Reasons & Solutions for a Bearded Dragon Not Eating

Common Reasons and Solutions for Why a Bearded Dragon Isn't Eating

1. Food Size Issues

Bearded dragons are not particularly large creatures, which means they cannot consume food that is too big for them. When they encounter food that is too large, they may choose not to eat it at all, or if they do, they might struggle with digestion, leading to a reluctance to eat in the future. Additionally, many bearded dragons are quite picky and may turn their noses up at food that is too small. Therefore, it's important for owners to ensure that the food is appropriately sized before offering it to their pets.

2. Picky Eating

Just like humans, bearded dragons have their preferences. If your bearded dragon is not eating, it might simply be because it doesn't like the food being offered. To address this, it's a good idea to have a variety of foods available. When your bearded dragon refuses to eat, try offering different types of food to see if it's a case of poor appetite or picky eating.

3. Unwellness

A lack of appetite in bearded dragons can often be attributed to discomfort or illness. This could be due to a common ailment like enteritis, which requires prompt medical attention. Alternatively, it might be because the environmental temperature is too low, affecting their normal activities and foraging. Bearded dragons, as coldblooded animals, need to maintain an environment around 30 degrees Celsius, with daytime temperatures between 3638 degrees and nighttime temperatures between 2030 degrees. If the temperature is too low, they may become less active and their digestion may slow down.

4. Stress from Competition

Some people get so excited about the joy of pet ownership that they end up wanting to add more pets to their collection. However, some bearded dragons are quite shy and may not eat if they feel threatened by more dominant individuals. This can create the illusion of not eating. For those who have multiple bearded dragons, separating the ones that aren't eating can be a solution.

Understanding the common reasons and solutions for why a bearded dragon might not be eating can help you provide the best care for your pet. If your bearded dragon skips a meal or two, it's usually not a cause for concern. However, if it goes on for an extended period, it's important to pay closer attention to its health and wellbeing!