 3-5 hornworms daily can be too much for adult bearded dragons. Excessive amounts may lead to nutritional imbalances or digestive problems. Moderation is key to a healthy diet.
How Often Should My Beardie Be Fed Hornworms
Feed your bearded dragon hornworms every 2-3 days. They should be a treat rather than a daily food, balanced with vegetables and other insects, for a well-rounded diet.
How Big Of A Hornworm Can I Feed My Dragon?
The hornworm should be smaller than the distance between your bearded dragon’s eyes. This size helps prevent choking or digestive issues. For safety, always choose appropriately sized hornworms.
Is This Hornworm Too Big To Eat?
It is too big if the hornworm is larger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes. Feeding hornworms that are too large can cause choking or impaction. Always ensure they are the correct size.
Bearded Dragons Love Hornworms
Bearded dragons often love hornworms due to their texture and taste. Hornworms provide essential nutrients and hydration, making them a favorite treat for many bearded dragons when given in moderation.
Read If You Using Hornworms
Always ensure hornworms are the right size for your bearded dragon, smaller than the distance between its eyes. Feed them as a treat, not a daily food, and watch your beardie eat to avoid any issues.
Must Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pomegranates – Safe Feeding Tips!
Today, A Horn Worm Bit My Beardie!
If a hornworm bites your bearded dragon, remove any leftover hornworms immediately. Monitor your beardie for any signs of irritation or infection, and consult a vet if needed. Always be cautious when feeding live insects.
How Much Do I Feed Of Hornworms, Butterworms, And Phoenixworms
Feed bearded dragons 3-5 hornworms, butter worms, or phoenix worms per day, depending on their size and age. These should be given as treats and balanced with other foods like vegetables and crickets for proper nutrition.
Bearded Dragon Not Eating
If your bearded dragon isn’t eating, check for stress, illness, or improper temperature in its habitat. Sometimes, they may only eat hornworms if hungry, or the worms are too big. Consult a vet if the problem persists.
Hornworms As A Staple
Hornworms should not be a staple food for bearded dragons. They are best used as occasional treats due to their nutritional imbalances. A varied diet with vegetables and other insects is important for overall health.
Will Hornworms Kill My Juvenile Bearded Dragon?
Hornworms are safe for juvenile bearded dragons when fed in moderation. Ensure they are the correct size and are fed only sometimes. Excessive amounts or improper care can lead to health issues, so balance their diet carefully.
FAQs
1. Are Hornworms Ok For Bearded Dragons?
Yes, hornworms are okay for bearded dragons. They are nutritious and provide protein, calcium, and moisture, but they should be fed occasionally and not as a daily staple.
2. Are Hornworms Toxic To Reptiles?
No, Hornworms are safe and not toxic to reptiles. They are safe to feed bearded dragons, provided they are the right size and fed in moderation to avoid health issues.
3. What Kind Of Live Worms Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat live worms such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and dubia roaches. These provide essential nutrients and should be part of a varied diet.
4. How Long Do Hornworms Live?
Hornworms live for about 2-3 weeks, depending on temperature. Warmer environments help them grow bigger, while cooler temperatures shorten their lifespan.
5. Can You Touch Hornworms?
Yes, you can touch hornworms, but they can be squirmy. Always handle them gently and wash your hands afterward to ensure hygiene.
6. Do Hornworms Bite?
Hornworms do not bite. They are generally harmless, but they might wriggle or squirm. Be careful when handling them to avoid any accidents.
7. Should Hornworms Be Killed?
Hornworms should be killed if not used immediately. Freeze them to dispose of them safely or if you need to store them for a short period.
8. How Bad Are Hornworms?
Hornworms are not bad; they are nutritious and hydrating for bearded dragons. However, they should be fed in moderation and not as a daily staple to maintain a balanced diet.
9. Can Hornworms Be Poisonous?
Hornworms are not harmful or poisonous to bearded dragons. They are safe to eat when provided in appropriate amounts, but always ensure they are fresh and properly sized.
10. What Do Hornworms Spit Out?
Hornworms do not spit out anything. When handled, they might secrete a bit of liquid, but this is not harmful. Just make sure to wash your hands after handling them.
To Wrap Up
Hornworms are a nutritious treat for bearded dragons, providing essential nutrients and hydration. However, they should be fed in moderation and not as a daily staple. A balanced diet, including various insects and vegetables, ensures your beardie’s overall health and well-being.
