Why is My Bearded Dragon Not Eating & How to Make Them Feel Better

Many bearded dragons have a natural aversion to eating, especially when they are younger in age or if they are new to captivity. Bearded Dragons have a natural instinct to conserve energy as a shelter from the hot desert sun and try to “live off the fat” in their tail. The head will also occasionally move off of the leaf where they are eating in order to re-absorb what energetically they can.

 

Introduction

Bearded dragon owners know that their pets have strong appetites. They have a reputation for being ravenous munchers and can eat just about everything. You may become worried, though, if your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered…  In this article, we’ll go through some of the reasons your beardie might not be eating and give some tips for getting them back to eating normally.

 

 

Possible Reasons Why Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating…

 

Environmental Factors

Your bearded dragon may not be snacking because of environmental factors. Beardies need a specific temperature difference, lighting, and humidity level to thrive. If these requirements aren’t met, they may lose their appetite.

• Make sure they have access to fresh clean water.
• Make sure the temp and lighting in their enclosure are appropriate.

 

They are new to captivity

When a bearded dragon is young and newly adopted into a new environment, they have the tendency to be the shy type.

• They will spend most of the time hiding under some leaves or rocks to avoid being eaten.
• These small reptiles cannot handle the stress of being captured and placed in a tank without a full cave or a quiet area.
• A lack of trust between reptile and owner can be a common occurrence in these cases.

 

Illness or Disease

If your bearded dragon is not eating, it could be due to an underlying illness or disease… The following are some signs of typical illnesses that can lead to loss of appetite:

• Respiratory infections
• Parasites
• Impaction

 

Stress

Bearded dragons may very well reduce their appetite for a variety of reasons, including stress.

• Moving to a new place or altering their enclosure are both examples of recent changes that could stress them out.
• Give them plenty of places to hide and make sure their habitat is set up right.

 

Brumation

Beardies, like mammals, goes through a period of lethargy called brumation. They may stop eating and become less active during this time. Many animals enter a state called brumation throughout the cold season that might last for weeks to months.

 

It’s too hot or too cold

Being cold in the desert is not a big problem for reptiles. Their bodies are designed to be able to adapt to different temperatures. However, if the temperature is not consistent and does not match the preferred conditions of a specific species of reptile, they will lose energy and most likely won’t feel like eating.

Example: It’s warm in your house, but your bearded dragon’s tank is located in an area that is much colder than what he/she is used to.

 

They are tired

Bearded dragons need to be kept awake, active & healthy for their physical growth. If you want your bearded dragon to eat more, you MUST feed them a good quality feed that is all-natural. We recommend providing a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients & minerals.

 

They do not get enough sleep

Bearded Dragons are nocturnal animals and require plenty of rest as well as some time outside of the tank to help them re-balance their pH levels. You must also provide a dark area for them to sleep in and provide them with the correct temperatures to help keep the body functioning properly. We have seen many cases where bearded dragons are kept in a room with direct sunlight on an overcast day, which results in dehydration.

 

They move around too much

When bearded dragons are home alone or feel threatened, they will run around & move through their cave at all times of the day (which is not healthy for your pet). The food will just fall on the floor thus making it uneaten. When introducing your bearded dragon to a new environment, try to leave them alone for at least a week to get used to its surroundings.

 

They sense danger

The way we introduce other pets or people around our bearded dragons has a huge impact on how they react. They will feel threatened & not want to eat. You should never force feed anything in order for them to be healthy and if you do, you will only be feeding your bearded dragon with junk that will cause malnutrition & more health issues.

 

They are afraid

When bearded dragons are scared, they will not eat. Try to make your bearded dragon feel safe & comfortable by leaving them alone for at least a week so that it can get used to the environment & its new surroundings. When they are stressed, they will not eat & may even feel sick. This is a natural defense made by a bearded dragon against fear & danger.

>>Download “Bearded Dragon Secret Manual” Here!

 

They had an owner change (or potential owners)

For many bearded dragons, their previous owners have made drastic changes to their environment which causes the bearded dragon to feel stressed. You should only make changes to your bearded dragon’s setup if you really need to & make sure that everything stays safe for them. For instance, if the owner puts their bearded dragon in a new tank, they may have to make new adjustments that might stress their bearded dragon out.

 

They don’t feel comfortable eating in their tank

There are different types of tanks that range from materials like glass, plastic, ceramic or acrylic.

• Bearded dragons are not picky when it comes to selecting the tank they feel comfortable in.
• When a bearded dragon is placed into a tank that is too small it, your beardie cannot be at its optimal growth rate.

It will most likely stress them out & cause them to lose energy & eat less.

 

They are being bullied by other pets

Make sure that no other pet that is bigger than your bearded dragon is around your tank. The biggest threat to your bearded dragon is another reptile or any animal that can eat them. You must have at least one hiding place for your bearded dragon in the tank, especially if you have other pets running around inside the house.

 

 

 

 

How to Make Your Bearded Dragon Feel Better…

 

Get the Advice of a Vet

A veterinary reptile expert should be consulted if your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating. They can help in diagnosis and provide treatments for your beardie.

 

Provide Proper Nutrition

Bearded dragons need a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and insects. You might try providing your beardie with a wider selection of foods to see if one of them piques their appetite.

• Make sure they’re getting enough of the right vitamins & minerals in their diet, too.

 

Create a Comfortable Environment

Beardies thrive in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Make sure their enclosure is big enough for them to move around & explore.

Provide a comfortable environment for them, including:

• The right lighting
• The right temperature
• The right humidity levels
• Lots of hiding places
• A good basking area

 

Provide Plenty of Fresh Clean Water

Always have fresh water handy for your bearded dragon. If your pet isn’t eating, it may be dehydrated, so keep your beardies water bowl full at all times.

 

Pay Attention to Their Behaviour

Keep a close eye on your bearded dragon’s behavior & activity level. Lethargy or trouble breathing, for example, could be symptoms of a more serious problem that needs medical attention. Seek out veterinarian attention promptly if this occurs.

 

 

 

Conclusion

The main point behind this is to make your bearded dragon feel comfortable as possible & make sure that they are feeling safe. See a vet to check out any medical causes for their poor appetite if they seem sickened. Keep in mind that if you buy a bearded dragon without any experience, it will be very hard to properly take care of them & that they may never develop the perfect eating habits you would like for them.

 

 

Recent Bearded Dragon Care Guide:

>>How Many Mealworms to Feed a Bearded Dragon: A Guide From Experts 2023

>>Bearded Dragon Fat Pads: Normal vs Abnormal 

 

 

FAQs

How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?

• A: A bearded dragon can go without eating for several days to several weeks, depending on the circumstances. Observe their behavior & seek veterinary care if they go without eating for an extended period.

Can stress cause a loss of appetite in bearded dragons?

• A: Yes, stress can cause a bearded dragon to lose their appetite. It is important to provide them with a comfortable environment that meets their needs & reduces stressors in their environment.

What to do if your bearded dragon is not eating?

• A: If your bearded dragon is not eating, it is important to monitor their behavior & seek veterinary care if necessary. Provide them with a comfortable environment, proper nutrition, & access to fresh water to help them feel better.

What should I feed my bearded dragon?

• A: Bearded dragons require a balanced diet that includes insects, fruits, & vegetables. Offer a variety of foods to ensure they are getting the proper vitamins & minerals in their diet.

How can I prevent my bearded dragon from getting sick?

• A: Providing a comfortable environment, proper nutrition, & regular veterinary care can help prevent health issues in bearded dragons. Keep their enclosure clean & free of potential stressors, & monitor their behavior for any changes.