Why isn’t my bearded dragon eating its worms

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Meta Description: your bearded dragon isn’t eating its worms due to a couple of reasons, such as illness, shedding, injury, etc. if you overcome these there is a high chance your bearded dragon starts eating his worms again.

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Why isn’t my bearded dragon eating its worms?

One of the first things you should examine is the enclosure’s temperature if your bearded dragon constantly refuses to eat. Dragons may have difficulty digesting food if they are frequently exposed to low temperatures, and they could also lose their immunological function. A basking area that is 95 to 105°F is required for bearded dragons.

No lower than 75°F should be the nighttime temperature; however, this can be slightly lowered during brumation. To ensure that temperatures stay within the acceptable range, they should be measured with a thermometer multiple times daily.

Being cold-blooded, these lizards get their energy from the water in their tanks. They will start eating once they’ve warmed up thoroughly, and the tank must be warm three hours after eating to aid digestion.

Many beardies need to prepare to eat when the day begins for the reasons listed above. Always feed your bearded dragon in the afternoon.

A bearded dragon will frequently refuse to feed due to cold conditions, but this is a simple problem to solve. Low temperatures often might cause more severe diseases. You should take your dragon to the vet if it is wheezing or has discharge from its nose or mouth since it may have a respiratory illness.

What To Do About Your Bearded Dragons Refusal To Eat: 9 Possible Reasons.

CAUSE #1: Your Bearded Dragon Is Stressed.

Is your dragon new? The best course of action is to exercise patience and perseverance. Whether or not someone accepts your daily offer of food, keep doing so.

New dragons may perceive your hand as a predator when it enters the tank from above, especially newborns and rescues. Allowing them to stare at your hand for a time will help them become accustomed to it. Then, as long as they will let you brush them.

Has the diet, the temperature, or the lighting changed at all? To ensure that your bearded dragon’s tank is never excessively hot or cold, which can result in several health issues, you should also have a thermometer gun.

The basking region should always have daytime temperatures between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with colder portions on the other side of the tank. Temperatures at night should range from 65 to 75 degrees.

Has your dragon’s habitat recently seen any changes? This may be as easy as a new tank decoration scaring your dragon (in which case remove it), or it could be a little more challenging like a new puppy whose barking is creating a problem if you can’t eliminate the stressor, like as a dog, loud traffic, source a new baby, be patient with your dragon and try these stress-relieving techniques while she adjusts to the change. Your dragon may feel better if you wrap him in a blanket or give him a warm bath.

Uncertain about your dragon’s stress? It’s recommended to see your veterinarian if your dragon appears to be under constant pressure and unable to determine the cause. Serious health problems for your dragon may result from ongoing stress.

CAUSE #2: Your Bearded Dragon Is Growing.

Like toddlers, some developing dragons may refuse to eat if it makes them feel unwell. They can also feel worried if they are too large for their tank. Should your dragon be:

  • A 40-gallon tank should be ideal for objects under 16 inches long.
  • You’ll want a 50-gallon tank if the thing is longer than 16 inches.

Is your tank already the appropriate size? Perhaps the tank has too much decoration, and your dragon should have plenty of room to maneuver within the tank without feeling cramped.

CAUSE #3: Your Bearded Dragon Is Shedding.

Dragons only want to eat a little once the procedure is over. Never tear off any skin from your dragon, especially if it’s going through a difficult period. Warm baths help her feel more at ease and promote faster skin shedding. It is also beneficial to mist the tank daily when your dragon is shedding.

CAUSE #4: Your Juvenile Bearded Dragon Is Transforming From More Insects To More Greens.

Adult dragons consume greens predominantly, whereas baby dragons mostly eat insects. Therefore, there is that transitional period where your young dragon prefers to eat giant insects while you are introducing him to a diet richer in greens. This can be challenging; persistence and patience are your best bets.

This is likely why a young dragon isn’t eating its greens but is still devouring insects. The best action is to remain persistent and supply greens and insects. Your dragon may begin to eat more greens if you hide insects in a salad or top it with berries.

CAUSE #5: You Have Two Dragons In The Same Tank.

For bearded dragons, cohabitation is not a good idea. The less dominating dragon will eventually starve to death since they are inherently territorial.

CAUSE #6: Your Dragon Is Suffering From Malnutrition.

Lethargy and decreased appetite are frequently related. An unhealthy diet or a vitamin shortage can cause a dragon to lose their appetite.

Verify that you are providing balanced food for your dragon and assess potential changes. Always add a decent calcium supplement while dusting to avoid metabolic bone disease.

CAUSE #7: Your Dragon Is Injured.

Is it difficult for your dragon to move? Do you see scrapes or wounds on his skin? Do you notice bumps on his back or limbs that aren’t straight? Your dragon may not be eating if he injured himself or had a metabolic bone disease. In this case, you should call a veterinarian.

CAUSE #8: Your Dragon Is Ill.

Similar to us, unwell bearded dragons don’t like to eat. Conditions include:

  • Oral rot (infection)
  • Stomach impaction
  • Parasites
  • Bone metabolic disease

You must consult your veterinarian about developing a treatment strategy for your dragon’s illness. How can you tell when your dragon is ill? Sometimes the symptoms are apparent, such as vomiting, drooping eyelids, stumbling steps, or breathing problems. Others may be more subtly shown, such as persistent diarrhea and fatigue. Knowing your dragon’s typical behavior can help you spot any abnormalities as soon as they occur.

CAUSE #9: Your Dragon Is Going Into Brumantation.

Your dragon could not be eating since he is about to brumate, and he doesn’t need to eat because his digestive system will stop working. This procedure occurs in plenty of pet dragons.

Other indicators that your dragon is going to brumate include:

  • More burying or concealing
  • Avoid you or others more frequently than normal
  • More sleep or acting exhausted
  • Using the restroom less frequently

Make sure this is a brumation by consulting your veterinarian. If so, leaving your dragon alone is preferable and undertaking some tank-related preparations. Once your dragon awakens, he should gradually start eating again.

In rare situations, you might not see all of the brumation symptoms, and your bearded dragon appears to sleep all day long without eating or moving (apart from breathing, of course). Your dragon could already be in bloom in this situation. To be specific, it’s still worthwhile to call the vet.

What Food Do Bearded Dragons Eat?

The food of your bearded dragon should resemble what it would consume in the wild. Meat, fruits, veggies, greens, and weeds should all be present.

As your Beardie ages, you’ll need to cut back on the amount of meat they consume because they won’t be exercising as much as their relatives do. Obesity can result from overeating meat.

Our list of safe foods for bearded dragons includes information on how much and how frequently you may feed your bearded dragon. Numerous pet shops, such as Northampton Reptile Centre, which has an online site, make it simple to buy live food.

The proper setup and nutrition are crucial components of your bearded dragon’s maintenance.

Can Bearded Dragons eat meat?

Insects are a common source of meat for bearded dragons. What kind of meat your Beardie can eat is included on our live food list:

  • Crickets\sKingworms
  • Waxworms should only be given as a reward because they are fatty worms.
  • Earthworms
  • Cockroaches
  • Locusts
  • Butterworms
  • Silkworms
  • Arizona worms
  • Crickets
  • Bugaboo roaches

Morioworms should only be given as a reward because they are fatty worms.

Due to their rough outer skin, mealworms should only be given to adult Bearded Dragons. Impaction could happen if young or newborn dragons devour them.

Mealworms of bigger size are known as superworms. Once more, only adult Bearded Dragons should be fed to them.

What fruit can Bearded Dragons eat?

A wide variety of fruits are edible to bearded dragons. However, these should only be fed occasionally, not daily. The fruit has a lot of sugar, can contribute to obesity, and may have higher yeast levels. Can bearded dragons eat grapes? As you might see from the list below, the answer is yes. However, there are some fruits to steer clear of, such as citrus fruits, as they can upset your beardie’s stomach.

You can find out what fruit your Beardie can eat from our food list:

  • Figs
  • Watermelon \sApples
  • Mango \sPapaya \sDates \sPeaches \sApricots \sPlums
  • Kiwi \sPears
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Guava \sGrapes \sRaisins
  • Apricots

What vegetables do Bearded Dragons eat?

Bearded dragons may eat vegetables of all kinds. Our meal list outlines the vegetables your beardie may enjoy eating:

  • Green beans, Peas
  • Courgette
  • Squash, butternut
  • Bell pepper Bell potato
  • Broccoli (little pieces weekly) (small bits weekly)
  • Squash, acorn
  • Cabbage
  • Kohlrabi
  • Parsnip
  • Squash, yellow, pak choi
  • Asparagus
  • Swiss chard okra

What can’t Bearded Dragons eat?

You should be alright if you stick to the food on the lists above, but there are a few foods you should be careful not to give your bearded dragon.

It is your job to prevent giving dangerous items to dragons in the first place since they will eat them even if they are toxic.

When your pet becomes ill, consult a veterinarian for advice. Numerous issues that may afflict bearded dragons are covered by insurance.

  • Onion \sChives
  • Celery \sMushrooms
  • Lemon: Your dragon’s stomach will be disturbed by this citrus fruit.
  • Another citrus fruit that will upset your dragon’s stomach is orange.
  • Crisp lettuce Don’t let your bearded dragon consume it because it is essentially water and has poor nutritional value.
  • Leafy greens and beet tops. Some guidelines may claim that they are okay for your Beardie and that you can consume them in moderation. But both of these include substances that might deplete calcium levels, which can result in metabolic bone disease. The occasional taste shouldn’t harm a Bearded Dragon, but with so many other choices available, it could be preferable to select alternate greens.
  • Wild insects that have been caught Wild insects could have parasites harmful to reptiles. For your Bearded Dragon, exotic pet stores ought to have a variety of live and dead insects. Additionally, it would be difficult to find enough natural insects in the UK.
  • Never give fireflies to bearded dragons or any other type of reptile. Any glowing insects are poisonous and can be lethal to snakes.
  • Avocados contain harmful chemicals for bears. A little will make your reptile sick, and a lot can be lethal.
  • Rhubarb Bearded dragons are poisoned by rhubarb’s high concentration of oxalic acid.

Never feed your dragon any fish or seafood, including prawns.

Wild plants that are harmful to bearded dragons are many. Several more typical in the UK are listed below: ivy, oak, poppy, holly, horse chestnut, crocus, daffodil, and bracken fern.

In essence, if you’re not sure that anything is safe for your pet, don’t offer it to them

Conclusion

There are a few actions you may do to get your bearded dragon to start eating again if he stops eating and is not shedding or brumating.

Start by making sure the surface and ambient temperatures are within the proper range and the UVB bulb is no older than six months old. Additionally, bearded dragons might stop eating if their tank is too small or lacks sufficient hiding places.

One of the easiest methods to entice bearded dragons to eat, if their tank is set up properly, is to give them snacks. Waxworms, hornworms, and silkworms are examples of fatty insects that are frequently beneficial. Fruits include mango, cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries, and these all function well.

Faqs

Where can I buy worms that are suitable for my bearded dragon?

With your finger, hold the worm out for the beardie to consume. Even better, you could put one or two on a plate and let the animal eat right out of your hand. For the dragon to readily access the food, the bowl’s corners shouldn’t be too high

How much time does a bearded dragon need to consume a worm?

If adult dragons are overweight and have sufficient fat reserves, they SHOULD NOT go without food for longer than two months. Growing young children who are not eating is alarming since youngsters require protein to develop into healthy, robust adults.

How often ought I to give my beard worms food?

Three times daily

As many insects as a bearded dragon can eat in ten to fifteen minutes should be fed to them three times each day. It is advisable to get rid of as many insects as you can after feeding time. An average small youngster could consume 20 to 50 insects each day.

What signs point to brumation?

The signs of brumination include weariness, needing more sleep, and going to bed sooner. decrease of appetite or outright rejection of food. typically hiding or burrowing. daily fewer bowel movements

How many worms per day should a bearded dragon eat?

Two to three superworms should be consumed twice weekly by adult bearded dragons. Juvenile. A juvenile dragon that can withstand the worms’ aggressiveness may be able to consume more superworms at once than an adult dragon who lacks the strength to do so.

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