Can I feed Wild Insects to my Reptiles?

"My yard is full of bugs for free!”

You might look at ordering a tub of fresh crickets, woodies or mealworms online, and then remember that you have a garden FULL of bugs and just let your bearded dragon outside to forage naturally instead. But this can be a little risky. 

The outside world is dangerous for any pet. You’ve probably heard that about letting cats outside and it certainly applies to reptiles too. Between exposure, natural predators, the risk of escape and so on, your bearded dragon won’t be as safe roaming around your yard as they would be inside. There’s also a risk with any food they might find. 

Much like any other wild animal, insects are subject to diseases and parasites, and your blue tongue munching on bugs in the garden could expose them to those dangers. There’s also the potential of those bugs being contaminated by poisons and pesticides that you don’t want your reptile consuming.

Some insects contain natural poisons to deter predators and caterpillars and moths may have bristles that can irritate your lizards soft mouth parts. Some may bite or sting.

Wild lizards are accustomed to eating wild bugs and are led by instinct but captive animals may have lost the ability to judge the quality and suitability of wild prey. They may be tempted to eat unsuitable or dangerous foods when excited by the thrill of the chase. 

The safest insect foods are carefully raised on our farm in our extensive climate controlled facilities and conveniently shipped to your door. We supply a consistant wide range of insects year round to keep your animals safely fed.