Quick Answers
Bearded dragons are voracious eaters, especially when they are young and still growing. However, there are some circumstances where a bearded dragon may stop eating or eat less than usual, such as:
- Brumation – a hibernation-like state triggered by seasonal changes
- Illness or disease
- Stress
- Old age
Lack of appetite in bearded dragons is cause for concern as they can deteriorate quickly. If a bearded dragon stops eating for more than 2-3 days, a vet visit is recommended to diagnose and treat any underlying issue.
Normal Eating Habits of Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are big eaters, especially when young. Hatchlings and juveniles under 18 months old may eat 80% of their body weight daily. Adult bearded dragons eat less than juveniles but still have a healthy appetite. An adult dragon eats around 30-60 appropriately sized insects per day.
Why do bearded dragons eat so much? A few key reasons:
- High metabolism – bearded dragons are very active reptiles and burn a lot of energy, requiring substantial food intake
- Growth – young dragons are rapidly growing, needing plenty of nutrition from live feeders
- Fat storage – bearded dragons store fat reserves in their tail for future energy needs
Bearded dragons are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will eat a wide variety of food. In captivity, most of their diet consists of insects such as:
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Superworms
- Roaches
- Waxworms (treat due to high fat)
They also enjoy vegetable greens and some fruits. Staple greens include collard, mustard, and turnip greens, as well as squash. Fruits should be fed sparingly.
When Do Bearded Dragons Stop Eating?
While bearded dragons may seem like eating machines, there are some circumstances where they will reduce food intake or stop eating completely.
Brumation
Brumation is a hibernation-like state triggered by seasonal changes in temperature and daylight hours. Lightly brumating dragons may eat less. Dragons in deep brumation can go weeks or months without eating at all.
Brumation is a natural semi-hibernation that bearded dragons go through in the wild during cooler months. In captivity, brumation usually occurs in the winter but the conditions can trigger it anytime of year.
Signs of brumation include:
- Eating less than normal
- Lethargic behavior
- Sleeping more than usual
- Staying hidden
- Cooler body temperature
A brumating dragon that is otherwise healthy may not need intervention. Avoid disturbing your dragon and maintain proper heating/lighting. Track weight weekly. Consult an exotic vet before force feeding.
Illness or Disease
A sick bearded dragon will often lose its appetite. This is generally caused by feeling unwell but can also be a direct result of the illness. For example, mouth rot will make eating painful.
Some common health issues that cause appetite loss include:
- Metabolic Bone Disease – causes weakness, lethargy, and loss of appetite
- Parasites – internal parasites irritate the digestive tract
- Respiratory Infections – make breathing laborious and impact energy
- Mouth Rot – creates painful open sores in the mouth
- Gastrointestinal Issues – nausea or blockages prevent eating
A beardie that has stopped eating for more than 2-3 days warrants an emergency vet visit to diagnose the underlying problem. Treatment will be needed to restore their appetite.
Stress
Bearded dragons that experience prolonged stress may go off food. Stress can be caused by many factors including:
- Poor husbandry
- Inadequate heating and lighting
- Small tank size
- Lack of proper hiding places
- Excess handling
- Loud noises
- Other pets stressing them
Look for sources of stress and address them immediately. Make sure your bearded dragon’s husbandry meets all requirements. Ongoing stress can lead to decreased appetite, weight loss, and other problems.
Old Age
An aging bearded dragon will often start to slow down, sleep more, and eat less. Other signs of old age include:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Disinterest in food
- Seeking heat
- Puffy or sunken eyes
Try hand feeding for stimulation. Check for other age-related issues impacting appetite like mouth rot. See an exotic vet to ensure there is not an underlying medical problem if weight loss becomes severe.
How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Eating?
A healthy adult bearded dragon can go 1-2 weeks without eating before it is a severe issue. Juveniles have a higher metabolism and smaller fat reserves though, so they can deteriorate much quicker when not eating.
Here are general guidelines on time periods without food:
- Hatchling – 2-5 days max
- Juvenile – 1 week max
- Adult – 2 weeks max
After these timeframes, the bearded dragon risks health complications:
- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)
- Weight loss
- Muscle wasting
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Organ failure
- Death
Seek emergency veterinary care if your bearded dragon has not eaten for more than 2-3 days. Never allow an adult to go more than 2 weeks without professional guidance.
How to Get a Bearded Dragon to Start Eating
If your bearded dragon stops eating, don’t panic. There are ways you can encourage it to eat again. Here are some tips:
Check husbandry
Ensure your vivarium meets all the proper husbandry requirements. Double check the habitat has:
- Correct tank size
- Proper heating from basking bulb and UVA/UVB light
- Thermometer to measure temperature gradient
- Hide boxes
- Clean water
- Sanitized tank and décor
Fix any husbandry issues first, as these can cause appetite problems.
Offer favorite foods
Tempt your bearded dragon with favorite treats like superworms, waxworms, and fruits. Use their preferred foods to entice eating. Avoid overdoing sugary fruits though.
Assist feeding
Try hand feeding for bearded dragons that need stimulation. Place insects or greens right in front of their face. Gently open the mouth and place food inside. Go slowly and never force.
Add appetite stimulants
Boost appetite by sprinkling bee pollen or maple syrup on salad. Only use pure bee pollen in very small amounts. Maple syrup can help provide energy.
Rehydrate
Dehydration causes loss of appetite. Provide fresh water daily. Give hydration soaks by placing your dragon 10-20 minutes in shallow, lukewarm water.
Check tankmates
Make sure your bearded dragon is not stressed by tankmates. Separate if needed. Never cohabitate multiple dragons.
Vet exam
If you cannot stimulate eating after a day or two, take your bearded dragon to an exotic vet. They can check for underlying illness and provide supportive care.
How to Care for a Bearded Dragon That Has Stopped Eating
Caring for a bearded dragon with no appetite requires diligence. Here are important care guidelines:
- Get a vet exam within 2-3 days of eating stopping
- Follow vet instructions for care
- Weigh weekly to monitor weight loss
- Assist feed if instructed by vet; go slowly
- Hydrate with water and soaks
- Maintain proper heating and lighting
- Stimulate with favorite foods
- Give supplements if prescribed
- Avoid handling excessively
Notify your vet if you see any of the following:
- Weight loss exceeding 10% of body weight
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Difficulty shedding
- Labored breathing
- Swollen eyes or limbs
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Discharge from nose or mouth
These symptoms indicate an emergency requiring immediate medical treatment.
Can You Force Feed a Bearded Dragon?
You should never force feed a bearded dragon without guidance from an exotic vet. Assist feeding can be done, but only under a vet’s supervision.
Risks of improperly force feeding include:
- Choking
- Breathing difficulties
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Regurgitation
- Injury to mouth or throat
Your vet may recommend the following assist feeding methods:
- Syringe feeding water, juices or slurry
- Tubing – inserting a narrow tube down the throat to deliver liquids
- Assist feeding by hand
This is only done for severely underweight or dehydrated dragons at risk of death without intervention. Always get veterinary guidance before attempting to force feed.
Preventing Appetite Loss in Bearded Dragons
You can help prevent your bearded dragon from going off food by:
- Providing proper husbandry and nutrition
- Keeping stress low
- Giving a variety of healthy foods
- Ensuring adequate heat and UVB light
- Maintaining a clean habitat
- Watching for early signs of illness
- Having annual vet checkups
Well cared for bearded dragons have a robust appetite. Support their health and watch for changes.
Conclusion
While bearded dragons are known for their legendary appetites, they may cease or slow eating at times. This is most often due to brumation, illness, stress or old age. Lack of appetite is a grave concern though, as bearded dragons rely on frequent meals and can deteriorate rapidly.
Seek prompt veterinary care for any bearded dragon not eating for more than 2-3 days. With supportive care guided by an exotic vet, often appetite can be stimulated again. Prevention through proper husbandry and nutrition is key to keeping your bearded dragon eating well long-term.
