Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons

How to Get Your Baby Bearded Dragon to Eat: A Beginner's Guide

Pet Care

Introduction

Bearded dragons are beloved pets in the reptile community, especially for beginners. They’re not only cute and friendly, but they’re also easy to take care of. However, one struggle that many new bearded dragon owners face is getting their pet to eat. It’s important to make sure your baby bearded dragon is eating enough to stay healthy and grow properly. In this guide, we’ll go over some tips and tricks to help you get your baby bearded dragon to eat.

1. Create a Comfortable Environment

First and foremost, it’s important to create a comfortable environment for your baby bearded dragon. This means providing a suitable habitat with proper temperature, lighting, and humidity levels. Bearded dragons are desert dwelling animals, so they require a warm and dry environment. Make sure to do your research and set up a proper habitat before bringing home your pet.

baby-bearded-dragon-habitat

2. Offer a Variety of Food

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. It’s important to offer a varied diet to provide your pet with all the necessary nutrients. Some suitable food options for bearded dragons include:

  • Leafy greens, such as kale, broccoli, and collard greens
  • Vegetables, such as squash and carrots
  • Fruits, such as apples and berries
  • Insects, such as crickets and mealworms
  • Commercial bearded dragon food

Try offering different foods to see what your baby bearded dragon prefers. It’s also important to make sure the food is cut into small pieces that are easy for your pet to eat.

bearded-dragon-food

3. Establish a Feeding Schedule

Establishing a regular feeding schedule can help your baby bearded dragon know when to expect food. This can also help regulate their appetite and prevent overfeeding. Baby bearded dragons should be fed 2-3 times per day, with insects being offered daily and vegetables/fruits being offered every other day.

4. Make Mealtime Fun

Make mealtime enjoyable for your baby bearded dragon by offering food in different ways. For example, you can try using feeding tongs or offering food in treat balls to stimulate their hunting instincts. You can also try hand-feeding to establish a bond with your pet.

bearded-dragon-tongs

5. Monitor Your Baby Bearded Dragon’s Weight

It’s important to monitor your baby bearded dragon’s weight to ensure they’re eating enough. A healthy baby bearded dragon should gain 1-2 grams per day. If you notice a significant decrease in weight or lack of appetite, it’s important to consult a vet.

Conclusion

Getting your baby bearded dragon to eat can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to establish good eating habits. By creating a comfortable environment, offering a variety of food, establishing a feeding schedule, making mealtime fun, and monitoring your pet’s weight, you can help your baby bearded dragon thrive. Remember to always do your research and consult a vet if you have any concerns.