Have you ever wondered if your bearded dragon can snack on cicadas? As a pet owner, it’s essential to know what foods are safe and beneficial for your reptile friend. Cicadas are a common insect found in many regions, but are they a suitable addition to your bearded dragon’s diet?
While bearded dragons are omnivores and can eat a variety of insects, not all insects are safe for them to consume. Cicadas are not toxic to bearded dragons, but they may cause digestive issues due to their hard exoskeleton. In this article, we’ll explore whether cicadas are a healthy treat for your bearded dragon and what precautions you should take before feeding them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cicadas?
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. They are easy to care for, and they have a great personality. One of the best things about owning a bearded dragon is that they are not picky eaters. They will eat almost anything you offer them, including insects, fruits, and vegetables. If you are wondering if bearded dragons can eat cicadas, then read on to find out.
What Are Cicadas?
Cicadas are insects that belong to the order Hemiptera. There are over 3,000 species of cicadas, and they are found all over the world. Cicadas are known for their loud buzzing sound, which can be heard from a distance. They have a hard exoskeleton, large eyes, and two pairs of wings.
Cicadas are also known for their periodic emergence. Some species of cicadas only emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years. During this time, they mate and lay eggs, and then die.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cicadas?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat cicadas. Cicadas are a great source of protein for bearded dragons, and they are also rich in vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to feed your bearded dragon only the adult cicadas because the juveniles have a hard exoskeleton that is difficult to digest.
It is also important to feed your bearded dragon only the cicadas that you have raised or bought from a reputable source. Wild-caught cicadas may have been exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals, which can be dangerous to your bearded dragon’s health.
Benefits of Feeding Cicadas to Bearded Dragons
Feeding cicadas to your bearded dragon can provide several benefits. Cicadas are a good source of protein, which is essential for the growth and development of your bearded dragon. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones, healthy muscles, and a healthy immune system.
Cicadas are also easy to digest, which means that they can help prevent digestive problems in your bearded dragon. They are also low in fat, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
How to Feed Cicadas to Bearded Dragons
When feeding cicadas to your bearded dragon, it is important to follow some basic guidelines. First, make sure that the cicadas are the appropriate size for your bearded dragon. They should be no bigger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes.
Second, make sure that the cicadas are gut-loaded before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This means that they should be fed a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will ensure that they are rich in nutrients that your bearded dragon needs.
Third, dust the cicadas with a calcium supplement before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will help ensure that your bearded dragon is getting enough calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones.
Can Cicadas Be Harmful to Bearded Dragons?
While cicadas are generally safe for bearded dragons to eat, there are some potential risks to consider. First, as mentioned earlier, wild-caught cicadas may have been exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals, which can be dangerous to your bearded dragon’s health.
Second, cicadas have a hard exoskeleton that can be difficult to digest. This can lead to digestive problems, including impaction, if your bearded dragon eats too many cicadas at once.
Finally, some bearded dragons may be allergic to cicadas. If your bearded dragon shows any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, then stop feeding them cicadas immediately and consult with a veterinarian.
Cicadas Vs Other Insects
While cicadas are a good source of protein for bearded dragons, they are not the only insect that you can feed your bearded dragon. Some other insects that are safe for bearded dragons to eat include crickets, mealworms, and roaches.
Crickets are a great source of protein and are widely available. They are easy to gut-load and dust with calcium supplements. Mealworms are also a good source of protein but are high in fat, so they should be fed in moderation. Roaches are a good alternative to crickets and are also easy to gut-load and dust with calcium supplements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat cicadas, and they can provide several benefits to your bearded dragon’s health. However, it is important to feed your bearded dragon only adult cicadas that have been gut-loaded and dusted with calcium supplements. It is also important to feed your bearded dragon only cicadas that you have raised or bought from a reputable source. If you have any concerns about feeding cicadas to your bearded dragon, then consult with a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cicadas?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat cicadas as they are a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. However, it is important to ensure that the cicadas are not contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. It is also recommended to feed cicadas in moderation as they have a hard exoskeleton that can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest.
Feeding live cicadas to bearded dragons can also pose a risk of injury as they have sharp claws and can bite. Therefore, it is recommended to either remove the wings and legs or offer pre-killed cicadas to avoid any potential harm. It is also important to remember that a bearded dragon’s diet should be varied and balanced with a mix of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits.
What Nutrients Do Cicadas Provide to Bearded Dragons?
Cicadas are a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They also provide essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Cicadas also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium, which are important for overall health and wellbeing.
However, it is important to note that cicadas should not be the sole source of nutrition for bearded dragons. A varied diet that includes a mix of different insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits is necessary to provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy bearded dragon.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cicadas?
It is recommended to feed cicadas to bearded dragons in moderation, as they have a hard exoskeleton that can be difficult to digest. It is also important to ensure that the cicadas are not contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. As a general rule, cicadas can be offered as a treat once or twice a week in small quantities.
It is important to remember that a bearded dragon’s diet should be varied and balanced with a mix of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits. Overfeeding cicadas or any other type of food can lead to obesity or other health problems in bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cicadas Found in the Wild?
Bearded dragons can eat cicadas found in the wild, but it is important to ensure that they are not contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Cicadas found in urban areas may be exposed to more pollutants and chemicals, so it is best to avoid feeding those to bearded dragons.
It is also important to ensure that the cicadas are not contaminated with harmful parasites or diseases that can be harmful to bearded dragons. It is recommended to either remove the wings and legs or offer pre-killed cicadas to avoid any potential harm.
What Other Insects Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, superworms, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure that bearded dragons receive all the necessary nutrients for their health and wellbeing.
In addition to insects, bearded dragons also require a variety of vegetables and occasional fruits to maintain a balanced diet. Some vegetables that can be offered include collard greens, kale, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits such as berries and melons can also be offered as an occasional treat.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cicadas? What you must know!
In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat cicadas as part of their diet. However, it is important to ensure that the cicadas are wild-caught and not exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Additionally, cicadas should not be the sole source of food for bearded dragons and should only be given as a treat in moderation.
While cicadas may provide some nutritional benefits for bearded dragons, it is important to remember that they should not be the only source of food. A balanced diet that includes a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits is essential for the health and well-being of your bearded dragon.
Overall, feeding your bearded dragon cicadas can be a fun and exciting way to provide variety in their diet. Just be sure to follow the proper precautions and guidelines to ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy.