Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles and their favorite food depends on their age. A young bearded dragon should be fed a variety of foods including, crickets, locusts, mealworms, king worms, silkworms, waxworms, mini-mice, cockroaches, andDubia roaches.
Fruits and vegetables such as kale, butternut squash, raspberries, turnips, mustard greens, collard greens, strawberries, and bell peppers can be given sparingly. In addition, they love to scavenge at times so a few smaller pieces of lean meats such as cooked chicken, cooked eggs and lean beef can be offered as well.
Adult bearded dragons should have a more varied but less frequently fed diet of items. Varied insects such as Dubia roaches, crickets, locusts, mealworms, king worms, silkworms, and waxworms can still be a staple.
Fruits and vegetables should still be part of their diet but fairly limited to two or three times per week. Lean cooked meats can be offered one or two times a week along with other food items. It’s important to provide a balanced diet for your bearded dragon in order for them to stay healthy and strong.
Can Beardies eat bananas?
Yes, Bearded Dragons (“Beardies”) can eat bananas in moderation. Bananas can form an important part of a Bearded Dragon’s diet as they are high in important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
They are also a great source of fiber. However, it is important to remember that bananas should only be offered in small amounts as they are a high sugar food. When feeding bananas to Beardies, it is important to remove the peel, cut the banana into small pieces and offer them as an occasional treat.
If given too often, they can lead to obesity and diabetes in Beardies. It is also better to provide a variety of different fruits in their diet other than bananas, such as apples, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries.
Do bearded dragons need vegetables daily?
Yes, bearded dragons need vegetables in their diets daily. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that bearded dragons need to stay healthy. Good choices include romaine lettuce, collard greens, turnip greens, endive, mustard greens, one variety of dandelion greens and one type of kale (Tuscan, lacinato, or flat-leafed kale).
It is very important to rotate the types of vegetables you feed your bearded dragon. Most vegetables should be offered daily, but a few should only be served occasionally, such as spinach and Swiss chard due to their high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Bearded dragons may also enjoy fruits, such as apples (no seeds), grapes, strawberries, pears, and bananas, but it should only make up 10-20% of their diet, as too much fruit can cause diarrhea. Make sure to cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces for easier chewing.
Can bearded dragon eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat scrambled eggs. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal proteins, like eggs, and plant matter. When feeding your bearded dragon eggs, the eggs should be cooked and scrambled or hard-boiled.
It is important to remove the shells from any cooked eggs before feeding.
You can also feed your bearded dragon raw eggs as long as they are fresh and have been properly washed before feeding. If feeding your bearded dragon raw eggs, make sure the egg is broken up in small pieces to prevent your Beardie from choking.
It is important to feed your bearded dragon a balanced diet, not just eggs. Eggs should make up no more than 10% of the overall diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. Be sure to include a variety of other proteins, fruits, and vegetables in your Beardies diet to provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Do bearded dragons like to be kissed?
No, bearded dragons typically do not enjoy being kissed. It is not a natural behavior for them, and its likely very uncomfortable for them as their skin is sensitive. Additionally, any contact with a human could subject them to potentially unhealthy bacteria that lives on human skin.
For these reasons it’s best to not kiss your bearded dragon. Show your affection in different ways, like talking to them or offering gentle strokes or scratches. They might even enjoy a little playtime with some interactive toys!.
How can I make my bearded dragon happy?
To make your bearded dragon happy and healthy, there are several things you can do. First, make sure you provide them with a habitat that meets their needs. This includes providing adequate heat and ultraviolet (UV) lighting, as well as providing them with enough space to move around and explore.
You should also make sure that the enclosure you have created is secure, meaning no potential escape routes.
You should also provide your bearded dragon with the right diet. This includes plenty of fresh vegetables and some insects, such as crickets or mealworms. You should also provide them with a variety of items to explore, such as rocks and logs.
Bearded dragons are known to enjoy interaction and playtime. Spend time with them daily, offering them time outside of the enclosure to explore and play. You can also offer them items to explore and play with, such as hammocks or tubs to climb in.
Finally, make sure your bearded dragon has enough down time. They need to relax once in a while and may need to be away from commotion and noise now and again. If you can provide them with a quiet place to relax and hide, your bearded dragon will be even happier.
How do you bond with a bearded dragon?
Bonding with a bearded dragon comes down to spending time with them, getting them used to your presence and familiarizing them with your scent. Here are some tips to help you build that bond with your bearded dragon:
1. Invest in handling and time: Make sure you invest time in handling your bearded dragon and being around them. This can include offering treats when they accept your hand or spending time on the floor letting them explore.
They may remain in one spot or they could come up to your hand or lap.
2. Provide enrichment activities: Bearded dragons enjoy enrichment activities like scenting, exploring, burrowing and rearranging their enclosure. You can introduce toys, hide treats for them to find and decorate their enclosure.
3. Create a strong scent: Every time you handle your bearded dragon, you should rub the same area of your skin with a scent, such as lavender, which your dragon will associate with you. Talk to them so they become familiar with your voice, as well.
4. Offer food rewards: Offering food rewards when your bearded dragon interacts with you or with their environment is one of the best ways to help foster a bond. Make sure you provide healthy treats like vegetables or mealworms.
By following these tips, you’ll create a trusting bond with your bearded dragon over time. The more time you spend with your dragon, the more likely they will be to trust you and interact with you, which is essential for a strong bond.
Are there toys for bearded dragons?
Yes, there are toys specifically designed for bearded dragons. These include activity centers, play nets, climbing sticks, and hideouts that you can provide for your pet to interact with. Some of these toys even have music and lights designed to provide extra stimulation for the dragon.
Additionally, you can provide other sensory and physical mental stimulation for your dragon with realistic-looking decorations, branches and rocks, mirrors, and ground covers like shredded paper or sand.
Delivering your beardie their food in various ways, such as puzzle feeders, or hiding food in an area that they have to explore and find it, also provides them with entertainment as they find their meal.
Be sure to keep the size of the object appropriate for the size of your dragon and stay away from anything small enough to swallow.
