Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons

What Does Bearded Dragon Poop Orange Mean? A Beginner's Guide

Pets

Introduction

As a new bearded dragon owner, you may be surprised to see your pet’s poop being orange. The color of your bearded dragon’s poop can tell you a lot about their health and well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss what orange bearded dragon poop means, why it happens, and what you can do to keep your pet healthy.

What is Bearded Dragon Poop?

Bearded dragon poop is a combination of feces and urate (also known as uric acid or urine). It is usually brown or black in color, with a white, chalky substance on top. This white substance is urate, which is expelled by bearded dragons in a semi-solid form. The urate helps your dragon to regulate their water balance and eliminate excess fluids from their body.

What Does Orange Bearded Dragon Poop Mean?

If you notice that your bearded dragon’s poop is orange or has an orange tint, it could indicate several things, including:

  • Dehydration - Bearded dragons need access to fresh water at all times. If they don’t drink enough water, their urate can become concentrated and appear orange. Make sure your dragon has a clean, constant supply of water, and monitor their water intake.

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If your dragon is dehydrated, you may also notice other symptoms, such as wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, and lethargy. In severe cases, dehydration can be life-threatening for your pet.

  • Diet - The type of food your bearded dragon eats can also affect the color of their poop. Bearded dragons require a balanced diet that includes a mix of insects, vegetables, and fruits. If your dragon eats food with high levels of beta-carotene (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and other orange vegetables), their poop may have an orange tint.

Keep in mind that a diet that is too high in beta-carotene can be unhealthy for your dragon, causing excessive vitamin A intake and other health problems. Be sure to research and follow a proper diet plan for your bearded dragon.

Other Poop Colors and What They Mean

In addition to orange poop, bearded dragons may have other colors of poop that indicate their health status:

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  • Green or Brown - Normal poop color for a healthy bearded dragon.
  • Black - Indicates the presence of blood in the stool, which could be a sign of digestive problems or other health issues. Contact your vet immediately if you see black poop.
  • Yellow or White - Indicates a problem with the liver or kidneys, and could be a sign of a serious health issue. Contact your vet immediately if you see yellow or white poop.
  • Runny - Indicates diarrhea, which can be caused by many factors, including stress, parasites, or food intolerance. Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so make sure your dragon has access to plenty of water and contact your vet if the diarrhea persists.
  • Small and Hard - Indicates constipation, which can be caused by a lack of fiber, dehydration, or impaction (when a bearded dragon swallows something that gets stuck in their digestive system). You can try offering your dragon a warm bath and gentle massage to help them poop, but if the problem persists, contact your vet.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a better understanding of what orange bearded dragon poop means, and what you can do to keep your pet healthy. Remember to provide your dragon with plenty of clean water, a balanced diet, and monitor their poop regularly. If you notice any unusual changes in the color, consistency, or amount of their poop, contact your vet for advice. With proper care and attention, your bearded dragon can live a healthy and happy life!