Introduction

Bearded dragons are wonderful pets that require very little maintenance, making them a popular choice for those who are new to keeping reptiles. However, just like any other pet, they may encounter health problems or exhibit behavior that concerns their owners. One of the most common issues that bearded dragon owners face is when their pet refuses to eat. In this guide, we’ll help you understand why your bearded dragon may not be eating and provide you with tips and solutions to get them back on track to a healthy diet.

Why isn’t your bearded dragon eating?

The first thing you need to do when your bearded dragon isn’t eating is to try and pinpoint the cause of their loss of appetite. There are several reasons why your bearded dragon may not be eating:

• 1. Stress: Bearded dragons can experience stress if they are in an environment that is too loud or too bright.
• 2. Illness: If your bearded dragon isn’t feeling well, they may not have an appetite.
• 3. Habitat: There may be something in your bearded dragon’s habitat that is causing them to lose their appetite. For example, the temperature may be too hot or too cold, or they may be uncomfortable with their décor or substrate.
• 4. Age: As bearded dragons get older, they tend to eat less.
• 5. Seasonal Changes: Bearded dragons tend to eat less during seasonal changes. For example, during the winter months when they go through brumation (a hibernation-like state), they will eat less.

How to encourage your bearded dragon to eat

Once you’ve identified the cause of your bearded dragon’s loss of appetite, you can take steps to encourage them to start eating again:

1. Stress

If you suspect that your bearded dragon is experiencing stress, it’s important to create a calm, relaxing environment for them. Here are some tips to help reduce stress:

• • Reduce noise levels and keep their habitat in a quiet area of your home.
• • Use a timer to regulate the lighting in their habitat, keeping it consistent with natural daylight patterns.
• • Make sure they have a comfortable place to bask and rest.

2. Illness

If you think your bearded dragon is sick, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help them feel better and encourage them to eat:

• • Give your bearded dragon a warm bath to help them relax and potentially stimulate their appetite.
• • Offer them food that is easy to digest, such as cooked chicken or baby food.
• • Try hand-feeding your bearded dragon to help encourage them to eat.

3. Habitat

If you suspect that something in your bearded dragon’s habitat is causing them to lose their appetite, try making changes to see if it helps increase their appetite. Here are some tips:

• • Check the temperature and make sure it’s within the recommended range of 75-85°F (24-29°C).
• • Remove any décor or substrate that may be making your bearded dragon uncomfortable.
• • Offer your bearded dragon a variety of food items and see what they respond to best.

When to see a veterinarian

In some cases, your bearded dragon may refuse to eat for an extended period of time or show other signs of illness, such as lethargy, mucus buildup around their nose or mouth, or diarrhea. In these cases, it’s important to take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care. The sooner you can get your bearded dragon the medical attention they need, the better their chances of making a full recovery.

Conclusion

Having a bearded dragon that won’t eat can be a worrying situation for any owner. However, with the right knowledge and patience, you can help your bearded dragon regain their appetite and get back on track to a healthy diet. Remember to take the time to identify the cause of their loss of appetite and make the necessary changes to their environment or diet to help them feel better. If you’re still having trouble getting your bearded dragon to eat, don’t hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care for additional support and guidance.