Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Bearded dragons are a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts, and when it comes to caring for them, owners want to make sure they are providing the best diet possible. But what about rolly pollies? Can bearded dragons eat these tiny bugs or is it too much of a risk? In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and risks of feeding your bearded dragon rolly pollies so you can make an informed decision that’s right for your pet.
What are Rolly Pollies?
Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or sowbugs, are small crustaceans related to shrimp and crabs. They live in moist, dark places like leaf litter and soil where they feed on decaying plant matter. These little bugs are usually harmless and can be found in gardens across the world.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Bearded dragons should not eat rolly pollies due to their hard exoskeleton, which is difficult for them to digest. In addition, these insects could potentially carry parasites that could make your bearded dragon sick if ingested.
Pros of Feeding Rolly Pollies
There are some potential benefits of feeding your bearded dragon a few rolly pollies from time to time:
- Rolly pollies offer protein and essential vitamins like B12.
- They can help provide variety in a beardie’s diet, which helps keep them interested in their food.
Cons of Feeding Rolly Pollies
However, there are several potential risks associated with offering rolly pollies as part of a bearded dragon’s diet:
- Rolly pollies have an exoskeleton that is very difficult for a beardie to digest.
- These tiny insects may contain bacteria or parasites that could make your pet ill if ingested.
- Feeding too many rolly pollies may lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation.
Can Lizards Eat Rolly Pollies?
Yes, lizards can eat rolly pollies as part of their diet. Rolly pollies are small terrestrial isopods that provide a nutrient-rich snack for lizards. In the wild, many lizards would naturally consume these invertebrates when they come across them.
In captivity, feeding your lizard rolly pollies is an excellent way to supplement its regular diet. These bugs are high in calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy growth and development in lizards. Rolly pollies also contain a good amount of fat which helps with energy production and muscle maintenance. For this reason, it’s recommended that you feed your lizard one or two rolly pollies per week as part of its overall diet plan.
When providing rolly pollies to your pet lizard, make sure to only give it fresh insects that haven’t been exposed to any pesticides or contaminants. You should also ensure your pet has access to clean water at all times so it doesn’t become dehydrated while eating the insects. Lastly, make sure the size of the rolly pollie matches up with the size of your particular species of lizard so that there isn’t a risk of choking or digestive issues due to oversized prey items being ingested.
Does Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Yes, bearded dragons do eat rolly pollies. This popular pet reptile is an omnivore and can be fed a variety of insects as part of their diet. Rolly pollies are one type of insect that they may enjoy eating, as they are small enough to fit into the dragon’s mouth.
Bearded dragons should not only be fed rolly pollies but also other forms of insects in order to provide them with all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for a balanced diet. For example, crickets are rich in calcium and other essential nutrients that bearded dragons need for healthy bones and organs. Mealworms have high levels of protein which helps promote growth and good health in bearded dragons, while waxworms contain fatty acids that aid digestion.
In addition to these types of insect prey items, leafy greens such as kale or collard greens can also be offered for additional nutrition. It is important to provide a mix of different insect species when feeding your beardie so that it receives everything it needs to stay healthy.
Rolly pollies can make a great snack for your beardie from time to time, just like any other type of bug they find outdoors would make! Make sure you always monitor how much food you give your dragon so they don’t become overweight or malnourished if you offer too many treats like this throughout the week.
What Bugs Can Bearded Dragons Not Eat?
Bearded dragons, like other lizards, should be fed a variety of insects as part of their diet. However, there are certain bugs that they cannot eat and should never be given to them.
The first type of insect that bearded dragons should not consume is fireflies or lightning bugs. These insects contain toxins which can make a beardie very ill if ingested, so it’s best to avoid these altogether. Additionally, wild-caught insects such as roaches and crickets may have been exposed to pesticides which could poison the lizard if consumed. Therefore, it is recommended that commercially bred feeder insects are used instead for added safety.
Another bug that bearded dragons should not eat is any kind of beetle or bug with hard shells such as ladybugs or scarabs. These creatures have exoskeletons which cannot be broken down easily by the beardie’s digestive system and may cause blockages in their intestines leading to health problems and even death if left untreated. Insects with soft bodies such as mealworms, superworms and waxworms are much easier for the lizards to digest since they do not have hard shells around them.
What Insects Can You Feed A Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards that require a variety of proteins in their diet. Insects are an important part of their diet and should make up anywhere from 40-50% of what they eat. When feeding your bearded dragon insects, it is important to choose the right type and size for your pet.
One insect you can feed your bearded dragon is crickets. Crickets provide essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and phosphorous that are needed to keep them healthy. They come in a variety of sizes which makes it easy to find one that’s the perfect size for your bearded dragon. You can purchase crickets from a pet store or online and keep them alive by providing food and water until it’s time to feed them to your reptile friend.
Another option for feeding insects to a bearded dragon is mealworms. Mealworms are also rich in protein and other essential vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining good health in these reptiles.
Like crickets, they come in different sizes so you can choose one appropriate for your beardie’s size. They can be purchased at most pet stores or online, but if you decide to raise mealworms on your own, be sure to provide them with food and moisture since they need this environment to survive properly before being fed to your reptile companion.
What Animals Eat Roly Poly’s?
Roly Polys, also known as pill bugs or sow bugs, are small crustaceans that feed on decomposing plant and animal matter. They are often found under rocks, logs, and other dark places where there is plenty of organic material to eat. So what animals eat Roly Polys?
The most common predators of Roly Polys in the wild are birds and reptiles. Birds such as crows, jays, magpies, owls, hawks and other raptors will happily feast on them as a tasty snack. Reptiles such as lizards and snakes may also take advantage of these soft-bodied creatures when they come across them while out hunting for food.
Insectivorous mammals like shrews and moles can be another potential predator of roly polys. Some amphibians like frogs may even consume them if they find one unlucky enough to wander into their territory. Small rodents like mice may have a go at them too since they provide an easy source of protein for these tiny critters. Human activity can also indirectly cause predation on roly polys – cats love chasing after these little guys!
Conclusion
In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies or pill bugs with caution. Rolly Pollies should be fed in moderation and only when necessary as a supplement to their normal diet. It is important to ensure that the roly polys are free of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals before feeding them to your beardie. Additionally, live roly pollies must be kept in an enclosed area so they don’t escape into your house. With proper care and monitoring, adding roly pollies to your dragon’s diet can provide them with extra protein and a tasty treat!

Alexander is the owner of AnimalQnA. He is a pet lover. He has created this blog to share some of his knowledge on different kinds of pets.