It is important to be mindful of what vegetables, fruits and insects you feed to a bearded dragon as they can have adverse effects on their health. Avoid feeding your bearded dragon any vegetables that are members of the nightshade family including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers, as these can be dangerous to them.
Insects such as wild-caught larvae, wild-caught beetles and centipedes should also be avoided because they contain parasites and can be difficult to digest. Be sure to feed your bearded dragon only specifically designed live insects and avoid feeding anything that is not designed for bearded dragon consumption.
Other items to avoid include sugar, dairy products, citrus fruits, bread, and processed meats which can cause digestive issues. Additionally, never feed your bearded dragon any other reptile as it can cause health problems for them.
Finally, make sure to avoid overfeeding your bearded dragon as this can lead to obesity, which can cause other health issues for them.
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What should you not do to your bearded dragon?
It is important to remember that a bearded dragon has specific needs that must be met in order to ensure its health and happiness. There are several things that you should not do to your bearded dragon:
-Do not handle it too much. Bearded dragons are naturally shy animals and can become stressed if they are handled too often or roughly. It is best to handle them lightly, no more than 15 minutes a day, and only when they seem comfortable with your touch.
-Avoid giving it live animals as food. While live crickets may seem like an easy way to provide nutrition, they can also carry parasites and other diseases that may infect your bearded dragon. Stick to a diet of greens, fruits, and commercially available insects.
-Do not keep it outdoors. Bearded dragons need a warm, dry environment and will not thrive outdoors. Temperatures should be within the 75 to 85 degree range during the day and can drop to no lower than 65 at night.
Humidity levels should also be between 30% and 40%.
-Do not use UVB bulbs above the recommended distance. UVB rays can be damaging if too close to the bearded dragon, so ensure you follow manufacturer instructions for distance from the bulb.
-Avoid using strong cleaning products. Cleaning supplies can be toxic, so use a mild soap and water mixture to clean the bearded dragon terrarium.
-Do not feed your bearded dragon with your hands. Bearded dragons may see your hands as food, so use tweezers or tongs to feed them.
How do you know if your bearded dragon hates you?
It is not easy to tell if your bearded dragon hates you, as they have limited ways of expressing their feelings. For instance, they cannot speak and therefore are not able to let you know if they don’t like you.
However, there are certain behaviors that can hint that your bearded dragon is not too fond of you. For example, if your Dragon hisses, growls, or glares at you, then this is likely a sign that it doesn’t trust or like you.
Likewise, if your Dragon tries to hide from you when you’re around, this also can be a sign that it’s not too keen on you. Your bearded Dragon may also be less likely to accept food from you if it doesn’t feel comfortable around you.
All of these behaviors can be signs that your bearded dragon does not appreciate your presence or that it doesn’t like you. Ultimately, the way for you to truly know if your bearded dragon likes you is to build a strong relationship with it, by spending time and interacting with it.
With time, your Dragon may become more comfortable being around you and will start to trust you.
How often should I hold my bearded dragon?
You should aim to hold your bearded dragon as often as you can. The more you hold them and interact with them, the less they will fear you. It also helps to build trust and a bond between you and your bearded dragon.
Ideally, you should handle your bearded dragon at least once or twice a week, however younger or scared bearded dragons should be handled more often to help them become accustomed to you. You should also refrain from handling them too often as this can stress them out and make them uncomfortable.
Be sure to always be gentle and use both hands when holding them so they are not likely to escape. Lastly, never pick them up by the tail as this can be very painful for them.
Do bearded dragons recognize their owners?
Bearded dragons can form a bond with their owners over time, and some even appear to recognize their owners and greet them when they enter the room. Studies have shown that they can recognize faces and sounds, and they often have individual personalities.
Many owners have reported that their bearded dragons greet them with head bobs, chirping, and even waving their arms in the air. In addition, some bearded dragons have learned to identify certain cues, such as a person’s voice or a particular move, and respond appropriately.
However, it is important to remember that every bearded dragon is unique and may or may not bond with their owner. It really depends on the individual personality and the time spent interacting with them.
Do bearded dragons like to be held a lot?
Bearded dragons can enjoy interaction with their owners and, in many cases, are quite chill when handled. However, it is important to remember that every individual has different preferences and some bearded dragons may not like to be handled.
It is important to be aware of the signs of stress in your dragon when they are being held, such as an open mouth, twitchy tails or still legs. If you see any of those signs, put your pet back in their enclosure to give them a break.
It is important to be gentle and supportive when handling them. Move smoothly, and don’t make sudden or jerky movements that might startle them. It is best to get your dragon used to being held when they are young so that it is something that they get used to and are comfortable with.
Start off with shorter periods and then, as your beardie gets used to it, you can spend longer times together. You should also make sure that you wash your hands between handling them and different animals, as the risk of disease transmission is increased.
Bearded dragons can enjoy being held, but it should always be done with care and attention and at the comfort level of your beardie.
Can you hold a bearded dragon all day?
No, it is not recommended to hold a bearded dragon all day. Although bearded dragons have been known to sit still in their owners’ hands for long periods of time, it is important to remember that they are still animals, and they can become stressed from being held too often.
Due to this, it is not a good idea to hold your bearded dragon for extended periods of time, no matter how much they seem to enjoy it. The best practice would be to handle your bearded dragon for around 10-15 minutes once or twice a day, and let them have time to rest.
Is lettuce bad for bearded dragons?
No, lettuce is not bad for bearded dragons; however, it should not be a major part of their diet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards and need a variety of foods that include both greens and proteins.
Lettuce contains very little nutritional value and can cause digestive problems if given too often. Dark, leafy greens like collard greens and mustard greens are better choices as they provide more vitamins and minerals.
It is best to feed lettuce occasionally as a treat, as part of a salad, and as a part of a wider variety of nutritious foods.
Can bearded dragons eat lettuce everyday?
No, bearded dragons should not eat lettuce everyday. Lettuce is a low-nutrient food and should not be a main staple of your bearded dragon’s diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores and need variety in their diet.
Feeding them lettuce everyday may cause them to become malnourished over time, as their diets should include a wide variety of proteins (such as crickets, mealworms, and superworms), calcium-rich vegetables (such as kale, mustard greens, and zucchini) and occasionally fruits (like watermelons, cherries, and raspberries).
A good dietary plan for a healthy bearded dragon should include a balance of proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Lettuce can be given as an occasional treat, but should not make up a large portion of their diet.
What vegetables can Beardies not eat?
Beardies should not be given any vegetables that could cause a potential choking hazard. For example, lettuce, celery, potherb mustard, asparagus and beans are unsafe for Beardies as they can get lodged in the throat.
Other vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, sprouts and cauliflower may be difficult for Beardies to digest, so should be avoided. Further, onions, garlic and leeks can cause anemia in Beardies, so should be kept away.
It is best to feed a high-quality, nutritious, low-residue diet which is tailored to their specific needs. This can include fresh fruits and vegetables that are safe for Beardies to eat, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, apples, blueberries, oranges and pears.
Commercial, nutritionally balanced diets should also be supplemented with healthy treats like cooked egg or small pieces of chicken, beef or fish.
Can bearded dragons digest carrots?
Yes, bearded dragons can digest carrots. This is because carrots are a root vegetable, and bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they can eat both vegetables and animal proteins. Carrots are considered a good source of dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion in bearded dragons.
Carrots also provide some vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, which is important for good eye health. While bearded dragons can digest carrots, they should not be served as a main dietary staple, as they don’t provide the same nutritional benefits as other vegetables.
Bearded dragons should have a varied diet which includes a mix of vegetables, high-quality ingredients and insect proteins in order to meet their nutritional requirements. Carrots should only be served occasionally as a treat.
Can Beardies eat tomatoes?
Yes, Bearded Dragons can eat tomatoes. Tomatoes should be offered sparingly as a once-a-week treat, as these small lizards should have a mostly insect-based diet. When feeding tomatoes, they should be cut into small pieces, as too big a piece could cause choking.
All seeds, leaves, stems, and skin of the tomato should be removed. Tomatoes provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are beneficial to a Bearded Dragon’s overall health.
When feeding tomatoes, make sure that they are washed and pesticide-free.
