Bearded dragons are omnivorous which means they enjoy eating both plant and animal material. They also eat a variety of live food including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, Silkworms, and small roaches.
Vegetables and fruits are also important items to include in a bearded dragons diet. Good food choices for a bearded dragon include collards, dandelion greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens. You can also give them herbivore salads that include shredded greens, orange or yellow vegetables, or stored vegetables from pet shops.
Fruits such as apples and pears are also good for bearded dragons but should only be given in moderation.
What not to feed a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular lizards kept as pets, however they require an appropriate diet in order to stay healthy. It is important to feed them a variety of nutritious foods, but there are certain items you should not give your pet dragon.
First off, never feed your pet wild-caught insects, as they could contain parasites that may be harmful to your dragon. Never feed your dragon dog or cat food, as these are not nutritious enough for your dragon.
Avoid feeding them any dairy products as they are lactose intolerant and cannot digest them properly.
In addition, never feed your dragon any food that contains high levels of fat, such as cheese and nuts. These fatty foods can lead to digestive problems and even liver disease. Avoid feeding your dragon any kind of processed meats or fish, as these can contain unhealthy levels of ingredients such as sodium and nitrates.
Excessive feeding of certain fruits and vegetables can also be bad for your dragon. Fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, and citrus fruits contain oxalic acid, which when consumed frequently can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the bladder.
Stick to only providing these items as treats no more than once a week.
Finally, never give your dragon any type of chocolate, as this contains theobromine which can be toxic to reptiles. Overall, it is best to stick with commercially available dragon food supplemented with a variety of insect species, fruits, and vegetables.
Doing so will ensure that your dragon gets all the nutrition it needs to stay healthy and happy.
How often should I bathe my bearded dragon?
It is important to keep your bearded dragon clean and healthy, so it is recommended to bathe them at least once every week or two. While they can go longer between baths, they should never go longer than two weeks without a good soaking.
The frequency can also depend on the environment your dragon lives in. For example, if they live in an area with high humidity, they may need to be bathed more often. When giving them a bath, the water should be lukewarm and only deep enough for them to submerge up to their neck.
It’s also important to make sure the soap or reptile-friendly shampoo you use is mild or fragrance-free, as anything too harsh can make your dragon very uncomfortable. Additionally, you should towel dry your dragon after their bath to make sure they stay warm and healthy.
How do I make a bearded dragon happy?
To ensure your bearded dragon is happy, there are several steps you can take to make their environment as comfortable and as stress-free as possible. First, make sure they have a large enclosure that allows them to explore, creating zones for basking, hiding, and being active.
Provide them with ample access to natural sunlight (or a UVB light if necessary) and maintain warm temperatures (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit) with appropriate humidity levels. Furthermore, be sure to provide your bearded dragon with an array of foods to choose from, supplementing their diet with calcium and multivitamins to ensure they stay healthy.
Additionally, you can provide enrichment activities such as placing an appropriate hide, providing plenty of foliage, branches and furniture so they can explore and hide, and also allowing them to roam outside of their enclosure in a secure environment (a room or terrarium).
With these steps, your bearded dragon is sure to remain happy and healthy for many years.
Can Beardies eat bananas?
Yes, Bearded Dragons can eat bananas. Bananas are not a staple food for Beardies, but when offered an occasional banana as a treat, Beardies can enjoy it. Bananas are rich in Vitamin A, folate, and other important vitamins, and can contribute to a balanced nutrition for your Beardie.
The best way to serve bananas to your Beardie is to mash them into a paste so it is easy for them to digest. You can also combine mashed banana with other vegetables or fruits that are suitable for your Beardie to make a nutritious snack.
When feeding banana to your Beardie, it should only be offered as a treat, and should not exceed 10% of their total diet. It is also important to monitor the amount they eat, as too much can cause digestive issues in Beardies.