If your bearded dragon isn’t eating or moving, it could be a sign of illness or another health issue. It is important to take your bearded dragon to the vet as soon as possible to be checked out. Some possible causes could be dehydration, low temperature, improper diet, parasites, or a respiratory infection.
Dehydration can be caused by not providing your bearded dragon with enough fresh water and can lead to inactivity and not eating. Low temperatures can make your beardy inactive and unwilling to move or eat, so make sure their enclosure has a good temperature range.
Additionally, improper diet can lead to internal imbalances and disinterest in food. Parasites can be present in the food you are feeding them, and can be detected via a fecal sample. Lastly, respiratory infections can be very serious and require antibiotics.
As always, it is important to ensure your bearded dragon is healthy so always visit your vet to ensure their well being.
What can I do if my bearded dragon refuses to eat?
If your bearded dragon is refusing to eat, there are a few things you can do. The first step is to assess how much they have been eating and if it is decreasing, try to determine the underlying cause.
Things that can affect appetite include sudden changes in environment, temperature, light, food availability, and health problems. If the area or tank is cluttered and overcrowded, this can make the dragon feel stressed and prevent it from eating.
If the environment and tank are not the problem, consider changing the type of food and providing variety to ensure that they are getting all of the necessary nutrients. Additionally, regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help rule out any health issues.
Finally, pay attention to the dragon’s behavior. If it appears lethargic, it is possible that it is not feeling well and needs medical attention. If it appears to be in good health, then it is necessary to experiment with different types of food and different feeding methods to encourage eating.
Providing live insects, such as crickets or mealworms, as well as adding fresh vegetables and fruits to the diet should help to encourage eating.
Should I worry if my bearded dragon won’t eat?
If you notice that your bearded dragon is not eating, it is important to take action and investigate further. In some cases, a lack of appetite can indicate that your bearded dragon isn’t feeling well, and it could be a sign of illness or stress.
It could also be a sign of inadequate diet—either because it is not getting enough nutrients or because it simply doesn’t like the food you’re providing.
That said, it is important to realize that bearded dragons naturally have periods of time in which they may eat less than usual. For instance, it is normal for them to slow down their eating habits before and during brumation, the period of hibernation that they experience in the winter.
It is also normal for them to not eat for a day or two after their meals if they have simply filled their bellies to the brim.
If your bearded dragon hasn’t eaten for more than two days, however, you should take action. First, try offering a variety of different types of food, both live food like crickets and vegetables like squash and spinach.
Secondly, make sure the environment is conducive to eating; it should be warm and the lighting should simulate day and night. Finally, if you suspect the issue may be medical, make an appointment with a reptile veterinarian to discuss your concerns and have a thorough exam.
Overall, if your bearded dragon isn’t eating and it’s persistently not its normal behavior, it’s important to take steps to help get it back on track.
How long can a bearded dragon go without eating before dying?
It is not advisable to allow a Bearded Dragon to go for a prolonged period of time without eating. Generally, a Bearded Dragon should be fed at least every other day. Depending on the size of the Bearded Dragon and other factors such as temperature, health, and environment, it is generally considered a best practice to feed them every day, so that they can maintain a healthy weight and appetite.
While individual cases may differ, under the worst case scenario of no food or water supplied and exposed to adverse environmental conditions, a Bearded Dragon may not survive for more than about a week before dying from starvation.
What causes bearded dragons to stop eating?
Bearded dragons are relatively hardy lizards, but they can stop eating for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of a bearded dragon no longer eating regularly include:
1) Stress: A sudden change in the environment, temperatures, lighting, or other factors can be very stressful to a bearded dragon and cause them to become scared and stop eating. Stress also affects their immune system, which can then lead to other health issues that can result in lack of appetite.
2) Illness: When a bearded dragon has become ill, this can cause them to stop eating, especially if the illness causes digestive problems or makes eating painful. Illnesses can range from parasites to viral or bacterial infections, and if they become severe, they can be debilitating and cause a lack of appetite from the dragon.
3) Temperature: If the ambient temperature in their enclosure is too low, this can make them feel too cold, and cause them to become sluggish and disinterested in food. Similarly, if the temperature is too high, this can also make them uncomfortable and can result in them stopping eating.
4) Unhealthy Diet: If the bearded dragon is getting an unhealthy diet that lacks in essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, then this can lead to sluggishness, lack of appetite, and even several health problems.
5) Other Reasons: In some cases, a bearded dragon can simply lose interest in food due to boredom or changes in its lifestyle, or even just due to aging. Additionally, any new changes to their environment should be gradually introduced, as sudden changes may cause them to become stressed and lead to them becoming disinterested in food.
If your bearded dragon is no longer eating, it is important to take them to the vet to check for any potential illnesses or parasites and to ensure that the temperatures and environment in the enclosure are adequate.
Additionally, if the lack of eating continues, a change of diet may be necessary.
What’s the average age of death for a bearded dragon?
The average age of death for a bearded dragon is approximately 8-10 years. This varies significantly based on the quality of care that the bearded dragon receives. Proper and consistent care can add a few years to the life expectancy of a bearded dragon, however if proper care is not provided the life expectancy can be significantly shorter.
The average age of death for a bearded dragon in the wild is unknown as many wild dragons do not live long enough to reach the average lifespan that captive bearded dragons experience.
Will a beardie starve itself?
No, bearded dragons usually do not starve themselves. Even if they’re not interested in eating at first, they’ll usually eat if their food is presented in the right way. Bearded dragons require a variety of nutritious food items as part of a balanced diet, so it’s important to ensure that their food is assorted to meet their dietary needs.
Bearded dragons need a combination of live food, such as crickets or mealworms, as well as dark, leafy greens and vegetables. A variety of fruits can also be offered as treats. Additionally, calcium supplements should be added to their food to promote healthy growth.
To further encourage the bearded dragon to eat, hand-feeding can be used. This involves placing food directly in front of the bearded dragon and enticing them to eat it. If a bearded dragon is still not eating, they may not be feeling well or may need to be taken to the vet to ensure there isn’t something wrong.
What are the signs of brumation?
Brumation is a state of dormancy or inactivity in reptiles, similar to hibernation in mammals. Such as a decrease in activity and a decrease in appetite. A lessening of activity is typically the first sign.
A reptile that usually basks in the sun may be less inclined to do so, and may even sit in a dark corner of its enclosure. A decrease in appetite is also a common sign of brumation. An upcoming brumation can be signaled by your reptile eating significantly less, or not eating at all.
Other signs of brumation include behavioral changes and disinterest in treats or other food that normally entices the animal. Shedding may also be increased or prolonged during brumation. Reptiles may shed in one piece, rather than their usual pattern of shedding in sections, during brumation.
Finally, increased sleeping habits or hiding away beneath or behind objects in the enclosure may be signs of brumation.
Should you hold bearded dragon everyday?
No, you should not hold a bearded dragon every day. Holding your bearded dragon can be a great bonding experience and a great way to interact with your pet, but it should be done in moderation. It is important to allow your bearded dragon to have time to themselves to rest and relax – they need a regular sleep schedule and plenty of alone time.
If you hold them every day it can disrupt their schedule, which can be detrimental to their health. It is also important to remember that they can become overwhelmed easily when they are constantly handled, and this can lead to stress.
Lastly, regular handling can dry out a bearded dragon’s skin and make them more prone to health disorders such as shedding or infection. A general rule of thumb for handling a bearded dragon is no more than 20 minutes per day.
Can bearded dragons survive on just vegetables?
Bearded dragons can survive on a primarily vegetable-based diet, but they need to be supplemented with a smaller portion of animal protein to meet all their nutritional needs. Vegetables should make up the majority of the bearded dragon’s diet, at least 70-80% of each meal, which should be supplemented with items like crickets, mealworms, waxworms and other small feeder insects.
It is not recommended to solely feed a bearded dragon a vegetarian diet. Ignoring the proper ratio of animal proteins to vegetables can lead to malnutrition and other health issues in your bearded dragon.
Bearded dragons tend to get most of their dietary protein from the small insects mentioned, but they also get needed calcium and other essential vitamins from dark, leafy veggies like collard or mustard greens, kale, dandelion greens, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce.
Vegetables should be steamed, boiled or chopped and offered fresh to your dragon every day. Fruits should only be used as treats and given in moderation, as a diet too high in sugar can have adverse effects on your dragon’s health.
Is it normal for a bearded dragon to not move for days?
It is possible for a bearded dragon to sleep for days, so it may appear as if it is not moving. Bearded dragons thrive on a regular sleep/wake cycle, so it is important to try and keep your dragon on a consistent schedule.
It is possible for them to become sluggish and not move as much if they are stressed, so you should try and create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your dragon. It is also important to make sure that your dragon is not in pain or sick, as this can cause it to become immobile.
If you are concerned that your bearded dragon has stopped moving for days, it is best to talk to a vet to make sure your bearded dragon is healthy and safe.
Why is my bearded dragon staying in one place?
Your bearded dragon may be staying in the same place for a number of reasons. It could be something as simple as them seeking out a place that’s warm and comfortable. Bearded dragons are ectothermic, which means they’re reliant on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
If they find a spot that is particularly warm, they may choose to stay in that area to warm themselves up.
It could also be due to stress or illness. Bearded dragons can become lethargic and stay in one spot if they are feeling unwell, so if your pet has not eaten in a while or appears to be in less than ideal health, it is important to make sure that they are getting the necessary veterinary care.
Finally, your bearded dragon may just be bored. Like any pet, they need stimulation – appropriate accessories and toys in their enclosure should help alleviate this. If your pet is in an environment with limited access to sensory stimulation, then this could be why they aren’t exploring their space as much.
If you are worried about your bearded dragon staying in the same place, it is important to observe them closely, ensure they have a warm, comfortable environment to rest in, and to check in on their health.
If they do not appear to be improving, consider consulting with an experienced reptile veterinarian.
How long should bearded dragons be awake?
Bearded dragons should be awake for roughly 12-14 hours each day. They should wake up in the morning around 8:00am and go to sleep around 8:00pm. This schedule should be kept consistent throughout the year.
Generally, the amount of time spent awake depends on the individual bearded dragon’s age. For example, young bearded dragons should be awake for about 12 hours, while adults should be awake for about 14 hours.
It is also important to factor in other variables such as the temperature in your bearded dragon’s vivarium, its health, and the amount of interaction it receives each day. If the bearded dragon’s habitat is too hot, it will want to spend more time sleeping in order to regulate its temperature.
Conversely, if it is feeling unwell, it may stay awake longer than usual. Many bearded dragons enjoy physical interaction, so the more they receive, the more awake they may be.
Ultimately, you will need to discover what works best for your bearded dragon, as each individual will have its own specific need when it comes to sleep/wake cycles.
What does a sick bearded dragon look like?
A sick bearded dragon typically looks very lethargic and might not move around very much. They also may have a lack of appetite, may sleep more than usual, have a swollen belly, and/or have ruffled, flaky scales.
In addition, a sick bearded dragon may have bubbles around its mouth, which is an indication of respiratory infection, may have watery eyes and/or dull, sunken eyes, and have urine and/or feces that smell very strongly.
Any unusual behavior, such as excessive gaping, shaking, twitching, or not basking should be a sign that the bearded dragon requires a vet visit. Ultimately, the best way to determine if a bearded dragon is ill is to take them to a reptile veterinarian for a thorough examination.
