Breeding Hornworms for Bearded Dragons
Hornworms (also known as Giant Handwsorms) are an excellent supplemental food source for Bearded Dragons. Here are some tips to help you start breeding hornworms for your Bearded Dragon.
Choose the Right Hornworm Species
The first step to breeding hornworms is choosing the right species. The most common species of hornworms used to feed Bearded Dragons are Manduca sexta or Manduca quinquemaculata . These species can be purchased online or at specialty pet stores.
Create a Hornworm Habitat
Creating the right habitat for your hornworms is essential for successful breeding. Here are some suggestions for setting up a hornworm habitat:
- Set up the habitat in an area with temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the habitat in a location far from direct sunlight.
- Provide the hornworms with plenty of food sources and moisture.
- Choose a container that is deep enough to provide plenty of space for the hornworms to breed.
Feed Your Hornworms
Hornworms feed on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and apples. Make sure to cut the fruits and vegetables into small pieces, as this will make it easier for the hornworms to consume. Hornworms can also be fed commercially produced hornworm food.
Monitor the Progress of Breeding
It can take up to 4 weeks for the hornworms to reach maturity. Once the hornworms reach full maturity, they will start to lay eggs. The eggs will take up to a week to hatch, and the resulting larvae will take up to 8 weeks to mature into adult hornworms.
Harvest Your Hornworms
When the hornworms reach full maturity, you can carefully collect them for feeding. Make sure to put them in a container lined with moist paper towels to prevent desiccation. They can then be frozen or fed to your Bearded Dragon right away.
Congratulations! Now you have all the necessary information to get started breeding hornworms for your Bearded Dragon.
