You can feed your bearded dragon a variety of vegetables and fruits from your fridge. Vegetables to consider include spinach, bell peppers, kale, squash, carrots, endive, and mushrooms. Fruits you can feed your bearded dragon include apples, mangos, strawberries, kiwis, peaches, blueberries, and melons.
Additionally, you can provide your bearded dragon with mealworms, crickets, and waxworms that you can purchase in pet stores. Be sure to chop any vegetables and fruits into small, manageable pieces and provide your beardie with a shallow bowl of water.
It is also important to dust food items with calcium and vitamin supplements to meet your reptile’s nutritional needs. Never feed your bearded dragon foods such as spinach, kale or rhubarb that contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic to your reptile.
What human food can bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons can eat a wide variety of human foods, including vegetables, fruits, and insects. Vegetables to consider include collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, carrots, squash, peas, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
Fruits that are safe for bearded dragons are apples, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Insects such as mealworms, cockroaches, and crickets should be included as part of their diet and should be gut loaded and dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement prior to feeding.
It is important to vary the diet of your bearded dragon and avoid overfeeding, as too much of one food can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Be sure not to feed your bearded dragon any processed human food, as this can contain ingredients that are unhealthy for them.
All foods should be thoroughly washed and free of any pesticides prior to feeding.
How long can pet bearded dragons go without food?
Bearded dragons can go for about two weeks without food, but generally not any longer than that. It is important to feed a bearded dragon regularly, especially when they are young, as proper nutrition is essential for them to grow and stay healthy.
Adult bearded dragons can survive on a diet of one or two meals a week, but it is important to vary their diet and include plenty of vegetables, fruit and insects for protein. Depending on the age, size and overall health of the bearded dragon, their owner should adjust the frequency of meals and adequately supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals.
Even though bearded dragons can survive on minimal food, it is important to not skip meals as they need a balanced diet to stay healthy longer.
Is it OK if I don’t feed my bearded dragon for one day?
No, it is generally not advisable to not feed your bearded dragon for one day. They need a combination of live prey and plant-based food items for adequate nutrition, and failure to provide adequate nutrition can lead to health problems and a decrease in lifespan.
Providing food items on a regular basis also helps to keep them healthy and active. You should always consult a veterinarian before making dietary changes, since the exact food requirements may depend on the individual bearded dragon’s age, breed, and size.
When providing different types of food, it is important to make sure they are properly prepared and not overfed, as too much food can lead to weight gain and related problems. It is also important to provide a variety of foods to ensure that your bearded dragon gets all the necessary nutrients it needs for proper health and development.
Can bearded dragons survive without live food?
Yes, bearded dragons can survive without live food, depending on their age, diet, and health condition. In the wild, bearded dragons’ diet consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables. In captivity, a balanced diet for a bearded dragon should include insects such as waxworms and mealworms, dark leafy greens, and limited amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables.
For a young, rapidly growing bearded dragon, about 25-50% should consist of insects. For an adult, the insect portion should decrease to about 10-20% of the diet (but not completely eliminated).
If live food is not available, you can provide healthy, high-protein alternatives, such as cooked lean meats, cooked egg, insects that you have raised yourself, or high-quality commercial bearded dragon food.
These foods should complement the greens and vegetables in the diet.
When considering going without live food, it’s important to make sure your dragon is receiving all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy. Discuss your dragon’s nutrition needs with an experienced reptile veterinarian or a qualified exotic pet nutritionist.
It also helps to provide your beardie with things like branches and logs so they can increase their activity and environmental enrichment.
Overall, care and attention should be taken when providing a bearded dragon with a diet lacking in live food, as there is potential for nutritional deficiencies to develop.
How often should Beardies eat?
Beardies need to be fed a well-balanced and varied diet appropriate to their size and energy levels. The amount of food they should eat will vary based on many factors, such as their age, size and activity level.
In general, adult Beardies should eat two to three meals a day. Puppies may need to eat more often, up to four or five meals a day. If you’re feeding your Beardie a dry kibble, aim for about one or two cups per day, divided into two or three meals.
If you’re feeding a raw, home-made or wet diet, look at the package and follow the feeding instructions. The most important part of their diet is a diet that’s full of quality proteins and healthy fats, as a well-balanced and nutritious diet will keep them happy, healthy and energetic!.
Can a bearded dragon miss a meal?
Yes, a bearded dragon can miss a meal. In fact, it is typically recommended that bearded dragons miss at least one meal per week and fast for a full 24 hours. This helps to boost the immune system, encourage healthy digestion and metabolism, and reduce stress levels.
Adult bearded dragons should be fed every other day, two to three times per week. Younger dragons may require more regular feeding. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s health and make sure that it does not go too long without food.
Some signs of malnutrition include a decrease in appetite, the appearance of sunken eyes, weight loss, poor skin condition, and a decrease in activity.
Do bearded dragons need live food every day?
No, bearded dragons do not need to be fed live food every day. In the wild, bearded dragons will consume a variety of prey items including insects, small vertebrates and vegetation. In captivity, a variety of live food items can be offered, but this should generally make up no more than 50% of their diet.
The remainder should be supplemented with leafy greens and commercially prepared “meal replacement” diets specifically designed for reptiles. These products offer the nutrients necessary for growth and good health, without the mess and risk of disease associated with live prey.
Additionally, live prey may become problematic if left in the enclosure with the dragon as they can bite or stress the animal if they are not immediately consumed. It is best to offer live prey in a separate container, then remove any uneaten prey items when the animal has finished.
Where can I leave my bearded dragon when I go on vacation?
When you go on vacation, it is important to make sure you have an appropriate plan for caring for your bearded dragon. There are a few different options available for leaving your bearded dragon when you go on vacation.
The first is to have a trusted family member or friend care for your bearded dragon in your own home. This is a great option if you have someone who is familiar and comfortable with reptile care and has the time to devote to caring for your pet while you are away.
Be sure to provide detailed instructions on how to care for your bearded dragon, including how to feed them, administer any necessary medication, and what temperature the lights and habitat should be set at.
Additionally, you should supply them with all of the necessary food, water, and supplies, and provide them with directions to a nearby vet in case of emergencies.
Another great option for owning a bearded dragon is to board them at a boarding facility. Many pet owners feel more comfortable having their pets in the care of a professional who can provide them with special attention and care.
When boarding your bearded dragon, you should ask questions about the vetting process and make sure all staff members have experience with handling reptiles, and that their facility adheres to the highest standards of safety and care.
Finally, you may also consider hiring a pet sitter to assume responsibility for your bearded dragon while you’re away. Pet sitters typically visit your home multiple times a day to feed, water, clean, and provide companionship to your pet, so you can rest assured that they are getting the attention they need while you’re away.
Be sure to interview the pet sitter and make sure they have the necessary experience and qualifications to provide the required care for your bearded dragon.
No matter which option you choose, it is important to ensure your bearded dragon is being cared for properly while you are away.
How do you take care of a lizard on vacation?
If you plan to take a lizard on vacation with you, there are some precautions and steps you need to take in order to make sure the reptile is safe and comfortable. To begin, you should always find out if it’s legal to bring your lizard to your destination.
It may be illegal to keep certain species outdoors in certain cities or states. Additionally, you should research if the climate and environment of your destination are appropriate for your species of lizard.
Before leaving, you should consider packing a terrarium and all of the supplies your lizard will need on the trip, such as calcium powder, a heat lamp, food, and water. Have some bags on hand as well to separate supplies and store them safely.
During the car ride, make sure the terrarium is secure and you take extra time to check on the lizard from time to time to make sure it is not overheating or getting too much direct sunlight.
With any pet, it is important to make sure you are providing good care for it during the trip. Make sure to set a schedule for regular feeding, cleaning, and supplementing calcium for your lizard to keep them in good health.
Keep an eye out for any signs of stress, as these can be indicators of an illness or other issues. Finally, make sure to have fun on your vacation and also spend some time playing and bonding with your reptile companion!.
Where should I keep my bearded dragon?
You should keep your bearded dragon in a terrarium that is designed specifically for reptiles. The size of the terrarium should be based on the size and age of your bearded dragon. If your bearded dragon is an adult, you should have a terrarium that is at least 20 gallons.
The terrarium’s temperature should be kept between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot of 95-105 degrees. The terrarium should also have some hiding places, like cave-like structures and branches, for the bearded dragon to feel safe and secure.
A mesh lid should also be provided to keep the dragon from escaping, as well as to provide adequate air circulation. A substrate like eco-earth or playsand should also be used to provide your bearded dragon with a place to dig.
UVB light and/or a ceramic heat lamp should be used to provide the necessary light and warmth to your dragon. Finally, provide a shallow water dish for your bearded dragon to help hydrate and keep its sensitive skin moist.
