No, you do not have to peel blueberries for bearded dragons. Blueberries can be offered as is. Bearded dragons enjoy the flavor of blueberries and love to pick them up with their hands. You can give them whole or halved depending on the size of the dragon.
If given halved, it is not necessary to remove the skin and seeds. Blueberries should be given as a treat and not as a staple food. While blueberries provide great nutrition, they don’t contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy growth.
Too much of a good thing can be bad, and the same goes for blueberries. They should be fed sparingly and no more than once a week.
Can bearded dragons eat the skin on blueberries?
No, bearded dragons should not eat the skin on blueberries. The blueberry’s skin contains a high level of oxalic acid which can cause health problems in beardies if ingested. It is better to feed your bearded dragon blueberries that have had the skin removed, as it reduces their risk of exposure to the oxalic acid, which can lead to digestive issues and even gout in more severe cases.
Additionally, a bearded dragon’s health can be improved by feeding them a variety of natural and fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation, without the skin of the blueberries.
Is it okay for bearded dragons to eat their skin?
No, it is not okay for bearded dragons to eat their skin. Bearded dragons naturally shed their skin in order to grow, but eating their skin can be hazardous to their health. Eating their skin can lead to digestive issues and cause impaction.
It can also interfere with the absorption of minerals and vitamins, leading to serious health problems. If you notice your bearded dragon attempting to eat its own skin, there may be an underlying health issue present and it is best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any health problems.
Additionally, you should ensure that a balanced diet is being provided which will help support a healthy shedding cycle. Foods such as insects, leafy greens, and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals to promote healthy shedding.
What fruit is toxic to bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons should not eat any of the following fruits due to potential toxicity: apricot, apple, avocado, banana, cherries, clementine, citrus peels, currant, date, drupes, fig, grapes, jackfruit, lemon, lime, melon, nectarine, orange, peach, pear, plums, pomegranates, and strawberries.
Fruits contain sugar and salts, which can be dangerous for reptiles if consumed in large amounts. Additionally, some fruits contain oxalates, which can bind with calcium in beardies and lead to kidney failure.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid giving any fruit to a bearded dragon, even those not listed above.
Can I soak my bearded dragon everyday?
No, you should not soak your bearded dragon everyday. Bearded dragons love to soak in lukewarm water, and it can be a great way to help them stay clean and hydrated. However, it should not be done on a daily basis because it can strip their skin of natural oils.
Instead, you should only allow them to take a 15-20 minute soak in lukewarm water about two to three times a week. It’s important to make sure the water is not too hot and to be aware of any signs of stress or anxiety as you’re monitoring your dragon.
After their soak, be sure to pat them dry before immediately returning them to their enclosure. Doing so will help them remain clean and healthy.
How many times a week do you have to clean a bearded dragons cage?
It is recommended that you clean your bearded dragon’s cage at least once a week. Complete cage cleanings should be done every 2-4 weeks, depending on the size of the cage. During a complete cage cleaning, you should remove all of the substrate, decorations and any furniture that was in the cage.
You should then clean the cage and furniture with a non-toxic cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry before replacing the items in the cage. Additionally, spot clean the cage every few days to weekly, as needed.
Spot cleanings involve removing any visible urine and fecal waste, uneaten food, and old substrate or bedding.
Should I dry my bearded dragon after a bath?
Yes, it is important to dry your bearded dragon after a bath. Bearded dragons are prone to respiratory infections and skin infections, so it is important to prevent moisture collection on their skin that could lead to these issues.
The easiest way to do this is to allow your dragon to bask in their heat source for around 10-15 minutes after a bath. Be sure to monitor the temperature to make sure it does not become too hot for your dragon.
If your dragon does not seem to be drying off, you can also use a paper towel or a cloth to lightly pat their body dry. It is also important to keep their enclosure dry, so be sure to thoroughly towel dry their enclosure after a bath as well.
What does it mean when a bearded dragon opens its mouth?
When a bearded dragon opens its mouth, it is usually an indication that the animal is feeling stressed or threatened. This is known as gaping and is a common defensive or territorial behavior in beardies.
Gaping can also be an indication of respiratory illness if the dragon is exhibiting other symptoms, such as nasal discharge or labored breathing. Additionally, some beardies will open their mouths and “puff” when they are excited or trying to display dominance.
Regardless, a bearded dragon opening its mouth is typically a sign that something is not quite right and should be monitored closely. To reduce stress in your bearded dragon, ensure that it is provided with a clean, comfortable, and secure habitat, and make sure it is receiving a proper diet and regular veterinary care.
Should you peel your bearded dragon’s skin?
In general, it is not a good idea to try to peel a bearded dragon’s skin. Bearded dragons are very delicate animals, and their skin can suffer damage easily. This includes not only physical damage but also potential health issues due to bacteria and other contaminants.
Peeling their skin can potentially cause infection and other complications.
In some situations, it may be necessary to remove the skin. For example, if there is a tear in the skin due to an injury or aggressive handling, it may be necessary to remove the skin in order to help the reptile heal.
However, this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
In the case of regular shedding of the skin, it is usually not necessary to peel the skin from the bearded dragon. It is natural for a bearded dragon to shed their skin periodically and for the new skin to take time to separate from the old skin.
In fact, attempting to peel the skin off quickly can lead to increases in stress and potential harm to the reptile. Thus, it is best to let the bearded dragon take its time in shedding its skin on its own.
How do you prepare a bearded dragon for fruit?
When preparing fruit for a bearded dragon, it is important to ensure that the fruit is thoroughly cleaned and completely ripe. Clean the fruit by rinsing it under tap water to remove any dirt or debris and to get rid of any pesticides that may have been used on the fruit.
If the fruit is not ripe, let it sit out on the counter until it softens and the skin of the fruit is bright and colorful.
When feeding your bearded dragon fruit, make sure to cut it into small bite-sized pieces and remove any pits, seeds, or skin that may present a choking hazard. Do not put too much fruit in your dragon’s enclosure, as this could result in overfeeding.
Make sure to offer other nutritious and balanced meals as part of their diet to provide them with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Finally, it is important to know that while some bearded dragons love to eat fruit, others may not like it. Observe your dragon’s reaction to the fruit and make sure to always offer a variety of foods to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Do you need to clean bearded dragon pores?
Yes, you need to clean your bearded dragon’s pores. The pores are located under the dragon’s chin, along the sides of its head, and on its throat, and they often get clogged with dirt, oil, and bacteria.
To clean your dragon’s pores, start by gently wiping the area with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any excess dirt or oil. Next, you can use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to clean any remaining dirt or oil lodged in the pores.
Lastly, use a special bearded dragon pore cleaner to thoroughly clean the pores and prevent any further blockage. Be sure to use only a small amount of the cleaner – too much can damage your dragon’s skin.
Afterward, allow your dragon to air-dry, and if necessary, apply some beard oil or beard balm to keep its pores healthy.
What are bearded dragons not allowed to eat?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that have some special needs when it comes to their diet. While they enjoy a wide variety of insects and vegetables, there are certain things that they should not eat.
Any type of food that is overly sweet or salty, such as candy, chips, or spices, are not suitable for a bearded dragon’s diet. Furthermore, it is best to avoid feeding them any type of mammal, such as beef, pork, or chicken, as it can be difficult for them to digest.
Wild-caught insects should be avoided as they can contain parasites that can be harmful to your dragon’s health.
Bearded dragons should also not be fed any type of plant that contains oxalates, such as spinach, kale, chard, rhubarb, tomatoes, or avocados, as this can lead to calcium deficiencies. Additionally, foods, such as citrus fruits, onions, garlic, and all forms of dairy, should be avoided as they can disrupt their digestive system.
Finally, it is important to avoid feeding them any type of insect or caterpillar that is colored red, black, or yellow, as these can be toxic to them.
What chemicals are toxic to reptiles?
Many of the same compounds which are toxic to humans are also toxic to reptiles. These include pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, paint thinners, detergents, bleach, motor oil, fuels, antifreeze, lead, zinc, mercury, aluminum, nickel, and many others.
Reptiles are particularly sensitive to ammonia, which can be found in detergents, soaps, aquarium supplies and other household cleaning products. It is important to ensure that any chemicals used are pet safe and turtle/reptile friendly before using them around the habitat.
Food products which are high in nitrates, such as cured meats, can also be toxic to reptiles. Additionally, it is important to note that reptiles can also become sick from plants and flowers treated with certain radical insecticides.
How much apple can I give my bearded dragon?
You should not give your bearded dragon any apples as they do not provide any nutritional value. Their diet should consist of mostly insects such as crickets, flies and other non-toxic bugs. You should also feed them small amounts of vegetables like dandelion greens and kale as a supplement.
It is not recommended to feed apples to bearded dragons because they lack the nutrition necessary for their dietary needs and could potentially cause digestive issues. If you want to treat your bearded dragon with a treat, you can offer them a few mealworms or waxworms as a special treat no more than once a week.
Is bearded dragon poop toxic?
No, bearded dragon poop is not toxic. Generally speaking, bearded dragon feces contain only the digested remains of their food and does not produce toxins. However, bearded dragon poop should still be avoided because it can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella that can be transferred to humans and other animals if it is not properly handled or disposed of.
It is recommended to always wear gloves when handling bearded dragon feces and to clean up any mess quickly and properly. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the bearded dragon is eating a healthy and balanced diet to avoid any issues with the production or quality of their poop.