Introduction
Bearded dragons are popular pets due to their docile nature and unique personalities. If you’ve recently acquired a baby bearded dragon, then you may be wondering how to get them to eat. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that you can take to help encourage your pet to start eating.
A baby bearded dragon is any dragon up to eight months old. During the first eight months, they will grow quickly and require a lot of food to fuel their growth. It’s important to make sure that they’re eating a balanced diet in order to keep them healthy and growing properly.
If you’re having trouble getting your baby bearded dragon to eat, don’t worry. There are several techniques that you can try to help encourage them to start eating. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best strategies for getting a baby bearded dragon to eat.
Offer Variety of Food Items
One of the best ways to get a baby bearded dragon to eat is to offer them a variety of food items. Bearded dragons enjoy exploring new foods, so try offering them a selection of vegetables, fruits, and insects. Some of the most popular foods for bearded dragons include endive, mustard greens, squash, apples, blueberries, crickets, and mealworms.
By offering your baby dragon a variety of food items, you’ll give them the opportunity to explore new tastes and textures. This can help encourage them to start eating, as they’ll be more likely to try something new if they’re presented with a range of options.
Dust Food with Calcium and Other Vitamins
In addition to providing a variety of food items, it’s also important to dust their food with calcium and other essential vitamins. Calcium is essential for a baby bearded dragon’s growth and development, so it’s important to make sure that they’re getting enough of it in their diet.
You can purchase a supplement powder specifically designed for bearded dragons from a pet store or online. These powders typically contain calcium, vitamin D3, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder on your dragon’s food before feeding them to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
Place Food in Different Locations Around the Enclosure
Another way to get a baby bearded dragon to eat is to place food in different locations around their enclosure. Bearded dragons are naturally curious creatures, so they’ll be more likely to investigate and try new food if it’s placed in different spots around their habitat.
Try placing food items in different areas of their enclosure, like on rocks, in crevices, or even in hiding spots. This will give your dragon the opportunity to explore their environment and discover new foods.
Use Tweezers to Gently Place Food Near the Dragon’s Mouth
If your baby bearded dragon still isn’t eating, then you can also try using tweezers to gently place food near their mouth. This technique should only be used if your dragon is comfortable with being handled. Gently pick up pieces of food with the tweezers and place them near their mouth. This can help encourage them to start eating.
It’s important to note that this technique should only be used if your dragon is comfortable with being handled. If they seem stressed or uncomfortable, then it’s best to avoid this method.
Make Sure the Food is the Right Size
When feeding your baby bearded dragon, it’s important to make sure that the food is the right size. Bearded dragons have small mouths, so it’s important to make sure that the food is no bigger than the space between their eyes. Pieces that are too big can be difficult for them to eat and may even pose a choking hazard.
If you’re not sure what size food to feed your dragon, then it’s best to err on the side of caution and go with smaller pieces. You can always break larger pieces into smaller ones if needed.
Monitor Temperature of Enclosure Carefully
In addition to making sure that the food is the right size, it’s also important to monitor the temperature of the enclosure carefully. Bearded dragons need warm temperatures in order to digest their food properly, so it’s important to make sure that the enclosure is kept at the correct temperature.
Most enclosures should be kept at between 75-85°F (24-29°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the enclosure regularly to make sure that it’s within the correct range.
Stimulate Appetite with Live Insects
Finally, you can also try stimulating your baby dragon’s appetite by offering them live insects. Many bearded dragons enjoy chasing and catching live insects, which can help encourage them to start eating. Try offering your dragon crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, or roaches.
Live insects are also a great source of nutrition for bearded dragons, as they contain essential proteins, fats, and vitamins. They’re a great way to provide your dragon with a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Getting a baby bearded dragon to eat can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help encourage your dragon to start eating. Offer them a variety of food items, dust their food with calcium and other vitamins, place food in different spots around the enclosure, use tweezers to gently place food near their mouth, make sure the food is the right size, monitor the temperature of the enclosure carefully, and stimulate their appetite with live insects.
With a little patience and persistence, you can help your baby bearded dragon start eating in no time. Just remember to be patient and keep trying different techniques until you find one that works for your dragon.
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