Being omnivores, bearded dragons can eat a broad range of veggies, insects, and meat. However, some diet restrictions exist, as not all food is safe for these reptiles. Is the case the same for the rolly pollies? So, can bearded dragons eat rolly pollies?
Bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies. These bugs, which are also called pill bugs, are good for reptiles as they do not contain any toxins. In fact, pill bugs can be an excellent option as a treat for bearded dragons.
But is there any catch to it? Well, if you ask whether bearded dragons can safely eat pill bugs, you will need to go through all the info discussed in this article. There are some caveats you need to know.
What Are Rolly Pollies?
Before anything else, let’s discuss what rolly pollies exactly are. At the core, rolly pollies are isopods. But yes, they can surely be classified as arthropods. The thing is, they are not terrestrial crustaceans, nor are they an insect.
That basically makes it hard to classify them. No matter what class they belong to, one thing that’s interesting about them is that they are nocturnal. They hardly remain active during the day. Want to know where you can find them?
You will find them in gardens and other outdoor areas at night or in the shade. Again, if you are looking for rolly pollies, you must search for them in dark places. It is also important to note that they thrive in damp areas. So, spots under rocks would be a great starting point.
Why Are Rolly Pollies Named Like That?
Want to know why they have a funny name? Rolly Pollies get their name from the ability to roll into a ball, like an armadillo. Also, you should know that pill bugs are great for gardens as they break down organic matter and helps to aerate the soil.
That said, other than being known as pill bugs, rolly pollies are also known as potato bugs. Want to know why? They can roll into a pill form, which gives them the name “pill bugs.”
And the same thing applies to the “potato bug” naming. That is, some of them can roll into a shape that’s like a potato. They are also called “woodlice” because rolly pollies are generally found in the forest, in wooded areas.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?
Bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies. The same answer goes for the question of can bearded dragons eat potato bugs, pill bugs, or woodlice. After all, those are just different names of the bug.
That said, rolly pollies do not contain anything toxic to harm bearded dragons, which is exactly why these bugs are safe for reptiles. However, you can not forget the fact that they are wild bugs.
So, in the state, you will find them in, they can carry harmful substances on them. That includes fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
Moreover, baby dragons should not eat rolly pollies as the thick shells pose a risk. Baby bearded dragons can choke on these bugs.
READ MORE: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Stink Bugs
Nutritional Value of Rolly Pollies for Bearded Dragons
Pill bugs are an excellent source of nutrition for bearded dragons. These bugs have a high protein count. They are also rich in calcium and fat. In addition to that, they contain a relatively good amount of vitamins and minerals.
However, they are not a good replacement for other insects that are nutrition-packed for bearded dragons. An excellent example of that would be silkworms for bearded dragons.
So, if you want to add rolly pollies to the diet of bearded dragons, make sure that it is not taking up a good chunk of the feed. Instead, treat these bugs like occasional food for these reptiles.
Health Risks of Rolly Pollies to Bearded Dragons?
Although rolly pollies are not harmful to bearded dragons, there are some health risks you should know about. First of all, as discussed earlier, rolly pollies are wild bugs, which means they can carry chemicals or parasites with them.
If ingested in a high amount, the chemicals and parasites can have a detrimental effect on bearded dragons. Secondly, the exoskeleton of pill bugs is hard, which can be hard to digest, especially for baby dragons.
Due to the exoskeleton’s toughness, it’s better to offer these bugs only to juveniles. Yes, adults may also have trouble digesting these bugs.
Final Words
Are you still asking yourself can bearded dragons eat rolly pollies? The short answer would be yes. But you should be a little careful before feeding bearded dragons rolly pollies. Blanch-boiling the bugs beforehand would definitely be a good idea.
