One of the most common questions I get on Instagram is, "My bearded dragon won't eat greens. What am I doing wrong??!" Beardies refuse greens for different reasons, only equally long as they're still eating bugs, information technology's like shooting fish in a barrel to prepare.

bearded dragon won't eat greens - blog graphic

Aye, that is poo. WHY, Nabooru?!

Reason #one: Age

Bearded dragons' nutritional needs change as they abound. They demand a lot of bugs in their offset yr of life to fuel rapid growth, so don't be too concerned if they aren't interested in vegetables yet. Greens can exist an caused sense of taste, and then ane of the all-time ways to introduce your beardie is past keeping a basin of fresh salad (finely chopped) in the terrarium at all times.

  • Hatchlings (0-6 months former): Insects 2x/day, vegetables daily
  • Juveniles (half-dozen-12 months): Insects 1x/day, vegetables daily
  • Adults (12+ months old): Insects 1-2x/week, vegetables daily

Reason #2: As well Much Nutrient

This is related to Reason #1. If your bearded dragon won't swallow greens, there's a adept risk that you're feeding him/her too many bugs. After all, hatchlings should exist getting sixty-80% of their nutrition every bit bugs, juveniles need 50-60%, but adults but need 20-30%. If your dragon isn't eating bugs, so that's a diet of 100% bugs! See the trouble?

Continue to a strict schedule with the bugs, and a dragon that is used to getting fed more often will have no choice only to attempt the salad.

bearded dragon won't eat greens, but she will eat strawberriesReason #iii: Depression Basking Temps/Non Enough UVB

Bearded dragons crave hot surface basking temperatures between 105-115°F, equally measured by a temp gun or a digital probe thermometer with the probe placed on the basking spot under the heat source. In terms of UVB, the average bearded dragon housed in a 4x2x2 enclosure needs an Arcadia or Zoo Med T5 HO Desert UVB bulb, long enough to span half of the enclosure, and positioned 12-sixteen″ (30-40cm) abroad from the basking area, mounted on the underside of the mesh.

When a bearded dragon isn't getting enough rut or UVB, information technology doesn't have all of the energy that it needs for salubrious digestion. This results in macerated ambition.

Reason #4: Boring Options

Bearded dragons have tastebuds just like we do, and so they too take taste preferences. If your bearded dragon won't eat greens, and y'all've been offering the same thing for a while, mix information technology up! Try a different kind of greens or add fruit. Blood-red or orange fruits are especially appealing.

Reason #5: Doesn't Know What Salad Is

This is a common problem with rescue beardies who have simply been fed bugs for years, and then . Putting small insects in the salad, similar mealworms or black soldier fly larvae (aka Phoenix worms or calcium worms) are bound to get your beardie's attention. Eventually they volition miss the problems and catch a leaf by accident. That will help them realize that greens are nutrient.

What kinds of fruits and vegetables should be offered?

Certain fruits and vegetables are less nutritious than others, and can even be poisonous to disguised dragons. The following is a short list of safe options that should be rotated for maximum benefit. All fruits and vegetables should be offered in thin, bite-sized pieces.bearded dragon won't eat greens - bearded dragon eating cilantro

Greens

  • Arugula/Rocket
  • Bok choy
  • Cactus pads
  • Collard greens/Spring greens
  • Endive/Chicory
  • Escarole
  • Kale
  • Mustard greens
  • Mustard cress
  • Pea shoots
  • Spring mix
  • Turnip greens
  • Watercress

Vegetables/Occasional Mixers

  • Artichoke center
  • Asparagus
  • Basil
  • Beet leaves
  • Bell pepper
  • Carnations
  • Cilantro
  • Carrot greens
  • Cucumber, peeled
  • Carrot, grated raw
  • Clover (pesticide- and herbicide-free)
  • Dandelion greens/flowers
  • Fennel
  • Lemon lotion
  • Lemongrass
  • Mint leaves
  • Nasturtium
  • Pansies
  • Parsley
  • Radicchio
  • Rosemary
  • Rose petals
  • Spinach
  • Squash, raw
  • Carbohydrate snap peas
  • Swiss chard
  • Thyme
  • Yam, grated raw
  • Zucchini

Fruits (to exist used as occasional treats)

  • Assistant
  • Cactus fruit
  • Mango
  • Melon
  • Berries
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Papaya
  • Peaches
  • Apples

For more information on bearded dragon nutrition, hop over to ReptiFiles' bearded dragon care guide.

What is your beardie's favorite fruit or vegetable?

Tell united states of america in the comments! Then exist sure to follow ReptiFiles on Instagram and join our mailing list with the form below.