Do Bearded Dragons Eat Pinkies? (The Truth About This Popular Myth)
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Pinkies?
The bearded dragon is a popular pet lizard, and for good reason. They’re relatively easy to care for, and they’re quite entertaining to watch. But one question that often comes up is: do bearded dragons eat pinkies?
The answer is yes, bearded dragons can and do eat pinkies. Pinkies are the young of mice, and they’re a good source of protein for bearded dragons. However, it’s important to note that pinkies should only be fed to bearded dragons as a treat, and they should not make up the bulk of their diet.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at bearded dragon nutrition, and we’ll discuss how to properly feed pinkies to your pet lizard. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right pinkies for your bearded dragon.
So if you’re wondering whether or not bearded dragons eat pinkies, the answer is yes. But it’s important to feed them pinkies in moderation, and to make sure that they’re getting the nutrients they need from a variety of other foods.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Pinkies?
| Question | Answer | Source |
|—|—|—|
| Do bearded dragons eat pinkies? | No, bearded dragons are insectivores and do not eat mammals. | [Reptiles Magazine](https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/bearded-dragons-eat-pinkies/) |
| What do bearded dragons eat? | Bearded dragons eat a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They also eat fruits and vegetables. | [National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/b/bearded-dragon/) |
| How many pinkies can a bearded dragon eat? | A bearded dragon should only eat a few pinkies per week. Too many pinkies can cause health problems. | [The Spruce Pets](https://www.thesprucepets.com/can-bearded-dragons-eat-pinkies-582742) |
What are Pinkies?
Pinkies are the common name for the newborn mice that are used as food for pet reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. They are typically sold in pet stores in small plastic containers, and they can be live or frozen.
Pinkies are a good source of protein and fat for reptiles, and they are also a good way to get them used to eating live prey. However, it is important to note that Pinkies can carry diseases, so it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Pinkies?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat Pinkies. However, it is important to note that they should only be fed Pinkies as a treat, and they should not make up the majority of their diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores, and they need a diet that is made up of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
When feeding Pinkies to your bearded dragon, it is important to make sure that they are the right size. Pinkies should be no larger than the width of your bearded dragon’s head. You can also offer your bearded dragon frozen Pinkies, which will help to reduce the risk of them carrying diseases.
Here are some tips for feeding Pinkies to your bearded dragon:
- Offer Pinkies as a treat, and do not make up the majority of their diet.
- Make sure that the Pinkies are the right size.
- Offer frozen Pinkies to reduce the risk of them carrying diseases.
- Feed Pinkies to your bearded dragon in a separate container to avoid contamination of their regular food.
Pinkies are a good source of protein and fat for bearded dragons, but they should only be fed as a treat. Bearded dragons need a diet that is made up of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects. By following these tips, you can help to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.
3. The Pros and Cons of Feeding Pinkies to Bearded Dragons
Pinkies are the baby mice that are often used as food for snakes. They are also sometimes fed to other reptiles, such as bearded dragons. There are both pros and cons to feeding pinkies to bearded dragons, and it is important to weigh these factors before making a decision.
Pros of Feeding Pinkies to Bearded Dragons
- Pinkies are a good source of protein and other nutrients that bearded dragons need.
- They are easy to find and purchase.
- They can be fed live or frozen, which gives bearded dragons the opportunity to hunt and scavenge.
- Pinkies can help to keep bearded dragons’ teeth clean and healthy.
Cons of Feeding Pinkies to Bearded Dragons
- Pinkies can be a choking hazard for bearded dragons, especially if they are not fed properly.
- They can carry diseases that can be harmful to bearded dragons.
- They can be expensive, especially if they are purchased live.
- Pinkies can be messy to feed, and they can leave behind a strong odor.
Overall, the decision of whether or not to feed pinkies to bearded dragons is a personal one. There are both pros and cons to consider, and each bearded dragon owner must decide what is best for their pet.
4. How to Feed Pinkies to Bearded Dragons
If you decide to feed pinkies to your bearded dragon, there are a few things you need to know.
- Pinkies should be no larger than the width of your bearded dragon’s head.
- Pinkies should be fed live or frozen.
- Pinkies should be thawed before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
- Pinkies should be fed one to two times per week.
- Pinkies should be fed in a separate enclosure from your bearded dragon’s main tank.
Here are the steps on how to feed pinkies to your bearded dragon:
1. Thaw the pinkie by placing it in a bowl of warm water.
2. Remove the pinkie from the water and dry it off with a paper towel.
3. Place the pinkie in a separate enclosure from your bearded dragon’s main tank.
4. Allow your bearded dragon to chase and catch the pinkie.
5. Once the pinkie has been eaten, remove any uneaten pieces from the enclosure.
It is important to note that bearded dragons can become addicted to live prey. If you are concerned about this, you can feed your bearded dragon frozen pinkies that have been thawed. Frozen pinkies are just as nutritious as live pinkies, but they do not pose the same choking hazard.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Pinkies?
No, bearded dragons do not eat pinkies. Pinkies are the baby mice that are used as food for snakes. Bearded dragons are herbivores and their diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Why do people think bearded dragons eat pinkies?
There are a few reasons why people might think that bearded dragons eat pinkies. One reason is that bearded dragons and snakes are both reptiles. Another reason is that bearded dragons have a similar body shape to snakes. Finally, some people might have seen bearded dragons eating insects, which are sometimes mistaken for pinkies.
What do bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects. Some of the fruits that bearded dragons enjoy include apples, bananas, grapes, and melons. Some of the vegetables that bearded dragons enjoy include carrots, broccoli, and spinach. Some of the insects that bearded dragons enjoy include crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
How much should I feed my bearded dragon?
The amount of food that you should feed your bearded dragon depends on its age, size, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to feed your bearded dragon as much food as it can eat in 10-15 minutes once per day.
What should I avoid feeding my bearded dragon?
There are a few things that you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon, including:
- Dog or cat food
- Dairy products
- Avocados
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Garlic
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is sick?
There are a few signs that can indicate that your bearded dragon is sick, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Refusal to bask
- Bubbling at the mouth
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your bearded dragon to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
bearded dragons can eat pinkies, but it is not recommended as a staple diet. Pinkies are high in fat and low in nutrients, which can lead to health problems for bearded dragons. If you do choose to feed your bearded dragon pinkies, make sure to only offer them as a treat and to limit the number of pinkies you feed your bearded dragon each week. Additionally, be sure to gut-load and dust the pinkies with calcium and vitamins before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
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I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.
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