What should you not do to your bearded dragon?
Environment: Don't - While bearded dragons are relatively docile; they can still experience stress. You never want to overstimulate your pet by handing them off to too many different people or getting them out of their habitat in a particularly busy or loud environment.
Bearded Dragon Diet Plan
Since they are omnivores, they eat both plants and animals and can dine on a wide range of food, from live mealworms, kingworms and crickets to greens such as parsley and kale and vegetables like pepper and sweet potato. You can even give them limited amounts of fruit.
Bearded dragons need a well balanced diet of insects, fruits, and veggies. For an adult dragon, that typically means 80% plants and 20% insects. For a juvenile dragon, that could mean anywhere between 80% insects/20% plants, and 50-50 (it's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian on your specific dragon's needs).
- Dubia Roaches.
- Goliath Worms.
- Wax Worms.
- Mealworms.
- Crickets.
- Phoenix Worms.
- Butterworms.
- Earthworms.
There is a long list of wild plants that are poisonous for Bearded Dragons. Here are a few that are more common in the UK: bracken fern, buttercup, crocus, daffodil, holly, horse chestnut, ivy, oak and poppy. Basically, if you aren't 100% sure it's safe for your pet, don't give it to them.
There are numerous plants, fruits and vegetables that are safe and healthy for bearded dragons to eat, but some favorites include squash, collard greens, bell peppers, mustard greens and seedless watermelon. Of course, it's best to mix up your bearded dragon's diet every once in a while.
How Often Should They Eat? Young bearded dragons will eat more often than adults. They need all of that extra energy while they grow. A bearded dragon that's less than 18 months old might eat 2-5 times a day, whereas an adult bearded dragon only eats 1 time a day.
Adult bearded dragons typically need a live insect feeding once a day or once every other day. It's up to you and your beardie's vet to determine the best feeding schedule for your reptile friend. Obesity Risk. Never overfeed your dragon.
Hold Bearded Dragons Until They're at least 6-inches Long
As a rule of thumb, you'll want to avoid any unnecessary handling until your bearded dragon is about 6 inches long or so. By this time, they're usually sturdier and less likely to become injured during handling sessions.
Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, or eat or drink around it. These actions can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
How often should you hold your bearded dragon?
Regular handling helps bearded dragons get used to people, so you should handle your beardie daily. Doing so also minimizes stress during regular care, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are generally gentle and easy to hold.