How Often Should a Bearded Dragon Poop? (2024)

FAQs

How long can Beardies go without pooping? ›

How Long Can A Bearded Dragon Go Without Pooping? Healthy bearded dragons not in brumation should not go for longer than one week without pooping. Some individuals can go several weeks without pooping, but, this will be very painful and is normally a sign of a health issue.

One of the main reasons a bearded dragon may skip a poop or two could have something to do with how much food they are taking in. On average, a baby bearded dragon should eat at least 3-5 times daily to help them grow as they should. A juvenile's needs lower slightly resulting in them eating twice a day.

This means if you notice a bump on your dragon's back between the vertebrae, or a bulging or tender belly, your beardie may be suffering from impaction. Other signs of impaction include weight loss and a generally unhealthy appearance.

Their Diet

This just one example of diet differences, but it's a common one that many owners deal with. Adult beardies that mostly consume crickets and maybe vegetable diets typically poop 1 to 3 times a week, and those that eat calcium-rich diets, like silkworms, may poop daily or even multiple times each day.

A young bearded dragon (4 to 18 months old) will have a bowel movement every day or so, while you can expect those older than 18 months to poop 1-7 times a week.

You can encourage your bearded dragon to have a bowel movement by offering them a few drops (3-4) of olive oil a day. Just make sure you give them olive oil and NOT vegetable oil.

Brumation. Some bearded dragons go into a form of semi-hibernation referred to as brumation. They sleep most of the time but may wake to bask or occasionally take a small meal. Some dragons do not eat or poop during this period which may last for a few months.

While you are searching for the reason for the constipation, you must assist the reptile to defecate. Bathe him in warmish water in the bath tub. After letting him soak for 10-15 minutes, begin to gently massage his belly, stroking from sternum to vent, for 5-10 minutes, rewarming the water as needed.

Bearded dragon bath behaviour

Warm water is a muscle relaxant, and this can and does often produce a poop in the bath with a bearded dragon.

If your bearded dragon is experiencing stress, you may notice any of the following symptoms: Diarrhea. Not going to the bathroom. Not basking.

How long after eating do bearded dragons poop? ›

For bearded dragons, the digestion process can take as little as 24 hours from the time your pet gets done eating. But it's normal for your beardie to go to the bathroom as often as every day or as infrequently as once or twice a week.

Adult. Two or three superworms once or twice a week should be sufficient for your adult bearded dragon. Juvenile. A juvenile dragon who can handle the aggressiveness of the worms might be able to eat more superworms in one feeding than an adult.

In the wild they mainly derive water from the insects and plant materials they eat. When kept in captivity, bearded dragons need a clean, fresh water source. It is necessary to provide them fresh, clean water every day so they remain hydrated.

#3 Stroke The Face And Head

Now since you've reached the bearded dragon's body with your hand, begin petting. With one or two fingers, nicely stroke the reptile's face and head. Don't directly pet its mouth, but it enjoys having its face and head rubbed.

A boney or thin tail is a common sign of a malnourished bearded dragon. Deflated fat pads – Bearded dragons have fat pads on their heads. If your dragon appears to have deflated fat pads, it could be missing critical nutrients in its diet. Many people are concerned with too much fat in their dragon's diet.

Signs of Overfeeding

Signs that your baby bearded dragon has been overfed or is suffering from internal injury include lethargy, lack of appetite, bloated appearance, dragging or hindered movement in the hind legs, and the inability to control movement in the rear portion of his body.

In a regular week, your pet bearded dragon can go without eating for two or three days max if they're getting fresh water daily. However, if your scale baby is in brumation (and is therefore spending all their time asleep), they can live as long as two months without eating.

Drying. Let your beardie soak for about 15 – 20 minutes. Once bath time is over, gently pat your pet dry with a soft sowel. This is very important!

The short answer is yes, you can overfeed Bearded Dragons. Before you get too worried about your adult Beardie, it's mostly a problem for babies and juveniles. Time and care in feeding is incredibly important when raising Beardies as they grow rapidly and require a lot of it during this phase.

How often do bearded dragons need to eat? ›

How Often Should They Eat? Young bearded dragons will eat more often than adults. They need all of that extra energy while they grow. A bearded dragon that's less than 18 months old might eat 2-5 times a day, whereas an adult bearded dragon only eats 1 time a day.

Bearded Dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.

When bearded dragons become very stressed, dark markings can appear on its belly and chin. These marks are a sure indication of stress. It can be very common to bearded dragons that you have recently acquired. The stress marks may go away in a few days once it has become accustomed to its new home.

Olive oil is an excellent natural laxative for reptiles, and it will help produce more regular bowel movements and ease impacted or constipated lizards.

As soon as you get your bearded dragon, no matter their age, their first feeding of the day must always be 2 hours after their lights first are turned on. Similarly, their last feeding needs to come at least two hours before the lights are turned off for the day.

Constipation, which is the failure to produce feces, is a common condition in bearded dragons. There are many possible causes including, but not limited to, dehydration, parasites, poor diet, an injury, infection, and tumors.

Sick beardies may have eyes looking cloudy, filmy, or lazy. This is seen around shedding time, but it is a sign of a severe infection. If you suspect shedding is the cause, help your pet through this by bathing your sick bearded dragon. Soaking in hot water for 15 minutes will help loosen the skin up.

What are the symptoms of salmonella in bearded dragons? ›

Salmonellosis is usually a severe gastrointestinal disease with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, and fever; it can also cause septicemia (bacterial infection of the blood leading to potential multi-organ infection).

Signs of dehydration include: wrinkled skin. the saliva tackiness, double strands forming when the mouth opens. decreased elasticity in the skin, the skin tents when gently pinched.

You'll want to let your bearded dragon enjoy their bath for about 15 minutes or so. If they LOVE bath time, you can let them enjoy it for 30 minutes, but I would not go any longer than this, especially if they're enjoying multiple baths a week.

Brumation. Some bearded dragons go into a form of semi-hibernation referred to as brumation. They sleep most of the time but may wake to bask or occasionally take a small meal. Some dragons do not eat or poop during this period which may last for a few months.

Basking temperature adjustments, gentle massages, warm baths, and natural laxatives are effective treatments for mild cases of constipation and impaction. Bearded dragons can often benefit from treatment at home, but more severe cases will require a trip to the veterinarian.

Depending on your dragon, stress marks may look like dark lines, ovals, or spots, or your dragon's entire beard may be black even while it is not expanded. Sometimes, the stress marks will be found on your dragon's limbs in addition to her belly. If you notice stress marks on your bearded dragon, don't panic.

Personal Space: Don't - Keep your bearded dragon out of their habitat for too long. They don't necessarily enjoy being handled, even if they like you. You have to remember; people aren't just picking them up in the wild.

As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.