This article is all about the proper way to feed a pygmy bearded dragon. It will also tell you about the different types of pygmy bearded dragon food, the temperature zone in which these foods are most beneficial to your pet, and which types of vegetables your pygmy bearded dragon should avoid. The information contained in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet, and you should always consult a veterinarian for any questions regarding your pet’s diet.
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Feeding a pygmy bearded dragon
As the name suggests, pygmy bearded dragons need lots of protein, which they get from insects. The ideal ratio is around 70% veggies to 30% protein. However, this ratio is still debatable. Some owners suggest allowing the baby bearded dragon to eat as much as they want every 5-10 minutes, while others recommend giving your pygmy a daily portion of 50 crickets.
The lizards reach sexual maturity between six and 15 months. They can grow up to thirty centimetres (12″) in length, with the male producing sperm throughout the year and the female laying eggs during spring and early summer. These lizards are not aggressive and are generally friendly to their owner. However, it is important to remember that bearded dragons are small and need enough space to live in a tank.
If you notice your bearded dragon not eating, you should take it seriously. There are several simple causes of this behavior, and you should try to isolate them as soon as possible. In addition to the proper diet, bearded dragons require proper lighting, humidity, and temperature. Proper lighting is essential for the digestive process. Darkness signals a bearded dragon that it is not hungry.
Types of pygmy bearded dragon food
There are several types of pygmy bearded dinosaur foods. The first is fresh fruits and vegetables. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both vegetation and animal protein. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also excellent choices for these animals. They can even eat the tops of some vegetables. However, you should avoid feeding your beardie meal worms, as these are too hard to digest and may cause blockages in the digestive tract.
Water is essential for this reptile. It should be kept clean to prevent the growth of internal parasites. Be sure to change water regularly. Also, elevate the water dish while you are away from home. A good way to reproduce this habit is to use live crickets or woodcockroaches. These live insects come in a variety of sizes and can cost as much as $6.50 per container.
Optimal temperature zone for storing pygmy bearded dragon food
While preparing and storing Pygmy Bearded Dragon foods, there are some things you should remember. First, they must have access to sunlight. Specifically, they need the ultraviolet rays of the sun, especially the UVB spectrum. Artificial lights are insufficient in this area, and they may make your reptile’s environment too hot. Therefore, it is important to place your reptile outside when the temperature rises above 70 F, but provide a shaded area and a hiding spot. In order to keep their temperature zone consistent, it is important to place the cage outside during periods of warmer and cooler temperatures.
Also, keep in mind that Pygmy Bearded Dragons require their own water, as they tend to get thirsty after several hours of sun exposure. A large smooth Riverstone can also serve as a basking area. Aside from that, make sure the cage is airtight and has a water source nearby for your beardie to cool down. If the food is too large, your beardie will refuse to eat it. Ideally, the food should be no bigger than the space between your reptile’s eyes.
Vegetables to avoid in a pygmy bearded dragon’s diet
While you can introduce fruits and vegetables into a pygmy beardeded dragon’s diet, they should only be given as a treat. Fruit is high in sugar and should be fed in small amounts. Some fruit is so soft that it may cause your beardie to have runny stools. Also, apples can cause periodontal disease. For this reason, you should only feed your beardie small amounts of apples.
Some common vegetables that should be avoided in a pygmy beardie’s diet include spinach, chard, and baby red/green lettuce. Lettuce is not good for your dragon. It contains oxalates, which prevent calcium absorption and cause nutrient deficiencies. Other vegetables should be avoided include mustard greens, cabbage, and Swiss chard, because they contain goitrogens, which can cause hypothyroidism. It’s also best to keep portions small, and to mix vegetables together, to discourage single food preferences.
