Bearded dragons don’t necessarily have to eat every day, however, they should be fed a balanced diet that includes a variety of fresh vegetables and insects. Juvenile bearded dragons typically require more frequent feedings, typically every other day.
Adult bearded dragons only need to be fed once every week or two. It’s important to provide them with a varied diet, as this will ensure they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. Feeding a bearded dragon two different types of insect, two vegetables, and two types of greens each week is a great starting point.
Along with providing a bearded dragon with a balanced diet, you also should make sure that they have clean water available to them at all times.
When should I worry about my bearded dragon not eating?
It is important to be mindful and vigilant about your bearded dragon’s diet and eating habits. If your bearded dragon is not eating, you should consult a veterinarian, as there could be an underlying medical issue causing the lack of appetite.
There are a variety of reasons why your bearded dragon is not eating, such as illness, stress, improper environment, and a diet mismatch. If your bearded dragon is living in an environment that is too cold, too damp, or too bright, they will most likely not eat due to their stress levels.
Improper diet is also a common cause of lack of appetite. Bearded dragons need to be fed an appropriate diet that is balanced, supplemented with vitamins and minerals, and varied with live prey and appropriate fruit, vegetables, and other appropriate items.
Additionally, make sure your bearded dragon is being fed enough, as an increase or decrease in food intake could be causing them not to want to eat. If you cannot identify the underlying cause, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
Why is my bearded dragon active but not eating?
There can be several possible reasons why your bearded dragon is active but not eating. The most common cause is that they may be sick or have become stressed. In addition, they may just be in a post-shedding phase and not feeling up to eating yet.
Shedding can be especially stressful for some reptiles, as it impede their ability to move and eat properly. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure their environment is as clean and stress-free as possible and avoid stressing your pet with new feeds, handling, temperatures, and unfamiliar environments.
Another potential reason could be that the environment is not suitable for them. If the temperatures in their enclosure are not within the optimal range of 28-32 degrees Celsius and the humidity is not at least between 40-50%, it can make them uncomfortable and less likely to eat.
Furthermore, they may be too cold or exposed to bright lights or loud noises in the environment which can be very unsettling to reptiles.
It’s also possible that your dragon is simply not hungry or in a period of fasting where they are intentionally taking a break from eating. Some reptiles will go through regular bouts of fasting, particularly when in their winter brumation period.
If your reptile is not eating despite seemingly ideal conditions and no outward signs of illness or stress, it would be worth doing a vet check to make sure there isn’t anything wrong health or dietary wise that would be preventing them from eating normally.
What are the signs of Brumation?
The signs of brumation can vary from species to species, but generally it is characterized by a dramatic decrease in activity and eating habits. Reptiles (and amphibians) that are going into brumation may become less active, sleeping for longer periods of time, usually for several days at a time.
They may become more reluctant to move when handled or disturbed, preferring to stay in a “hibernation-like” state.
Their eating habits may also change, with them eating much less in the weeks leading up to brumation. Generally reptiles going into brumation will also stop defecating, or may defecate rarely. This is because their bodies are slowing down and they no longer need to eat as much or as often.
Finally, some reptiles will also display behavioral changes when they are beginning to enter brumation. In particular, they may become more agitated or “lethargic”, refusing to move and preferring to simply remain in one spot.
This is their body’s way of conserving energy for their brumation period. Knowing these signs can help you identify if your reptile is about to enter a brumation state, so you can be prepared to provide them with the best care possible.
How do I force my bearded dragon to eat?
Although it can be concerning to see your bearded dragon not eating, there are several tactics you can try to get your pet to start eating again. First and foremost, it is important to check that your pet is not suffering from any medical conditions, such as parasites, that could be preventing them from eating.
If this is the case, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Once you have ruled out any medical causes for your pet not eating, there are several methods you can use to encourage them to eat. First, try varying the types of food you provide. Bearded dragons have quite varied diets, so adding a variety of options such as insect prey, leafy greens, and other vegetables could help.
You should also consider any beneficial supplements your beardie might need in order to ensure they are getting a balanced diet.
Secondly, consider adding some fun elements to meal times. Playing with your beardie before and/or during their meal times can help increase their appetite. You might try hand-feeding them their food or using toys to encourage them to interact with their food.
Additionally, using special feeding dishes might help, such as ones with bright colors or unusual shapes.
Finally, make sure your bearded dragon’s environment supports their eating habits. Proper, regular lighting and temperature regimes will help ensure their appetite remains consistent, and providing a comfortable place to eat that is quiet and without distractions is key.
If all else fails and your beardie is still not eating, you should seek advice from a certified reptile veterinarian.
Can I feed my bearded dragon once a week?
No, it is not recommended to only feed your bearded dragon once a week. Bearded dragons need to be fed every day to ensure they receive proper nutrition, and to prevent them from becoming malnourished.
Bearded dragons require a diet composed of a variety of insects, fruits and vegetables. Some of the insects they should be fed include crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms as well as a variety of other insects.
The fruits and vegetables should include dandelion greens, kale, carrots, zucchini and collard greens. For adult dragons, these should be given daily, providing variety of food items. Juvenile dragons need to eat multiple times a day to promote growth.
Additionally, you should dust the insects with calcium and vitamin powder or a calcium without D3 powder 2-3 times a week.
What is the daily food for bearded dragons?
Daily food for bearded dragons should include a balanced combination of live insects, veggies, and commercial foods. Insects should be dusted with calcium powder several times a week and you should try to vary the insects each day to give them different nutrients.
Some of the most popular live insects for bearded dragons are crickets, mealworms, superworms, phoenix worms, and waxworms. Bearded dragons should be fed vegetables such as kale, mustard greens, collard greens, dandelion greens, pak choi, bell peppers, bok choy, and squash.
Commercial bearded dragon diets such as pelleted diets and reptile gut-loading foods should also be offered periodically. Make sure to feed your bearded dragon in the morning to help him digest properly throughout the day.
When offering new foods, introduce them slowly and make sure you are monitoring your bearded dragon’s diet to ensure proper nutrition. Once your dragon is accustomed to eating a variety of food items, a good diet should consist of 70% live insects, 30% produce, and occasional commercial bearded dragon diets.
What happens if a bearded dragon doesn’t eat for a day?
If a bearded dragon doesn’t eat for a day, there can be a few potential repercussions. Animals that don’t eat can quickly become dehydrated and malnourished, leading to health issues including weight loss, lethargy, and changes in behavior.
Additionally, inadequate nutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, which makes them more susceptible to illnesses. In general, any significant change in the eating habits of a bearded dragon should be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure they stay healthy.
Bearded dragons should typically have a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals from both plant and animal sources. A healthy, balanced diet should include insects, leafy greens, flowers, and even other reptiles or small rodents if approved by the vet.
Uneaten foods should be removed from the enclosure daily to prevent spoilage and bacterial overgrowth. If a bearded dragon goes one day without eating, it is best to monitor them and seek advice from a veterinarian if needed.
Can you overfeed a bearded dragon?
Yes, it is possible to overfeed a bearded dragon. This is because beardies have a very fast metabolism, which means they can digest food very quickly. Overfeeding can occur when you feed your dragon too much food, or food that is too high in calories or fat.
It is important to provide a carefully balanced diet of both insects and vegetables, so that your beardie is getting the nutrition it needs without being overloaded on calories. Too much food can lead to a buildup of fat in the body, leading to obesity, as well as lethargy, anorexia, and even organ dysfunction.
To avoid overfeeding, make sure to feed your beardie only the recommended amount of food and only once or twice a day.