Yes, Beardies still need to eat while they are shedding. The shedding process can take a few weeks and should be done gradually over time. It is normal for Beardies to eat less during shedding, since they may not have much of an appetite due to all the skin they are trying to get rid of.
The shedding process can be accelerated by offering your Bearded Dragon plenty of clean, fresh water, and providing them a warm, humid, hide box during the shedding process in which to soften the skin for shedding.
You should also provide your Beardie with a diet rich in calcium and vitamins to help maintain their health during the shedding process. While it is important to provide your Beardie with their necessary food, it is also important to watch their food intake and adjust the portion size according to how little or how much your Beardie is eating.
You should also feed your Beardie a wide variety of safe foods in order to make sure they are getting all of the nutrients they require during this time.
Are bearded dragons supposed to eat their shedding?
No, bearded dragons should not be eating their own shedding. This behavior is not natural, and it may be due to nutritional deficiencies. Bearded Dragons should be fed a diet that is high in protein and calcium and low in fat.
Foods such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and other insect larvae should be the main source of protein. Other fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, kale, collard greens, apples, and bananas, should also be included in their diet of course.
Eating their own shedding can lead to digestive issues, since these pieces of skin are tough to digest and lack nutrients. Additionally, eating their own shedding is a form of self-mutilation that can open the bearded dragon to bacterial and fungal infections.
If you notice your bearded dragon eating their own shedding, it is best to speak to a veterinarian for advice on how to adjust the diet to prevent this behavior.
Can you hold your bearded dragon too much?
It is not recommended to hold a bearded dragon too much because they do not properly adjust to humans and aren’t used to it. It is important to give them the time and respect and space required for them to be comfortable in their own environment.
Bearded dragons do best when they have plenty of time for themselves, to explore within their own environments, and build a comfortable and safe surroundings for them. If held too much, the bearded dragons may start to become easily stressed or agitated, leading to health issues.
It is important to only handle them if it is necessary, and never for extended periods of time – no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. When handling them, make sure to stay calm and use slow, gentle movements, and avoid stressing them out.
With an adequate amount of time and care, your beardie will become used to your presence and content with occasional cuddles and snuggles.
Should I dry my bearded dragon after a bath?
Yes, you should definitely dry your bearded dragon after a bath. Bearded dragons are prone to fungal and bacterial infections, so it is important that you dry them thoroughly to avoid any potential health problems.
After bathing your bearded dragon, use a soft hand towel to gently pat them dry. Make sure to concentrate on areas with wrinkles, such as their sides, throat, and groin, as these areas tend to retain moisture.
Once your bearded dragon is mostly dry, you can use a blow dryer on its lowest setting to completely dry any remaining areas. After you have finished drying your bearded dragon, you will want to give them some time to relax.
A hot basking spot will help them to dry more quickly, but make sure you keep it away from the direct blast of the blow dryer!.
What do bearded dragons love the most?
Bearded dragons are diurnal lizards, which are active during the day, so one of the things they love the most is basking in the sun and soaking up the warmth. They also love spending time with their owners and may even become quite friendly and interactive over time, meaning that some of their favorite activities include cuddles and playing with toys or other items that stimulate their minds.
As omnivores, bearded dragons also will love certain types of food such as mealworms, insects, and even fruit or vegetables. With the right nutritional balance, bearded dragons can live long and healthy lives, which makes their owners happy and creates a great bond.
How often should I play with my bearded dragon?
Your bearded dragon should be provided with playtime as often as they are willing and able to participate. Most reptiles tend to rest and sleep more than other pets, so spotting the signs of when they are ready to play is key.
While there is no set rule regarding the best frequency of playtime, it can generally be assumed that they should have some time spent outside of their enclosure a few times per week.
Playtime can consist of supervised one-on-one time spent with your pet reptile, time spent outside of their enclosure while they explore and get a chance to observe their environment, and even playtime with other toys or activities.
During playtime, you may offer your reptile fresh vegetables to eat, provide them with a shallow bath or an area in which to dig and explore, or offer them other stimulating activities. You may also consider offering an occasional treat such as a mealworm or waxworm.
In the end, you should trust your good judgment when deciding how often to provide your bearded dragon with playtime. Forcing them to participate too often may cause stress and can lead to potential injury or harm–so be mindful of your pet’s limitations and preferences.
How do I know if my bearded dragon is comfortable?
One of the most important aspects to having a healthy and happy bearded dragon is making sure they are comfortable. There are a few signs you can look for to determine if your bearded dragon is comfortable in their environment.
First and foremost, you should observe their behavior. A healthy, comfortable dragon will spend most of their time alert, active and interested in their surroundings. You should also watch to see if they are eating and drinking enough, as this is the best way to tell if they are content and healthy.
You will also want to make sure that the environment they are in meets their needs. Be sure to provide a habitat that is large enough for your beardie to move around freely, maintains their preferred temperatures and humidity, and has plenty of shelters and plants for your dragon to hide.
All of these factors will contribute to your dragon’s comfort level.
Additionally, you should spend quality time with your dragon, handling them in a calm and gentle manner. You should talk to them and get to know their individual behavior, as this will also help you gauge their comfort.
Overall, observing your dragon and their behavior is the best way to determine how comfortable they are in their environment. Paying attention to their diet, behavior, and habitat will help you to make sure they are content and in good health.
Do you trim bearded dragon nails?
Yes, trimming a bearded dragon’s nails is necessary for the health of these lizards. Their nails continually grow just like any other pet and if left untrimmed, can become overgrown and split or snag on surfaces, causing injury and infection.
Trimming should be done as needed, usually every one to two months. Before you start, it is important to assess your beardie’s individual nail needs. Some dragons can manage with quick trims, while others may need more frequent trims.
It is also important to be aware of the blood vessels that run through a bearded dragon’s nails. They are easy to detect and will appear as a black line in the nail. It is important to not cut so far that you draw blood, as this can cause pain and infection.
To trim your dragon’s nails, use a cat nail trimmer with a guard or a sharp pair of bird nail trimmers. It is best to start with the front feet first as a dragon tends to be calmer and more subdued when being handled.
Make sure to hold the foot firmly and steady to ensure that the nail is cut squarely. If the nails are overgrown and the quick (the blood vessel) is misaligned, you may need to cut small slices of the nail off until the quick is back in alignment with the nail tip.
It is also important to reward your beardie with treats after you are done to make the experience more pleasant.
Should I wash my hands after petting a bearded dragon?
Yes, it is a good idea to wash your hands after petting a bearded dragon. This is because bearded dragons can carry bacteria or germs on their skin, and washing your hands after petting them can help to reduce the spread of those germs to you, other people, and other animals.
Additionally, depending on the bearded dragon, their habitat and their diet, they may carry pathogens that could make humans sick. Washing your hands can help to reduce the risk of catching an illness by washing off these potentially harmful pathogens.
Finally, washing your hands will also help to keep your hands clean from any fecal matter that might be on the dragon’s skin. Even if the bearded dragon is generally quite clean, it is possible that some feces may still be present, which may contain bacteria and germs.
Washing your hands will help to reduce the risk of transferring those bacteria and germs to other people or animals that you have contact with.