You scoop up the roaches and drop them back into their bin for the third time this week. Or you remove a full, wilty salad from your bearded dragon’s cage…again. Your usually ravenous pet has been snubbing food lately and you’re not sure why.
Whether it’s a bug lover who suddenly lost the thrill of the chase, a juvenile on a salad strike, or a baby who simply won’t eat anything at all, you’re probably worried sick, asking yourself frantically, “Why won’t my bearded dragon eat?”
If this is going on, know that you are not alone! Appetite loss and refusal to eat are common problems with bearded dragons, and they can be caused by many things—some serious and some not so serious.
It can be concerning when a bearded dragon stops eating or eats less than usual. As bearded dragon owners, it’s important we understand the possible reasons for appetite loss so we can get our reptile friend back to good health In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes and how to address them.
Normal Reasons for Not Eating
There are a few natural and harmless reasons a bearded dragon may go off food temporarily
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Shedding – Many reptiles are less interested in food during a shed. Watch for flaky, peeling skin as a sign this is happening. Offer food but don’t worry if they don’t eat much.
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Brumation – In the winter some bearded dragons naturally become less active and eat less in a hibernation-like state called brumation. As long as temperatures are right, hydration is maintained and weight is stable, this is normal.
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Maturity – Baby dragons need to eat a lot more frequently than adults. An older beardie eating less than a younger one is often just a sign of growing up.
Husbandry Issues
Sometimes a husbandry (habitat care) issue is causing appetite problems. Check these elements:
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Lighting – Proper UVB lighting supports vitamin D3 production and digestion. Without it, metabolic bone disease and appetite loss can occur.
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Heat – Cool temperatures prevent digestion. Ensure basking area temperatures reach 95-110°F.
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Diet – Too many live insects? Not enough leafy greens? An improper ratio can cause vitamin deficiencies and appetite issues.
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Substrate – Some dragons may accidentally ingest substrate, causing impaction, a digestive blockage that prevents eating.
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Stressors – Changes to habitat, handling, environment, or tankmates can stress a beardie out and cause appetite loss.
Health Problems
Unfortunately, illnesses can also lead to reduced or no appetite.
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Metabolic Bone Disease – Caused by poor lighting, supplementation, or diet, which leads to loss of appetite.
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Parasites – Internal parasites make reptiles feel unwell and reject food.
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Mouth Rot – This bacterial mouth infection causes painful swelling, discolored tissue, and difficulty eating.
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Respiratory Infection – Labored breathing, mucus in the mouth, and wheezing are symptoms, and affected reptiles won’t want to eat.
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Injury – Broken bones or wounds, often from falls or cagemates, lead to discomfort that reduces appetite.
If illness is suspected, see an exotic veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Encouraging Your Bearded Dragon to Eat
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Check for any husbandry issues like temperature or lighting and fix them.
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Offer a variety of greens and live prey; novelty can stimulate appetite.
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Lightly coat greens with bee pollen or fruit puree for more tempting flavors.
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Hand feed prey items to get them interested. Never force feed.
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Ensure food pieces are bite sized for ease of eating.
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Consider adding plant buffet style tank decor they can nibble on.
With attentive care and husbandry, most appetite issues can be resolved. But if your bearded dragon is losing weight or not eating for over 2 weeks, a vet visit is recommended to rule out serious health problems. With patience and care, your beardie friend will be back to eating happily in no time.
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You scoop up the roaches and drop them back into their bin for the third time this week. Or you remove a full, wilty salad from your bearded dragon’s cage…again. Your usually ravenous pet has been snubbing food lately and you’re not sure why.
Whether it’s a bug lover who suddenly lost the thrill of the chase, a juvenile on a salad strike, or a baby who simply won’t eat anything at all, you’re probably worried sick, asking yourself frantically, “Why won’t my bearded dragon eat?”
If this is going on, know that you are not alone! Appetite loss and refusal to eat are common problems with bearded dragons, and they can be caused by many things—some serious and some not so serious.
CAUSE #3: Your bearded dragon is shedding.
SOLUTION: Be patient, provide warm baths, and never, ever pull skin off.
Shedding is really uncomfortable for dragons, and most don’t want to eat much until the process is done. If your dragon is having a particularly rough time, just remember, never pull off any skin. Warm baths help make her more comfortable and encourage the skin to fall off more quickly on its own. Misting the tank daily while your dragon is shedding can also help.
WHY IS MY BEARDED DRAGON NOT EATING!
FAQ
What should I do if my bearded dragon won’t eat?
If he won’t eat, try placing a bug on his salad to trick him into eating it. Or placing a thin strip of greens in his mouth as he is munching on bugs. Had to with my foster beardie for a few months before finding good veggies he liked and would eat without the trick. But many months of hand feeding was needed.
How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?
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Normal Feeding Schedule:
- Young beardies: Should be fed once or twice daily.
- Adult beardies: May only eat every 24–72 hours, as they are no longer in a growth phase.
- Young beardies: Should be fed once or twice daily.
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Brumation:During brumation (a period of dormancy), bearded dragons can go without eating for up to 4 months.
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Appetite Variation:Each pet’s appetite can vary, so it’s important to observe your beardie’s individual needs.
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Stress and Appetite:When first brought home, a bearded dragon may experience stress, which can affect its appetite. It’s normal for a newly acquired beardie to go without eating for the first few days, and the appetite will slowly return to normal.
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Importance of Nutrition:While a short period without food is okay, it’s crucial to ensure your bearded dragon receives regular and adequate nutrition to maintain its health.
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Hydration:Make sure your bearded dragon has access to fresh water and consider giving them a bath to stay hydrated, especially if you are leaving them for a few days.
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Heat and Lighting:If you need to leave your bearded dragon for a few days, ensure that their heat source and lighting are functioning properly, and that the temperature and humidity are within the appropriate range.
How to encourage a bearded dragon to eat?
A feeding method that often works is to mix some chicken baby food with a little plain calciun powder. Drop a little dollop right on the end of his snout, Most of the time, they’ll lick it off. This is a much safer method than force feeding. Being a bit too chilly can lead to appetite loss and poor digestion.
Is it normal for bearded dragons to not eat every day?
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Juvenile Bearded Dragons:Young, growing bearded dragons need to eat daily, or even multiple times a day, to support their rapid growth.
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Adult Bearded Dragons:As they reach adulthood (around 18 months), their metabolism slows, and they require less food. Adults can often go 24-72 hours between meals, or even eat every few days, without issue.
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Individual Variation:Just like humans, each bearded dragon has a unique appetite and eating habits. Some may eat more frequently than others, and it’s important to observe your pet’s individual needs.
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Other Factors:Besides age, other factors can influence a bearded dragon’s appetite, such as shedding, brumation (a period of dormancy), or even changes in their environment.
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When to be Concerned:If your bearded dragon consistently refuses food for an extended period, or if you notice other signs of illness, such as lethargy or weight loss, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian experienced in reptiles.
Why is my bearded dragon not eating?
There are several reasons why your bearded dragon isn’t eating. If it’s winter, it could be going through something called brumation. That’s when it has a period of dormancy and hides in its substrate. Your dragon might also be starting to shed its skin, and you may notice it has a papery appearance.
Do bearded dragons eat a lot?
A pregnant bearded dragon (female) consumes more food since her appetite will significantly rise, and she will constantly be eager to have meals. Ensure that you feed your bearded dragon adequate food (mainly insects rather than veggies) since they will require it regardless of how much weight they gain.
Should bearded dragons eat before shedding?
It’s normal for bearded dragons to stop eating for a couple of days before and during the shedding process. If everything goes well, the dragon will return to its normal eating habits soon after. Make sure you provide the lizard with the space it needs during this time.