Why Is My Bearded Dragon Skinny? How To Fatten It Up

Introduction

Bearded dragons are native to the arid region of central Australia. This reptile can weigh up to five pounds, live between 8 and 10 years, and grow up to 24 inches long. Beardies are easy to care for and are friendly creatures that make great pets for families with children.

Why Is My Bearded Dragon Skinny?

HERE ARE SOME CAUSES WHY YOUR BEARDED DRAGON WON’T EAT:

1. Lack of Food

A lack of food is probably the number one reason why a beardie is skinny. Improper diet and lack of eating, which could mean that the dragon doesn’t like its food, can result in weight loss. Some bearded dragons may refuse to eat, even if they are hungry; this may be because of stress or an inadequate environment. The beardie is best not force-fed.

2. Inadequate Habitat

It may be that your dragon’s enclosure is too small to allow it to move around. The enclosure should be at least three times the dragon’s length; however, some dragons need more room than others. This can also lead to inadequate temperatures and lighting, which brings us to our next cause of weight loss.

3. Improper Calcium Levels

Different beardies have different diets and need to have a specific diet. For example, a calcium-only diet will work well for the bearded dragon, but only if the diet has been tailored to the needs of this particular dragon.

4. Handling Stress

It’s very important that you handle your dragon gently, as it could result in stress, just like handling an animal with a history of stress will also cause stress. This can result in weight loss, which can make the dragon even skinnier.

5. Inbreeding and Genetics

To be clear, inbreeding is not an issue that causes weight loss, however, it may affect the size of the individual dragon. The same goes for genetics; if your beardie has a genetic predisposition towards obesity or its likeliness increases when breeding with overweight individuals, then this will also cause weight loss.

6. Parasites and Diseases

Many parasites are feeding off of a beardie’s skin, which may make the bearded dragon skinnier and change its weight. Hair loss can also result from diseases such as mites, fungal infections, or bacterial infections. Parasites such as mites can also lead to infections that cause abscesses or boils.

7. Bacterial Infections

An infection with an intestinal bacteria can cause an imbalance in the bearded dragon’s calcium and vitamin levels, which may lead to weight loss.

8. Abscesses, or Infections with or Without Abscesses

Abscesses can occur from bacterial infections, which can cause both an abscess and a boil. If the abscess is minor, it may not need to be treated; however, the bearded dragon will remain skinny until it has been treated and its weight has returned to normal. It’s best to start by removing any debris or foreign objects that may have been stuck in the abscess or boil area.

9. Metabolic Bone Disease

This syndrome occurs when a lack of calcium in a dragon’s diet causes the dragon to become weak, causing it to lose weight. It can also cause an irregular heartbeat or an increased heart rate.

10. Various Addisonsian Syndromes (Hypoadrenocorticism)

This is not a syndrome; however, various types of diseases have this symptom. This symptom is also known as Addison’s disease. These diseases include hypoadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease, and hyperadrenocorticism. If a bearded dragon has one of these diseases, it may be at risk for weight loss.

Why is my Bearded Dragon Not Eating ? How To Fatten It Up

You might ask yourself “why is my bearded dragon not eating“…

DON’T WORRY, HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO FATTEN IT UP:

1. Diet

A diet consisting of high-quality foods is the key to resolving many of these weight loss problems. If a dragon’s diet contains too many high-calorie ingredients, it will not be able to burn off fat very well; however, if it is fed with a varied diet, then it can still lose weight and become healthier. A varied diet can include such items as brown rice, oat bran, vitamin-enriched pellets (scroll down for brands), fruit and veggies.

2. Lighting and Temperature

It’s very important to provide a proper amount of light if one has not done so in the past. This dragon should have lighting at 3-4 times the length of its body and a temperature that ranges from 60 – 80 degrees F. This can be difficult to regulate on your own; however, there are heating bulbs that can be purchased at any store, pet supply stores, or over the internet that can help with this problem, since they will automatically adjust themselves to changing temperatures.

3. Exercise

When it comes to exercising a bearded dragon, it is best to let them run free in their habitat and play; however, you can also allow them to exercise by way of a leash. It is important to start slow at first and use a leash that is long enough for your dragon to move around. If the dragon is tied up or attached to a tight leash, then it may become stressed or frightened. Avoid leaving your dragon alone for long periods because this can also make the animal nervous.

4. Regular Baths

One of the best things a bearded dragon can have is a bath. Since dragons love to swim, it’s very important to give them baths. As opposed to soaking them in water or getting their water bodies wet, place them in a shallow bowl that is filled with warm water that has been warmed up to at least 95 degrees F. Dragons will be more relaxed and less likely to stress out when they are allowed to soak themselves this way.

5. Calcium

Since it may be that a dragon is not getting enough calcium due to its bones, then you may have to supplement its diet with this mineral. Calcium is found in the soil, rocks, and other various minerals; however, it can also be found in other foods such as fish eggs, and some plants. However, as mentioned previously, only feed your beardie a diet specifically tailored to it if you decide that it is too skinny or sick.

6. Calming Medications

If your bearded dragon is a nervous or stressed-out individual, then you can give it calming medications to minimize stress levels; however, avoid using these medications if they make your dragon happy and giddy like when using marijuana or cannabis products.

7. Infrared Lamps (IRC)

These lamps are what most breeders use to trick dragons into eating since they emit heat and light, as well as infrared heat that helps these reptiles digest their food better and increase their metabolism.

8. Utilizing Growth Serum and Vitamins

One way to help your beardie gain weight and/or muscle is by giving it growth serum and vitamins alongside its food. You can purchase these products on the internet or at your local pet store; however, it’s important to see a vet before you give your dragon any type of injection or supplements, since they may have an allergic reaction or be injured.

9.Regular Check-ups

Bearded dragons, like all pets, need to go to the vet for regular checkups. If you keep an eye on your dragon’s health on a regular basis, you can catch any problems early and take the right steps to fix them. If your bearded dragon is skinny, it’s important to figure out why it’s losing weight and take steps to fix the problem. You can help your dragon gain weight and live a healthy life by giving it a healthy diet, the right temperature, calcium supplements, and regular vet visits.

Conclusion

These are the most common reasons why a bearded dragon may be skinny, as well as how to fatten it up. If your dragon is still skinny or becomes skinny, then the most important thing is to make sure it gets proper lighting, food, and exercise; however, if it remains skinny despite these simple actions then you should seek a vet immediately.

REMEMBER: A bearded dragon that is not adequate in weight can be at risk for many different illnesses and possibly even die from them.