Dragons with bearded faces are all-animal. They consume a variety of plants as well as fruits and insects.
They’re usually avid eaters, and they have a great craving for food. If a bearded dragon is not eating, it is a the cause of concern and may be could be a sign of a bigger health problem.
As with all pets, beardies may develop health issues due to inadequate nutrition or improper treatment and care. The most frequent sign of a beardie who is unhealthy is an inability to eat.
Are you worried that your dragon is going to go to the verge of a hunger strike?
Read on for a information on some of the most common reasons dragons that are bearded have stopped eating. We’ll also provide 10 tricks to help get the appetite of these dragons back…
Why is your Bearded Dragon not eating?
A Bearded Dragon that is refusing to eat may be a sign of a health issue caused by an unhealthy diet, natural behavior , or bad management. The following list outlines the top ten reasons why a bearded refuses to eat:
- Brumation
- Shedding
- UVB Lighting
- Cold Tank Temperature
- Impaction
- Parasites
- Stress
- Wrong Diet
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Injury
The shedding and the shedding of hair sheds and shedding are typical behaviours that could be a source of concern for the new owners. They are normal for the entirety of the life of a dragon.
Temperature, lighting and diet are all able to be addressed at home, however they are set properly prior to taking your pet home. The other issues might require the assistance of a veterinarian.
If an adult has stopped eating for more than a week to ensure that it is healthy You should bring it to a veterinarian regardless of the cause. Children should visit the vet within three days without eating.
For each of these reasons, we will explain the what to look for, what occurs and, most important, how to encourage them to begin eating healthy once more.
1. Brumation
In winter, bearded dragons enter an extended period of dormancy, to conserve energy. which is known as Brumation. Brumation is a common occurrence in winter when temperatures begin to drop and daylight hours decrease.
Brumation is a way for wild species to conserve energy and boosts the chances of survival and success in breeding. Many pet owners who breed with morphs favor brumation in their pets for this reason.
A lot of pet bearded dragons don’t brumate since the temperature and light levels within their enclosures are constant throughout the year. However, species that have windows in their enclosures can mate regardless of the consistent temperatures. Keepers must ensure that the enclosure isn’t in direct sunlight.
When they bruminate, bearded dragons lose their appetites and begin to sink to the soil. They may rest for up to four months!
Brumation is a natural part of life. If your beardie begins to brumate, don’t attempt at stopping it. Instead, you should
- Reduce the temperature of the cage’s thermostat to between 72 and 75degF.
- Keep a hot spot for basking.
- Limit all lighting to 10 hours a day.
Dragons that ruminate slow their metabolism. They can go three months without having a proper meal, yet they nevertheless consume alcohol. A lot of them will snack from time to time to keep their energy levels up. Be sure to provide meals every week to a brumating Dragon and ensure that there is a steady supply of water within the enclosure.
When the light outside becomes more brighter in the spring the fish should begin to be active again . You can then return to regular tank conditions and feeding times. After brumation, appetite will quickly return and he will be eating again after 5 to 7 days.
If your dragon begins to slow down during the winter months you can be sure that he’s in the process of bruising. The bearded dragon eats very little during this period and it’s not a reason for concern , unless he is losing weight.
2. Shedding
As bearded dragons age, they shed the skin’s outer layer through a process known as the ecdysis. In this process, their skin turns transparent and white, and then is removed in small patches.
According to your age and the bearded dragon’s age the frequency and duration of shedding vary widely.
An adult of a large size could take up to two weeks before completely shed. A young dragon may shed within a few days or even two. Younger dragons shed their hair every month and often every two weeks when they experience the most rapid growth. Older adults shed once a year.
If you notice that your bearded dragon doesn’t eat like he normally does Check to see whether he’s about shed. If you notice a white, skin with a papery texture, that’s most likely the cause.
Prior to and during the time of shedding, bears may consume less or even not eat at all. They should eat normally within a week following the shed. The patient will begin eating again once the majority of his skin is shed.
Certain individuals, particularly young and hatchlings, do not stop eating and will continue to consume food.
Shedding occurs throughout their whole life. The pattern of having a less appetite, coupled with sheds, becomes a routine for owners who have been around for a long time. For new owners, this can be a source of concern and may take some time getting used to.
A brief fasting period during sheds will not affect their weight, however, they might become tired and annoyed. Take your time with them and don’t try to manage them, in the event that you help those stuck with shed.
3. UVB Lighting
Dragons that are wild bearded are the most active during the day , and receive plenty of sunshine. Animal species that are pets get “sunlight” from special UVB lighting within their enclosures. This light source helps bearded dragons produce Vitamin D and strengthen their bones.
The 10.0 UVB bulb is needed for bearded dragons. It must be replaced every six months, as your UVB output diminishes. Beards may develop metabolic bone disease but without this.
Metabolic bone diseases are a grave medical condition that can lead to deformities of the spines, limbs and skulls. In the absence of UVB illumination does not typically cause them to refuse to eat or losing appetite. However, the signs and stress caused by metabolic bone disease may cause it to be difficult for bearded dragons to consume food..
In the event that your bearded dragon has stopped eating and is not sporting an UVB light, bring your pet to the vet to get blood tests. The tests will reveal whether your pet’s blood calcium is low. This could mean he’s at the very beginning in the process of developing metabolic bone diseases.
Metabolic bone disease is a condition that can be treated and reversed if it is caught early. It is possible to add an 10.0 UVB bulb to their enclosure as well as calcium injections will be an integral part of the treatment.
4. Temperature of Cold Tanks
Bearded dragons are indigenous to areas of scrubland in Australia and are considered to be a kind of desert lizard (armadillo lizard). If you find that your dragon regularly doesn’t eat, among the first things to examine is the temperature of your enclosure.
Dragons who are constantly subjected to temperature that is too cold might have problems taking in food. They could also develop a weak immune system.
Bearded dragons require a bathing place that is between 95 and 100degF. Temperatures at night must not be less than 75degF. However, it is possible to lower this when brumation is taking place. Temperatures must be monitored using the thermometer at least once a day to ensure they’re within the appropriate zone.
The lizards are cold-blooded and depend on temperature of the tank to get their energy. They won’t consume food until they have been warm. They will also require the tank to be kept warm for three hours after eating, to assist in digestion.
This is the reason why some bears aren’t ready to eat early on a Saturday morning. Bearded dragons must be fed during the after-hours.
Cold temperatures are the most common reason for bearded dragons to not eat, however, that is easily fixed. A constant drop in temperature could lead to more severe diseases. If your dragon has a wheeze or discharges from its mouth or nose or mouth, it could have an infection of the respiratory tract and must be seen by a veterinarian.
5. Impaction
Impaction occurs when food or other food item, gets stuck in the bear’s digestive tract, causing obstruction. The blockage can be extremely uncomfortable and results in the bearded dragon being unable to eat.
The most prominent signs of impaction include a loss of appetite, and changes in the size of the feces. The poop could completely stop or become extremely small and granular. (Bearded Dragon Poop)
Contrary to brumation where the appetite gradually decreases impaction can be seen as an abrupt lack of food.
Impaction is quite common among reptiles living in enclosures that contain the incorrect substrate (e.g. gravel and sand). It is easy to ingest by bearded dragons, and is the most common reason for impaction. The use of the right flooring such as reptile carpet or newspaper tiles can greatly decrease the risk of impaction, especially for young hatchlings and juveniles.
Sand impaction is simple to spot with x-rays, and is felt by lightly touching their stomach.
If you suspect that your bearded dragon has been affected you should stop feeding him and bring your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you can. Sometimes, impaction is able to heal by itself, but it usually requires a visit into the veterinarian.
6. Parasites
Internal parasites are usually more prevalent in wild-caught animals. In captive breeding, species can contract parasites through their prey or from contact with reptiles however, this isn’t as prevalent.
Each bearded dragon is able to carry a specific parasite burden without affecting their health. But, too large of a burden can cause problems, such as an inability to eat and the loss of weight.
Protozoans, nematodes and trematodes are among the most prevalent parasites. Insects that live in wild areas are usually carriers of these parasites . Therefore, it is not recommended to feed wild insects.
If you’re handling more than one reptile clean your hands after each cage in order to avoid the spreading of parasites.
Dragons with a disease are tired, thin and do not want consume. They still vomit but it’s colored and runny. This is the main indicator of a parasite.
Parasites are tested by a vet , and generally, they can be treated by using antiparasitic medications.
Sometimes , bearded dragons that have been who were raised in poor conditions might already be suffering from parasites. It is essential to bring any dragon you adopt to a veterinarian for a thorough check-up to rule out possible problems that could arise from parasites.
7. Stress
The inability to eat is the most common sign of anxiety in dragons with bearded faces. Food refusal, decreased activity levels, more aggressive and black beards, as well as glass surfing and pacing are all indicators of stress.
There are a myriad of causes for chronic stress.
- Temperature or humidity of the tank is not right.
- A small enclosure ( less than 75-gallons).
- Aggressive tank mates.
- Bad diet.
- Improper handling.
- Illness.
From all the possible reasons listed on this list for the reasons why bearded dragons are not eating Stress is among the most difficult one to grasp. If your pet is stressed, you need to go through the possibilities listed that are listed above, beginning with temperature before moving to the bottom of the list.
It is common bearded dragons are stressed when they are first taken home. This stress isn’t chronic and should decrease quickly in the first week.
8. Wrong Diet
One of the most common reasons for a bearded dragon to not to consume food is feeding the wrong food.
Beardies are omnivorous , insectivores. This means that they eat a majority of plants However, they obtain the majority the protein they require from bugs. Foods such as fish, meat dairy invertebrates that have died, onion and peppers are not consumed.
Adults require a diet comprising 75 percent insects and 25% plants. If you feed too many insects, it could cause constipation or impaction.
Juveniles require more insects than vegetables however they shouldn’t be fed insects that are high in the chitin (e.g. mealworms). They have hard shells that can cause intestinal blockages as well.
In the end Bear in mind that there are bearded dragons that do not have the same foods.
Some people love crickets, while others prefer dubia crickets or roaches.
Try providing a variety of fruit as well as vegetables and insects to determine which food items your bearded dragon enjoys.
Variety of foods is an excellent method to ensure that they receive an adequate mix of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients.
9. Vitamin Deficiency
There are a variety of vitamins that bearded dragons require to remain well. Vitamin E A, B1 and B1 are essential to their diet.
A Vitamin E insufficient could cause a loss of appetite however it is extremely uncommon.
Vitamin D, the most important vitamin that bearded dragons in general do not have. Calcium supplements are frequently blended with vitamin D3 and sprinkling foods with calcium supplements will help prevent any deficiencies.
A healthy diet with plenty of green vegetables can keep most, if certainly not all vitamin deficiencies.
Dragons with beards who are recovering from hunger strikes tend to be suffering from deficiencies.
If you suspect your pet may have a vitamin deficiencies, then bring your pet to a veterinarian to determine the levels of vitamins in his blood. Doing your beardie self-dose with vitamins could result in an overdose.
10. Injury
A bearded dragon that is injured will likely to cease eating particularly when the injury is severe. Infected or severe injuries should always be taken care of by veterinarians.
There are many possible sources of injury, however the majority of them can be easily avoided:
- Sharp and abrasive edges in tank decor may cause injuries in particular to their stomachs and toes, which are soft. Make sure the decor is safe for reptiles and doesn’t contain angles or edges that are sharp.
- Beardies should be housed in separate areas. Males tend to be extremely territorial when they are kept together in the same enclosure. they’re more susceptible to fight, and cause injury to one another.
- The presence of live insects in the enclosure of your bearded dragon could cause injury. Large crickets are known to bite the tails and feet of lizards. The wounds could then become infected.
Small injuries can be treated at home by using warm water and antibiotics. In most cases, a minor cut won’t stop the bearded dragon eating, unless it’s infected.
Summar
In the event that the bearded dragon has stopped eating and isn’t shed or brumping There are some actions you can take to get him to eat again.
Check that whether the UVB bulb is not more than six months old and the temperature of the surrounding and ambient temperatures are within the proper limits. Bearded dragons might also quit eating if they’re in a tank that is not have enough places to hide or is too small.
If the tank is set correctly, one of best methods to attract bearded dragons feeding them food. Insects that are fat, such as waxworms silkworms and hornworms are typically the best option. Fruits like raspberries, mango, mango, and cantaloupe are also good choices.
Bearded dragons who are refusing to eat as a result of an impaction, infection, or injury, will not begin eating until the root problem is resolved. They’ll need to see an animal vet.
Did your dragon give you a fear by refusing to eat? Tell us about it via the comment section.
