Why does my bearded dragon shake his head when he eats?

A bearded dragon that is shaking or moving in abnormal, jerky motions is exhibiting another sign of calcium or vitamin D deficiency. Not getting enough of these nutrients can lead to metabolic bone disease.

Why do bearded dragons shake their heads?

During breeding males will head bob to show their dominance to a female. Males will bob their heads when performing a mating display to initiate courtship. Females show acceptance by bobbing their heads back. Head bobbing can also be a form of aggression and dominance.

What happens if you give a bearded dragon too much calcium?

General weakness, lethargic behavior, and constipation are all common signs that your beardie is absorbing too much calcium. There will also be a lack of mobility since the muscles and soft tissue will begin to stiffen.

How do I know if my bearded dragon is deficient in calcium?

How do I give my bearded dragon more calcium?

With antioxidants, collard greens, and calcium carbonate, our reptile greens and calcium powder is a great option. Gut load feeder insects with calcium-rich fruits and veggies such as blackberries, papaya, mustard greens, and kale.

9 Common Issues to Watch For in Bearded Dragons

How often should I dust crickets for my bearded dragon?

The Routine Varies by Age. Offer bearded dragons less than 2 months old supplements daily. Bearded dragons between 2 months and 6 months old should received supplements every other day. Offer bearded dragons between 6 months and 1 year crickets dusted with calcium every other day and with vitamins three times a week.

What happens if your bearded dragon doesn't get enough calcium?

Caused by low levels of Calcium and Vitamin D3, it's by far the most common cause of illness in 'beardies'. Symptoms can be hard to spot, but can include muscle twitching, swollen legs and fragile bones, which can eventually lead to permanent deformities in the limbs, jaw, spine or tail.

How often should I put calcium on my bearded dragons food?

As adults, bearded dragons don't need calcium quite as often, given that they are no longer growing. However, you should still dust your dragon's food around 3 times a week with calcium powder. When it comes to their multi vitamin, mix it in with their calcium just one time a week to ensure optimal health.

Why is my bearded dragon blowing bubbles?

Bubbles are coming out of your Bearded Dragon's nose or mouth. Healthy bearded dragons have relatively dry and clean nostrils. What is this? Lizards who blow bubbles or have fluids leaking from their nose are often suffering from an upper respiratory illness – essentially, the reptilian equivalent of a cold.

How do you know if your bearded dragon is healthy?

How often should I bathe my bearded dragon?

As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.

Are mealworms good for bearded dragons?

Mealworms can be a tasty treat for your bearded dragon. Once beardies reach the juvenile stage (five to 18 months), they can safely eat mealworms. Still, these insects should form only a very small part of your beardie's diet. Balance mealworms with fruits, vegetables, and other insects.

How can you tell how old your bearded dragon is?

The best and most accurate way to determine the age of your bearded dragon is to contact the breeder who sold it to you. The breeder should have detailed birth records that indicate the exact day your beardie was born.

Why is my bearded dragon wiggling?

If you notice your bearded dragon in a wiggling frenzy before dinner, he's probably just a little excited -- just as he'd be out in nature before going in for his prey.

Why is my bearded dragon banging his head on the glass?

Glass surfing is thought to be a result of stress and a bearded dragon may be stressed for several reasons: An enclosure or tank that's too small for it can stress a bearded dragon out. Another bearded dragon, even if they're not housed together, may be interpreted as competition for a bearded dragon and cause stress.

Do bearded dragons like to be held?

Even though they are solitary animals, most bearded dragons enjoy interacting with their owners. They usually like being held or having their head, cheeks, or chin scratched. Some may pull away or turn their beard black, but they may change their mind if you set them down and try again later.

Why is my bearded dragon gulping?

Some beardies will swallow air and puff up to look bigger as a defense mechanism or when they are stressed. The twitching is concerning as is the length of time he's been "acting" sick. Beardies do brumate which is similar to hibernation in mammals. Brumation can last weeks to months.

What does unhealthy bearded dragon poop look like?

Healthy poop should look like a firm brown log with a white or light-yellow, pasty urate. Unhealthy stool can be runny, all white, yellow, red or even black. It may not be the best aspect of keeping a bearded dragon, but the truth is you can learn a lot from their poop.

Can bearded dragons eat eggs?

The answer is simple: Bearded dragons can safely eat up to half an egg every other week or so. This is primarily because eggs are rich in protein, which your beardie should already be getting from feeder insects. There are some great perks to adding a little egg to your beardie's salad every once in a while: Protein.

What should a bearded dragon eat daily?

Young bearded dragons are omnivorous (approximately 50% insects and 50% plant matter). As they mature, they will eat more vegetables and transition to mostly herbivorous (approximately 90% plant matter). Insects - Feed gut-loaded insects (crickets or dubia roaches) 1x daily.

Do bearded dragons drink water?

Bearded dragons drink water, need water and continual mild dehydration causes long term health issues. When a bearded dragon is dehydrated, it is also likely constipated. Provide water by a combination of hydrating routines including bathing, misting (spraying), food, drinking from a bowl and syringe or eye dropper.

Can I put calcium powder in my bearded dragons water?

Yes, you can put calcium powder in your bearded dragons water, but this generally isn't advised as a sole source for providing your bearded dragon the proper calcium intake. Most bearded dragons rarely drink from a water dish and many reptile owners don't even place one in their enclosure.

Do you give bearded dragons calcium everyday?

Generally, veterinarians recommend that 2-3 times per week, you LIGHTLY sprinkle food offered to bearded dragons with a calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) not containing vitamin D₃, and an additional 2-3 times a week, you LIGHTLY sprinkle food with a calcium powder containing vitamin D₃.

What are good greens for bearded dragons?