I have had a bd for a month or so. He was hiding and not really eating but we seem to have had a brake through. He is now eating 8/10 dubias a day and the odd locus. He has basked all day the last couple of days. I've changed a few things including changing the UVB for an Arcadia 12%.
I think he's small 160grams and 14 inches he's about 7 months old.
The main issue now is that he doesn't drink if a bathe him and after a lot of research I think that it's very unlikely that they hydrate through their skin/vent.
I have tried wetting his head and flicking the water but he still isn't interested. I also have been been unable to get him to eat any veg at all.
Any tips?
I flavor the water sometimes and drip it on peppers nose. He won't lick it up if I move or touch him, but will if I just offer it in his cage. I've used a tiny bit of honey, Apple juice or other fruit squeezed into some water. I also keep a dish of water in the cage.
They certainly do not absorb meaningful water through their skin and it's very unlikely the amount they get (if any) from the vent is adequate for healthy hydration.
Thanks for the reply.
I have tried kale, cress, strawberry, apple, grape, carrot, dandelion, mint, cucumber and probably some others I can't think of. I have managed to sneak some in when he is eating a bug but he gives me an evil look. His previous owner says he would eat his greens so I'm hoping he's just still a bit unsure and being picky.
I will try a bit of apple juice in his water that's a great idea.
Anyone have any suggestions of veg their bearded dragon likes?
The only way my baby will drink is if I mist her. She licks the water off her face. She's still getting used to us, so we are not handling her at all except when it's her bedtime. Maybe he's still getting used to things and will eat his veggies soon. My girl won't eat in front of me. I can sometimes get her to eat a dubia or small superworm, but after that she remembers that she isn't too sure of me and won't eat anything else. And if I come up to her while she is in her bowl, she leaves. Silly dragon.