Shy Eater

[Janelle]

So my beardie hates being seen when he eats. He'll sneak over and grab a bite or two, but if he notices anybody watching, he runs right back up onto his rock. I've read you're supposed to feed insects 3x a day, as much as they'll eat in 10-15 minutes. But I can't get him to eat any while I'm around. Not even if I tease him with it right in front of his face. He eats a bite or two at a time when no one's looking--whether it's insects or salad. I've caught him eating both. Is it bad if I leave BSFL in his tank all day and let him eat them when he wants to? He's not eating many at this point--maybe 15 a day (I'm guessing he's between 2.5-3 months, based on his length). If I shouldn't leave them all day, how can I encourage him to eat them when it's time to eat them?

 

[Blackenedsabbath]

How long have you had your beardie for? Maybe he just isn't used to being observed by a human yet.

Something you could try: if BSFL is your main feeder insect, you could just put them in his food dish, place it in his tank and then walk away. Give it a few minutes before you come back and then see how much he has eaten. I did this with my beardie when he was a bit shy, now he leaps into his bowl and doesn't care who sees his messy eating.

Otherwise I suppose you could try hiding under a blanket and peeking out every few seconds :lol:

 

[Janelle]

I’ve only had him for just over two weeks. So with time, he’ll likely get used to eating with me around? That’s encouraging!

So if he doesn’t eat any within a few minutes of us hiding around the corner, should I still pull them out until the next feeding? Will he catch on that he’d better eat them when they’re there? He’s not eating tons at this point, and I don’t want to decrease it even more.

I can just imagine having guests over and saying, “Could everybody please hide under this blanket so I can feed my lizard?” LOL

 

[Blackenedsabbath]

Some beardies seem to be a lot more outgoing than others, or at least take longer to display what true slave drivers they are :lol: So don't give up, and I'm sure he'll adjust. Especially if he's a baby; he may just be intimidated by this big creature watching him. If he's still fairly new to you, he could also not be eating much for that reason too. How are his energy levels and does his feces look normal/is it on a regular schedule?

BSFL usually can't climb out of a bowl unless it's damp or super shallow. So if you wanted to leave them in past the time you left him alone to eat you could and it wouldn't be an issue. If you put them in the same bowl as his salad, then maybe get a worm feeder bowl so you don't need to worry about them using the salad as leverage to escape lol.

 

[Janelle]

He spends a lot of his time on his basking rock, sneaking down to eat. But it seems like he feels safe there and anchors himself to it. His poop looks good, once a day, good amount of dark brown and white, holds its shape. Sometimes on his log, sometimes on his paper towels, sometimes right on his salad, the little stinker. I plan to take a sample in to the vet to get checked out, just for a routine check-up.

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Blackenedsabbath]

If his energy levels and BMs are fine, then it probably is relating to relocation stress. But getting a check up at the vet is always a great idea

No problem, best of luck!

 

[kingofnobbys]

Some pet skinks, geckos, and dragons are very shy feeders , ie reluctant to feed while a person is watching.

This tends settle down as they grow and mature and become more comfortable with their people.

 

[Janelle]

Thanks! I’m looking forward to him settling down and be happy and comfortable here.