Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles, and for good reason. They are friendly, docile, and relatively easy to care for. But, as with any pet, they can sometimes present challenges, such as when they refuse to eat. This can be concerning for pet owners, especially if they are not sure what could be causing their bearded dragon’s loss of appetite. In this article, we will explore the eight most common reasons why bearded dragons stop eating and what pet owners can do to address the issue.
1. Aging
Bearded dragons go through a significant growth stage during their first year of life, and they require ample nutrition during this time to support their rapid growth and development. However, as they reach adulthood, their energy levels decrease, and their metabolism slows down. As a result, they need less food. If your bearded dragon is around a year or older and has recently slowed down with its eating habits, it may be due to reaching adulthood.
2. Shedding
Bearded dragons go through a lot of shedding in their first year of life as they outgrow their skin quickly. It’s not unusual for baby bearded dragons to shed weekly during their heavy growth stages. As they get older, their shedding patterns slow down to around every other month, and by the time they are fully grown (approximately 18 months old), they will only shed once or twice a year. Shedding can be uncomfortable for bearded dragons, causing them to feel itchy and irritable. Most reptiles will experience a loss of appetite just before or after a shed. This is normal, and beardies don’t eat much during this time as they may eat their own shed skin, which is full of nutrients.
3. Problems With Husbandry
Poor husbandry is a common reason why bearded dragons stop eating. It’s essential to ensure that your pet’s enclosure provides the right temperature, lighting, and heating to create an optimal environment for their health. Some of the critical factors to keep in mind include:
– UVB Lighting: Bearded dragons absorb vitamin D from UVB light from the sun. Mimicking this sun exposure for your beardie by providing a full-spectrum UVB light is essential. These bulbs need to be replaced every six to 12 months.
– Humidity and Heat: Bearded dragons are ectotherms, which means their body temperature is controlled by the temperature in their environment. Therefore, creating a temperature gradient in their enclosure is necessary so that they can regulate their temperature. The wrong temperature will affect digestion, so ensure that your vivarium has a basking end of around 100oF (37oC) and a cooler end of around 82oF (28oC). The humidity in the enclosure should be between 30–60%. If it’s any higher or lower than that, your bearded dragon may develop respiratory issues or problems with its skin and scales.
4. Poor Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores that need a mix of plant and animal-based foods to thrive. Young bearded dragons need a protein-focused diet, which transitions to a more plant-based diet as they age. Feeding your bearded dragon too many or too few insects can cause nutritional imbalances, leading to a loss of appetite due to illness. It is also crucial to ensure that your beardie is not eating toxic foods like onions, chives, garlic, or rhubarb.
5. Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies
Bearded dragons cannot get all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need from a diet of salad and bugs alone. Daily supplementation of certain vitamins like calcium and D3 is necessary for their proper growth and general health. These supplements can help prevent metabolic bone disease, a potentially fatal condition that can cause brittle and soft bones. As the condition progresses, loss of appetite is a common symptom.
6. Illness or Injury
Animals will sometimes lose their appetite if they’re hurt or sick. Bearded dragons may develop conditions like infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), respiratory infections, or impaction, causing them to experience loss of appetite and lethargy. If your bearded dragon is ill or injured, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to devise a treatment plan.
7. Brumation
Bearded dragons may eat less if they’re preparing to brumate, a period of dormancy that is essentially hibernation for ectotherms. This happens naturally in winter when temperatures start cooling off and the daylight hours shorten. Not all pet bearded dragons will brumate, but if they do, they can often go without a full meal for several weeks or months. During this period, your reptile will lose its appetite and try to dig itself into its substrate.
8. Stress
Bearded dragons are not domesticated animals, and captivity can often cause stress for them. A bad diet, poor husbandry, environmental changes, and improper handling can cause bearded dragons to become stressed, leading to a loss of appetite. Check their tank temperature and humidity and determine if the UVB bulb needs replacing.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Isn’t Eating?
If your bearded dragon isn’t eating, try to determine why. If it’s due to brumation or recent changes in their environment, a decrease in appetite is normal. If not, check the bearded dragon’s environment, temperature, and humidity. If everything appears to be in order and your bearded dragon still isn’t eating, it’s time to seek expert advice. It’s also essential to contact a veterinarian if you notice other signs of illness or health issues.
In conclusion, while bearded dragons are generally easy pets to care for, they can sometimes experience loss of appetite. It’s crucial to understand the potential causes and remedies for this issue to ensure the health and wellbeing of your pet. With the information presented here, bearded dragon owners can take the necessary steps to address the loss of appetite and provide the best care for their pet.
