Feeding questions

[NewDragonDad]

Hello everyone! We just got a new baby bearded dragon about 2 weeks ago. I have never had a bearded dragon before but was told they are easy starter pets for kids. So far this has been by far the hardest and most stressful little animal I’ve ever had. She was eating 8-10 crickets a day when we first got her then all of a sudden she is now only eating 1-2 per day. We asked the pet store where we got her from and they say that’s enough. We were feeding her meal worms but then read they are bad for baby beardies so we stopped that. When we tried to research we’ve seen everything from feeding her 2-3 times a day as many as she will eat to 4-5 times and 50-70 crickets. I am so lost and have no idea where to start. Her temperatures are good with the air temp around 85 on the warm side and her basking spot at just over 102. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello everyone! We just got a new baby bearded dragon about 2 weeks ago. I have never had a bearded dragon before but was told they are easy starter pets for kids. So far this has been by far the hardest and most stressful little animal I’ve ever had. She was eating 8-10 crickets a day when we first got her then all of a sudden she is now only eating 1-2 per day. We asked the pet store where we got her from and they say that’s enough. We were feeding her meal worms but then read they are bad for baby beardies so we stopped that. When we tried to research we’ve seen everything from feeding her 2-3 times a day as many as she will eat to 4-5 times and 50-70 crickets. I am so lost and have no idea where to start. Her temperatures are good with the air temp around 85 on the warm side and her basking spot at just over 102. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Ok set up looks good however you need to get 2 digital probe thermometers the stick ons are giving you ambient temps only surface on the hammock where he sits 105-110-- hes a little guy- dragons are not really childrens pets dad your gonna haft to be the main caretaker -- they are complex animals - the surfacing basking temps and UVB are what is going to keep the dragon healthy and eating - right now hes going thru relocation stress and his eating will be off till he adjust to the tank and surroundings - so we need the lighting and temps on par - is the UVB a coil? If so you need to get rid of it -- I can post 3 good ones for you -- if the mean time keep offering salads and insects - he should be eating for his age 2-3 times per day around 25 crickets I am thinking - his main diet is protein so to get him to eat some of his salad please get some BSFL they are a small larvae order medium keep them in the container they come in and I would get a bowl like this for your salads and insects https://www.amazon.com/MACGOAL-Rept...uGQB&pd_rd_wg=tLkwE&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d
www.symtonbsf.com - I would switch him over to dubias they are a better feeder and easier to work w/ - the crickets should NOT be left in the tank they can bite the dragon at night -- the BSFL drop onto his salads first thing in the morning feeding around 20-25 of them so he doesnt gobble them down so fast or they can come out undigested -- the main staple tho I would go w/ the dubias - order the size no bigger than the space between his eyes -- keep him in his tank do not take him out -- he is a little guy and we want him adjusting to the tank and surroundings - work w/ him holding him in the tank -- they like to jump so beware -- any more questions please ask
Nutrition Content ignore the kale info its outdated

 

[NewDragonDad]

Thank you so much. I just ordered some of the dubia and they should be here in a few days. We have another digital thermometer on the other side and it’s always been within the recommended temps. He currently have the coil kind but have the other one on the way. When we got her (at least we think it’s a her) we were told to get her out and pet her several times a day to make her social. I’m guess maybe that was some bad advice. We are slowly figuring everything out I just want make sure we are doing the best we can. Last question, I know you said she is currently acclimating but when should she start eating normally again and when should we become concerned and take a trip to the vet school?

 

[KarrieRee]

Thank you so much. I just ordered some of the dubia and they should be here in a few days. We have another digital thermometer on the other side and it’s always been within the recommended temps. He currently have the coil kind but have the other one on the way. When we got her (at least we think it’s a her) we were told to get her out and pet her several times a day to make her social. I’m guess maybe that was some bad advice. We are slowly figuring everything out I just want make sure we are doing the best we can. Last question, I know you said she is currently acclimating but when should she start eating normally again and when should we become concerned and take a trip to the vet school?

We wont be able to sex the dragon till he/ she is around 5-6 months of age - what kind of UVB brand and bulb please? the screen on the tank will determine where it needs to be placed and distanced-- getting her out of the tank is going to stress the dragon out - its best to let her be and start w/ hand taming her in the tank by hand feeding the BSFL or small super worms as treats - I see the stress marks they will go away as she get more familiar w/ her tank and surroundings and the appetite will increase -- but we need those temps and UVB on par --

 

[NewDragonDad]

We wont be able to sex the dragon till he/ she is around 5-6 months of age - what kind of UVB brand and bulb please? the screen on the tank will determine where it needs to be placed and distanced-- getting her out of the tank is going to stress the dragon out - its best to let her be and start w/ hand taming her in the tank by hand feeding the BSFL or small super worms as treats - I see the stress marks they will go away as she get more familiar w/ her tank and surroundings and the appetite will increase -- but we need those temps and UVB on par --