Hey there, fellow reptile enthusiasts! If you’re a proud parent of a bearded dragon—or considering adopting one—you might be wondering how to tell if your bearded dragon is hungry. You’re in the right place!
Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures, and their behaviors can be as intriguing as they are puzzling. Ever noticed your bearded dragon standing up in its tank, looking like a tiny Godzilla?
It’s one of the many unique behaviors these little guys exhibit.
Understanding their feeding habits is crucial. You certainly don’t want to be asking, How do I know if my bearded dragon is starving? So, we’re here to help you decode their hunger signs.
How to Tell If Bearded Dragon Is Hungry
Here are the seven (7) signs you should look out for;
Sign #1: Glass Surfing
Have you ever caught your bearded dragon doing a peculiar little dance against the glass of their tank, almost like they’re trying to defy gravity? That’s what we call glass surfing!
Glass surfing can happen for a few reasons – maybe they’re bored or feeling a bit cramped. But another possible explanation? You guessed it, hunger.
When they’re running on empty, they might start glass surfing as if they’re saying, Hey, look at me; I’m hungry!
Keeping an eye out for this behavior could help you answer the question, “How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?” If they’re glass surfing, they might be telling you it’s time for a snack.
Sign #2: Pacing and Restlessness
If you’ve noticed your beardie buddy acting as if they’ve just downed a cup of espresso, pacing around and seeming restless, it might be their way of telling you they’re hungry.
Bearded dragons are generally chill creatures, so something’s up when they start zipping around their enclosure like they’re training for a reptile Olympics.
This restlessness can be a clear signal that their tummy’s rumbling. It’s their version of us pacing to the fridge and back when we’re hungry!
So the next time you’re asking yourself, “How do I know if my bearded dragon is starving?” watch their behavior. If they’re more active than usual, it might be time to break out the mealworms!
Sign #3: Increased Activity Around Feeding Time
Ever seen a dog get excited when they hear the kibble hit the bowl? Well, bearded dragons can show similar enthusiasm!
If your beardie buddy gets a little pep in their step around feeding time, they might tell you they’re ready to chow down.
It’s kind of like how we might start eyeing the clock around lunchtime, hoping it’ll magically speed up. If your bearded dragon starts getting unusually active when it’s almost time for its meal, they’re likely hungry.
Remember, “How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?” isn’t a question you want to be asking. Keeping a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for your pet’s health and happiness.
Sign #4: Food-Begging Behavior
If your bearded dragon starts acting like a dog begging for table scraps, they’re probably trying to tell you something. Yes, bearded dragons can beg for food!
They might start staring at you with those pleading eyes or even move toward their food dish when you’re near.
Imagine this: You’re sitting on the couch, munching on some chips, and your dog gives you a look. You know the one. Well, bearded dragons can do something similar.
They might stare at you or their food dish, hoping for a delicious cricket or two.
So, if you’re wondering, “How do I know if my bearded dragon is starving?“, keep an eye out for those begging behaviors. Remember, it’s better to feed your beardie a balanced diet consistently than to let them go hungry.
Sign #5: Losing Weight or Looking Thin
Like us, bearded dragons can lose weight when not eating enough. If your bearded dragon starts to look a bit thin or you notice they’re losing weight, it could be a sign that they’s hungry.
Think about it like this: if your favorite jeans start feeling loose, you’d probably think, “Hmm, I might be losing weight.” It’s the same with your beardie buddy.
You know them best, so if they’re looking a little slim, it might be time for a vet check and possibly more food.
Sign #6: Eating Substrate or Non-Food Items
Have you ever been so hungry you could eat just about anything? Well, bearded dragons can feel the same way.
If they’re really hungry, they might start nibbling on the substrate (the material at the bottom of their tank) or other non-food items.
Imagine it like this: you’re starving, there’s no food in the house, and that cardboard pizza box starts looking pretty tasty. That’s how your bearded dragon feels when they start eating substrate.
If you catch your beardie buddy munching on their surroundings, it’s a pretty clear sign they’re saying, “Hey, how about some food over here?“
Sign #7: Increased Agitation or Aggression
Last but definitely not least, if your usually mellow beardie suddenly starts acting like a tiny, scaly Hulk, they might be trying to tell you they’re hungry. Yes, bearded dragons can get a bit grumpy when their tummies are empty.
Think about it like this: you know how some people get “hangry” when they haven’t eaten in a while? Well, bearded dragons can have a similar reaction.
If they start puffing up their beards or hissing more than usual, it might be time to break out the mealworms.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! The 7 Signs to tell if your bearded dragon is hungry. Remember, every beardie is unique, so they may not show all these signs. But it’s always better to be in the know, right?
With a little observation and a lot of love, you’ll soon become an expert in understanding your bearded dragon’s hunger cues. After all, our scaly friends deserve the best care we can give them.
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