Hey there, bearded dragon lovers! These adorable, spiky pals are super fun pets, but feeding them right is key to keeping them happy and healthy.
No, bearded dragons can’t eat millipedes. They’re toxic and can make your pet sick. Stick to safe bugs like crickets or roaches to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.
In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll answer that and dive into why some bugs are safe while others aren’t. We’ll share simple tips on what to feed your bearded dragon, how to avoid harmful foods, and what to do if they eat something bad.
What Do Bearded Dragons Need to Eat?
Bearded dragons need the right food to grow and stay healthy. Their diet changes as they get older. Baby bearded dragons need more bugs because they’re growing fast, while adult ones eat more veggies.
Feeding them the wrong food, such as something harmful, can make them sick, so let’s learn what they truly need.
1. What Nutrients Do Bearded Dragons Need?
Baby bearded dragons need lots of protein from bugs to help them grow. Adults need to consume more vegetables to stay healthy without gaining excessive weight. Here’s what they need in their food:
- Protein: Bugs like crickets give them energy and help them grow strong.
- Calcium: This keeps their bones healthy. You can add calcium powder to their food.
- Vitamins: These help their body work well and stay strong.
- Veggies: Greens like kale provide fiber to aid digestion.
Providing them with the right balance of these foods helps keep them active and happy. If bearded dragons can eat millipedes, we’ll check if they fit these needs.
2. Safe Foods vs. Unsafe Foods
Safe foods for bearded dragons include bugs like crickets and veggies like collard greens. These foods are healthy and won’t hurt them. But some foods, like certain bugs, can be dangerous. For example, fireflies are bad because they have stuff that can make your pet sick. Let’s find out if millipedes are safe or not.
| Food | Safe for Bearded Dragons? | Why? |
| Crickets | Yes | Full of protein, safe to eat |
| Kale | Yes | Good for bones and digestion |
| Fireflies | No | Can make your pet very sick |
| Millipedes | No | We’ll explain why below |
What Are Millipedes?
Before we answer if bearded dragons can eat millipedes, let’s talk about what millipedes are. This will help us understand if they’re okay for your pet to eat.
1. What Makes Millipedes Special?
Millipedes are little creatures with lots of legs. They move slowly and have long, segmented bodies. People sometimes mix them up with centipedes, but they’re different.
Millipedes eat dead plants, while centipedes hunt other bugs. You might see millipedes in gardens, forests, or even your house if it’s damp.
2. Types of Millipedes
There are many kinds of millipedes around the world. Some common ones are:
- Yellow-Spotted Millipede: Has yellow and black colors and makes a smelly liquid to scare predators.
- Polydesmida: Lives in dirt or leaves and can be harmful.
- Spirobolida: Big millipedes found in warm places.
You might find these in the wild or even in pet stores, but are they safe for bearded dragons?
3. Are Millipedes Harmful?
Some millipedes make a smelly or harmful liquid to protect themselves. This liquid can irritate the skin or eyes, and it’s not suitable for animals to consume.
For bearded dragons, this could make their tummy hurt or even cause bigger problems. That’s why we need to be careful about feeding them millipedes.
Picture Idea: Make a simple chart showing millipedes (slow, eats plants) vs. centipedes (fast, eats bugs) to help readers understand the difference.
Why Millipedes Are Bad for Bearded Dragons
Let’s look at why feeding millipedes to your bearded dragon is a bad idea. There are several significant reasons they’re not safe.
1. Harmful Stuff in Millipedes
Many millipedes make a liquid that smells bad or is harmful to scare away animals that want to eat them. This liquid can hurt your bearded dragon’s mouth or tummy.
You might notice your pet acting tired, not eating, or even throwing up if they eat a millipede. In some cases, this liquid could cause serious health problems.
2. Not Enough Good Nutrients
Millipedes don’t have the protein or calcium that bearded dragons need. They mainly eat dead plants, which doesn’t help your pet grow or stay strong.
Safe bugs like crickets or roaches are much better because they give your bearded dragon the proper nutrients to stay healthy.
3. Hard to Chew and Digest
Millipedes have rigid, hard bodies that can be hard for bearded dragons to chew, especially for baby ones. If they swallow a millipede, it might get stuck in their tummy and cause a blockage, which is very dangerous. Safe bugs have softer bodies that are easier to eat and digest.
Warning Box: Don’t let your bearded dragon eat millipedes or bugs you find outside. They could contain harmful substances that make your pet sick.
Safe Bugs to Feed Your Bearded Dragon
Instead of millipedes, give your bearded dragon bugs that are safe and good for them. Here are some great choices, along with instructions on how to prepare them.
1. Best Bugs for Bearded Dragons
These bugs are safe and full of nutrients:
- Crickets: Cheap, easy to find, and full of protein.
- Dubia Roaches: Healthy and easy for your pet to digest.
- Phoenix Worms: Great for adding calcium to keep bones strong.
- Mealworms: Okay for adult bearded dragons, but not too many.
These bugs help your bearded dragon grow and stay healthy without any risks.
| Bug | Protein | Calcium | Good For |
| Crickets | High | Some | Babies, Adults |
| Dubia Roaches | High | Some | All Ages |
| Phoenix Worms | Medium | High | Strong Bones |
| Mealworms | Medium | Low | Adults (a little) |
| Millipedes | Low | None | Not Safe |
2. How to Get Bugs Ready
To make bugs even better for your bearded dragon:
- Feed the Bugs First: Give bugs healthy food like veggies or grains a day before feeding them to your pet.
- Add Calcium Powder: Sprinkle calcium powder on bugs to help your pet’s bones.
- Right Amount: Babies can eat 10–20 small bugs a day. Adults need 5–10 bugs a few times a week.
Doing this makes sure your bearded dragon gets all the good stuff from their food.
3. Where to Get Safe Bugs
Don’t catch bugs from outside because they might have germs or chemicals. Buy bugs from:
- Pet Stores: Places like Petco have crickets and mealworms.
- Online Shops: Websites like Dubia.com sell healthy, clean bugs.
- Grow Your Own: You can raise dubia roaches at home to save money.
Safe bugs keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Eats a Millipede
If your bearded dragon eats a millipede by mistake, don’t panic, but act fast. Here’s what to do.
Watch your pet closely for signs that they’re not feeling well, such as being extremely tired, not eating, or vomiting. This could mean that the millipede’s harmful substances are harming it.
Contact a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles immediately. Tell them what happened and if you know what kind of millipede it was. While waiting, give your bearded dragon fresh water and keep their tank warm to help their body.
To stop this from happening again, check their tank to make sure no bugs can get in. Please keep it away from damp places where millipedes might show up, like basements or gardens.
Quick Steps to Follow:
- Look for signs such as tiredness or a lack of appetite.
- Call a reptile vet right away.
- Provide fresh water and maintain a warm tank temperature.
- Make sure no more bugs can get into the tank.
General Tips for Feeding Your Bearded Dragon
To keep your bearded dragon healthy, follow some simple feeding rules. These will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your pet receives the right food.
1. Making a Healthy Diet
A good diet mixes bugs, veggies, and a little extra help. Babies need more bugs, while adults need more veggies. Here’s an example plan:
- Babies: Feed 10–20 crickets a day with some greens like kale, and add calcium powder 4–5 times a week.
- Adults: Give 5–10 bugs a few times a week with veggies like collard greens every day and calcium powder 2–3 times a week.
Download Idea: A simple one-page feeding plan you can print to follow each week.
2. Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these common feeding mistakes:
- Too Many Bugs: Giving adults too many bugs can make them gain too much weight.
- Forgetting Calcium: Without calcium powder, their bones can get weak.
- Bad Foods: Don’t give them bugs from outside or foods like avocados, which are harmful.
A good feeding plan keeps your bearded dragon strong and happy.
3. Signs Your Bearded Dragon Is Healthy
A healthy bearded dragon looks and acts a particular way:
- Bright eyes and moving around a lot.
- Strong body, not too skinny.
- Pooping regularly with a clean bottom.
- Bright skin that doesn’t peel too much.
If your pet appears tired, thin or has dull skin, consult a veterinarian to assess their diet and overall health.
Why You Should Avoid Feeding Millipedes
Millipedes release toxic chemicals that can poison your bearded dragon. They offer no nutritional benefits and risk causing vomiting, lethargy, or worse. Safer, healthier options like dubia roaches and crickets keep your pet strong and happy. Protect your dragon—never feed millipedes!
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Millipedes in the House?
No! House millipedes are just as dangerous as wild ones. They still release toxic chemicals that can harm your beard. Always choose safe feeder insects instead to keep your pet healthy. Better safe than sorry!
Can Bearded Dragons and Humans Eat Millipedes?
No, bearded dragons can’t eat millipedes because they have bad stuff that can make them sick. Humans shouldn’t eat them either—it’s not safe. Give your bearded dragon yummy bugs like crickets to keep them happy and healthy.
My Bearded Dragon Just Ate a Millipede
If your bearded dragon ate a millipede, look for signs like being sleepy or not eating. Call a pet doctor fast. Millipedes aren’t safe for bearded dragons. Keep their tank warm and give them clean water now.
Millipede or Centipede in Bioactive Bearded Dragon Enclosure
Millipedes and centipedes in your bearded dragon’s tank are not good. Millipedes have harmful stuff, and centipedes can bite. Take them out. Use safe bugs, such as roaches, to clean the tank and keep your pet safe.
My Bearded Dragon Ate a Millipede, Are They Harmful?
Yes, millipedes can hurt bearded dragons with harmful chemicals that upset their tummy. Call a pet doctor if your dragon looks sick. Feed safe bugs like crickets instead.
Millipedes as a Clean-Up Crew?
Millipedes can clean up leaves in a tank, but they’re not safe for bearded dragons because of harmful chemicals. Use tiny bugs, such as springtails, to clean instead. They’re secure and won’t hurt your bearded dragon’s health.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Centipedes?
No, bearded dragons can’t eat centipedes. They have poison that can make your pet super sick. Centipedes are worse than millipedes. Feed your bearded dragon-safe bugs like crickets or roaches to keep them strong and happy.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dubia Roaches?
Yes, dubia roaches are great for bearded dragons! They’re full of good stuff to help your pet grow. Add some calcium powder before feeding. Unlike millipedes, roaches are safe and healthy for your bearded dragon every day.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms and Superworms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworms and superworms, but only a few for grown-ups. Babies need more bugs like crickets. These worms are safe with calcium powder, not like millipedes, and help your pet stay healthy.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Worms?
Bearded dragons can eat safe worms like phoenix worms or small mealworms. Add calcium powder for strong bones. Unlike millipedes, these worms are good and secure. Always buy them from pet stores, not from outside.
Is It Bad for My Bearded Dragons to Eat Pinkies?
Pinkies (baby mice) are okay for adult bearded dragons sometimes, but not a lot. They’re fatty and can make your pet chubby. Unlike millipedes, pinkies are safe in small amounts. Feed bugs like roaches more often.
My Bearded Dragon Eats Dangerously Too Little. What Should I Do?
If your bearded dragon isn’t eating much, check if their tank is warm and bright. Offer tasty bugs like crickets with calcium powder. Unlike millipedes, these are safe. See a pet doctor if they still don’t eat.
FAQs
1. What Insects Can Bearded Dragons Not Eat?
Bearded dragons can’t eat millipedes, fireflies, or centipedes. These bugs have harmful substances that make them sick. Feed crickets instead.
2. Can Animals Eat Millipedes?
Most animals, like bearded dragons, shouldn’t eat millipedes. They have harmful chemicals. Safe bugs, such as roaches, are better for pets.
3. Are Millipedes Toxic to Lizards?
Yes, millipedes are toxic to lizards, like bearded dragons. Their chemicals can hurt tummies. Feed safe bugs like crickets instead.
4. What Kind of Worms Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat phoenix worms or small mealworms with calcium powder. Unlike millipedes, these worms are safe and healthy.
5. Are Millipedes Toxic to Reptiles?
Yes, millipedes are toxic to reptiles, such as bearded dragons. They make harmful chemicals. Use safe bugs, such as roaches, for feeding.
6. What Bugs Are Poisonous to Bearded Dragons?
Fireflies, centipedes, and millipedes are poisonous to bearded dragons. They can make your pet sick. Feed crickets or roaches instead.
7. Do Millipedes Eat Dead Crickets?
Yes, millipedes eat dead crickets and other dead bugs in a terrarium. But don’t let bearded dragons eat millipedes—they’re harmful.
8. Are Wasps Toxic to Bearded Dragons?
Yes, wasps are toxic to bearded dragons. Their stings and chemicals can make your pet sick. Feed safe bugs like crickets.
9. What Do Millipedes Eat in a Terrarium?
Millipedes eat dead leaves, wood, and bugs like crickets in a terrarium. But they’re not safe for bearded dragons to eat.
10. Will My Bearded Dragon Eat Ants?
Bearded dragons might eat ants, but it’s not safe. Ants can bite or have chemicals. Feed safe bugs like roaches instead.
Conclusion
No, bearded dragons should never eat millipedes—they’re toxic and dangerous! Stick to safe, nutritious foods like crickets, dubia roaches, and leafy greens to keep your pet healthy and well-nourished. If your dragon accidentally eats a millipede, act fast and contact a vet. A proper diet ensures a happy, thriving beardie!