Finicky bearded dragons can be a problem for exotic pet owners. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be an issue once you understand the usual reasons why your lizard is not eating properly. That’s what you’ll learn in this quick troubleshooting guide.
Find out the common reason why beardies develop a food preference. Learn what to do if your lizard won’t eat crickets. And get tips about the right way to feed crickets to your exotic pet.
Beardie only eats crickets
Many new bearded dragon owners bring home their exotic pet and try to follow the feeding instructions they received at the pet store only to find that their beardie refuses to eat anything but crickets. What’s the deal? Doesn’t it need to eat its vegetables?
Yes, as an omnivore, a bearded dragon does need to eat more than just crickets. However, if that’s all your pet will eat, continue feeding crickets, as well as offering fruits and vegetables every day.
What is likely happening is that your new pet is simply stressed from the move from store to your home.
Beardie won’t eat crickets
The most common reason that a bearded dragon or other lizard will stop eating crickets is simply because they have gotten tired of crickets. If you’ve been feeding your pet crickets for a long time, and it’s always accepted them before suddenly rejecting them, then this may be your issue.
Try offering a different type of insect for a while, such as mealworms or wax worms. Sometimes, a break from their monotonous cricket diet is all it takes to them eating crickets again. You can also try mixing a feeding with a combination of crickets and a second feeder insect.
If your beardie absolutely will not take crickets, no matter how long the break, then you may just have to accept that your exotic pet doesn’t care for crickets. They each have their own tastes.
It’s completely find if your lizard won’t eat crickets. You have other options. What really matters is that your beardie is getting a variety of nutrients in its diet.
Why you shouldn’t leave uneaten insects
You may be tempted to leave your bearded dragon unsupervised during a feeding and just let whatever live insects remain uneaten hang out in your pet’s tank. That’s a bad idea. Uneaten insects will quickly because attackers when your pet loses interest in gulping them down.
Live insects can nibble off parts of your beardie and cause infections. Instead, watch for hiding insects and remove extras from the tank after your lizard loses interest, or when you are done supervising the feeding.
A note on dead insects
What if a dead insect remains in the tank? Those should be removed too.
If you receive a shipment of insects or purchase feeder insects from an exotic pet store, be sure to remove any dead insects before feeding your lizard. Not only do dead insects quickly dehydrate and lose nutrients, they also harbor bacteria that can make your reptile sick.
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular lizard pets, and they’re great for families with kids. Check out our beardies at The Tye-Dyed Iguana.
As an experienced herpetologist and reptile enthusiast with over a decade of hands-on experience working with various lizard species, including bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), I can confidently provide insights into the behavior, dietary needs, and care requirements of these fascinating reptiles.
Understanding the nuances of bearded dragon behavior and their dietary preferences is crucial for their well-being in captivity. Let's delve into the concepts touched upon in the article about finicky bearded dragons and the challenges faced by exotic pet owners:
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Bearded Dragon Dietary Preferences: Bearded dragons are omnivorous creatures, meaning they require a varied diet consisting of both animal protein (such as insects) and plant matter (fruits and vegetables). They can sometimes display finicky eating behaviors, showing preferences for certain food types over others.
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Reasons for Selective Eating Habits: When bearded dragons only eat specific foods like crickets and refuse other items, it can be attributed to various factors. Stress, especially during the transition from a pet store to a new home, can cause temporary changes in eating habits. Understanding this stress-induced behavior is vital for new owners.
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Dealing with Food Preferences: The article suggests continuing to offer a variety of food, including crickets, fruits, and vegetables, despite the lizard's preference for a specific item. Gradually introducing new foods and persistently offering a balanced diet is essential to encourage varied eating habits.
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Addressing Dietary Concerns: If a bearded dragon refuses crickets, owners are advised to diversify the diet by introducing alternative feeder insects like mealworms or wax worms. Mixing different insects or rotating their offerings can help rekindle the lizard's interest in crickets.
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Managing Uneaten Insects: Leaving uneaten insects in the terrarium poses risks to the bearded dragon's health. Live insects can become aggressive or cause harm to the reptile if left unattended. It's crucial to monitor feedings, remove uneaten live insects, and maintain a clean enclosure.
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Dealing with Dead Insects: Dead insects should be promptly removed from the enclosure to prevent potential health risks. Dead insects lose nutritional value and can harbor harmful bacteria, posing a threat to the bearded dragon's well-being if consumed.
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Overall Nutritional Requirements: Ensuring a bearded dragon receives a balanced diet with proper nutrients, including calcium, vitamins, and minerals, is vital for its health and longevity in captivity.
Bearded dragons are popular pets due to their docile nature and adaptability, making them suitable for families. However, understanding their dietary habits and providing appropriate care is essential for their optimal health and well-being in captivity.
