Sick or Lazy? 5 Possibility Why Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

Bearded dragon is not eating, is he sick or just lazy?

Bearded dragon enthusiasts around the world have dreams of owning one.

These reptile friends are some of the most unique pets you can have.

They’re always adorable, and they’re beneficial as well.

While bearded dragon owners love their pets, bearded dragon owners sometimes have to deal with bearded dragon not feeding.

Most of the time, this is due to bearded dragon brumation.

But what is brumation, and why does bearded dragon brumation affect bearded dragons? Let’s find out.

 

Why Is My Bearded Dragon Not Eating?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they will eat both meat and plants.

This makes them a great pet for those who want to provide their dragon with both nutrition and variety.

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there may be a reason for it.

Some of the most common reasons for a bearded dragon not eating include being sick, bored, or stressed.

 

If you think your bearded dragon is sick, it’s important to take him to a vet for an evaluation.

Likewise, if your bearded dragon is not eating because he is bored or stressed, there are some simple solutions you can try to help him out.

You can try providing more stimulation through toys or enclosure enhancements such as providing a basking spot or climbing structure.

 

Brumation

Bearded dragons are popular reptiles in homes all around the world.

Brumation is a natural process during which bearded dragons go into a dormant state.

During brumation, bearded dragons reduce their metabolism and body temperature but continue to stay active and metabolically active.

 

Brumation is an essential part of bearded dragon biology and enables them to survive harsh environmental conditions such as winter or hot summers by reducing metabolic rate and body temperature.

Some common signs of brumation include reduced appetite, lethargy, and reduced activity levels.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above in your bearded dragon, it is important to take him to the veterinarian for medical checkup.

 

Besides, it can take up to three months for a beardie to fully brumate.

 

Shedding

Bearded dragons are reptiles with a fascinating and peculiar shedding process.

They typically shed their skin three times a year.

This is known as molt.

The bearded dragon’s thick, scaly hide is replaced with a new, lighter coat of skin.

 

Molt can last several weeks to several months depending on the beardie’s age and health.

If your bearded dragon isn’t eating or seems to be in pain, it may be shedding because of an illness or injury.

If this is the case, you should take your bearded dragon to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

It’s important to monitor bearded dragons for signs of ill health so you can take appropriate action if necessary.

 

Impaction

An impaction occurs when a bearded dragon ingests something too large for its body to process.

The impaction can lead to possible health problems, including seizures, vomiting, and constipation.

There are several ways you can determine if your bearded dragon has an impaction.

 

– Inspect the beardie’s mouth and anus for any signs of impaction.

Try to note any recent changes in appetite or behavior.

These might indicate that it has eaten too much or been unable to passing stool.

– Keep your bearded dragon in a warm, dry environment with access to clean water and fresh veggies and fruits.

– Apply topical treatments such as reptile laxative, reptile enema, or turtle electrolyte solution to the beardie’s skin if necessary.

 

Impaction is not always easy to diagnose, but by taking the above steps you can prevent your beardie from getting sick from eating too much or too little.

 

Wrong Diet

Bearded dragons are omnivorous and will eat a variety of food items.

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there may be a problem with his diet.

Common problems with bearded dragon diets include feeding your bearded dragon the wrong type of food or feeding him too much of one type of food.

 

If you notice any signs of illness or parasite infestation, such as sluggishness, appetite loss, hair loss, appetite gain or regrowth, or appetite for shiny objects, consult a vet immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

When feeding your bearded dragon, monitor his weight and activity levels regularly to make sure he is getting the right amount of exercise and nutrition.

 

Stress

Bearded dragons are known to be sensitive to stress-related problems, such as not eating or drinking, aggressive behavior, and egg-laying delays.

If you observe any of these symptoms in your bearded dragon, consult a veterinarian immediately.

One of the best ways to reduce your bearded dragon’s stress levels is to provide him with a clean, consistent environment and plenty of toys and playtime.

You can also monitor his water intake and provide him with fresh water on a regular basis.

Additionally, provide your bearded dragon with a sunny spot to spend the majority of his time and avoid drafts.

Handle him gently and avoid picking him up unless he is being held by you specifically for veterinary care.

Finally, schedule regular vet checkups to monitor his health and ensure that he is free from stress-related problems.

 

By taking care of your bearded dragon’s emotional well-being, you can help prevent many of the common health issues associated with excessive stress in reptiles.

 

How Long Can A Bearded Dragon Go Without Food?

A bearded dragon typically eats 2 to 3 times per day, and can go a few days without eating if necessary.

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there may be a simple solution.

Your bearded dragon may just be lazy or be in poor health, so you should check his health and feeding habits carefully.

If your bearded dragon is not eating and appears to be sick, he may have a problem with his digestive system.

To troubleshoot this, try feeding your bearded dragon more frequently and offering him supplements such as reptile vitamin powder or mealworms daily.

If your bearded dragon is not eating and appears to be in poor health, it may be because he isn’t feeling well.

Try monitoring your bearded dragon’s health closely and providing him with the right environment and diet for his age and size.

 

Conclusion

Whether your bearded dragon is feeding or not feeding, there are a number of things you can do to ensure their health and well-being.

When feeding bearded dragons, mainly feed them crickets and mealworms.

Offer them a variety of insects, as they are easy to digest.

Try spraying their enclosure with water every day to help keep humidity at optimal levels.

If they’re not eating, try offering a variety of foods and increasing the amount of time you spend feeding them.

Be sure to check up on bearded dragon care guides for more information on how to care for bearded dragon hatchlings and adults.