Bearded dragons are the most popular pets worldwide, and their popularity is growing daily. They’re easy to tame, low maintenance, and of moderate size.
One common concern among pet owners is how long a bearded dragon can go without food. Bearded dragons have a simple diet and eat various foods, such as carrots. Being omnivores, they consume both live and plant-based foods.
In this post, you’ll learn why your bearded dragon might avoid food, how long they can survive without it, and what actions you should take.
How Often Do Bearded Dragons Need to Eat?
For beginners, determining the right food for your bearded dragon and how often to feed them depends on their age. Here’s a breakdown of feeding frequency by age:
Baby Beardies
A baby bearded dragon needs to eat multiple times a day. Dragons under three months should be fed five times daily. Those between 3-6 months require 3-4 feedings a day. At six months, they should eat three times a day. Once they reach a year old, they only need to be fed twice daily. This growth stage is critical, so providing enough food with all the necessary nutrients to support their development is essential.
Adult Beardies
Adult bearded dragons, those older than 18 months, require daily feeding. While missing a feeding for one day won’t harm them, feeding them consistently daily is essential to ensure they stay healthy. Regular meals are crucial to prevent them from struggling.
How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go without Food?
An animal’s length of time without food depends on age, health, and whether it is in captivity or the wild. These variables influence how long an animal can survive without nourishment.
Bearded Dragons in Wild
Bearded dragons can survive without food for 2-3 months in the wild. They store fat in specific body areas, which they use during brumation when their activity levels drop. Adult dragons rely on this fat reserve to sustain themselves through this period of inactivity. However, baby and juvenile bearded dragons do not have enough fat storage to last this long. While they can go without food, they can only survive for about a week without it.
Bearded Dragons in Captivity
Your bearded dragon will experience changes in its environment and behaviour in captivity. While they can survive without food for months in the wild, this doesn’t mean you should starve your beardie. Understanding how long they can go without food without harming their health is essential.
Baby and juvenile beardies may survive for a few days without food, though this is not recommended. Since they are still growing and require high amounts of minerals and proteins, feeding them regularly is essential.
Adult beardies, especially those with fat reserves or needing to lose weight, can survive up to two months without food, but this is not ideal. You should never let them go without food for more than a week unless they are brumating.
5 Reasons Why Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating?
There are several reasons why your bearded dragon may not be eating. It can be worrying when your pet refuses food, but often, the issue can be resolved. Let’s explore the possible causes of your beardie’s lack of appetite.
1: Illness Can Reduce Appetite
Your bearded dragon may be unwell. Illnesses like pinworms or MBD can cause them to refuse food. If your pet isn’t acting like usual, scheduling a vet visit is a good idea. Always trust your instincts and seek a qualified vet’s opinion.
2: They Can Be Stressed
When your bearded dragon experiences stress, they may lose their appetite. This can lead to them eating very little or even refusing food altogether. Everyday stress caused by bearded dragons includes the presence of another dragon, other pets, toys, and small objects that might be mistaken for predators.
3: Incorrect Temperature And Humidity
If the temperature in your tank is off, it could be why your bearded dragon isn’t eating as much as usual. Keep the tank temperature between 24-29°C and maintain humidity levels between 20-40%. Proper body temperature is essential for digestion, so your beardie won’t be ready for meals without the right conditions.
4: Transferred to a New Tank
Transferring your bearded dragon to a new tank may cause them to stop eating temporarily. Bearded dragons are territorial creatures, and adjusting to a new environment takes time. It is common for them to skip meals when first brought home. There is no need to worry; they will start eating again once they feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
5: Brumation Period
It typically occurs in winter. When the temperature drops, your bearded dragon prepares for brumation. This is a common reason why they stop eating.
Tips For Bearded Dragons That Won’t Eat
It can be concerning if your bearded dragon isn’t eating, but don’t panic. They need daily meals, but stress or other factors may affect their appetite. Allow them time to settle and adjust.
- If you’re new to owning a beardie, give them time to adjust and ensure they are adequately fed.
- It’s also a good idea to contact a vet for a checkup. Follow their advice, and your beardie should start eating as usual.
- Introducing new food items can spark their curiosity, encouraging them to try something different.
- If your beardie is losing weight, consider force-feeding. Although not recommended, it could be necessary if they are not eating enough. These tips will help ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and well-fed.
Conclusion
It can be stressful when your bearded dragon refuses to eat. There are various reasons, such as new surroundings, stress, or illness.
So, how long can a bearded dragon go without food? The answer depends on their age, as feeding frequency and food intake vary accordingly.
A bearded dragon should only go without food during brumation. If they refuse to eat outside of this period, it’s essential to investigate the cause and focus on getting them to eat. Ensure they stay hydrated, maintain a proper diet, and have a suitable heat and lighting setup to promote healthy growth.
FAQs
How long can a bearded dragon go without eating in captivity?
Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should always have access to food in captivity. Adults, however, can go without food for several days without getting sick, but this should not exceed a week unless they are in brumation.
Can you force-feed your bearded dragon?
You can force-feed your bearded dragon only if it shows signs of weakness and becomes excessively thin.
Why isn’t my bearded dragon eating?
Your beardie may not be eating for several reasons. The most common causes include a new habitat, brumation, stress, illness, or a change in diet.