Bearded dragons are fascinating pets that require a proper diet to stay healthy and happy. However, there may be times when your bearded dragon refuses to eat, and force feeding becomes necessary.
While force feeding may seem daunting, it can be done safely and effectively with the right tools and techniques. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about force feeding your bearded dragon, including when and how to do it, and what to watch out for to keep your pet healthy. So, let’s get started!
How to Force Feed a Bearded Dragon?
- Prepare a syringe with a soft plastic tube attached to the end.
- Fill the syringe with a mixture of pureed veggies, fruits, and insects.
- Gently hold the bearded dragon’s head and insert the tube into its mouth.
- Squirt a small amount of the mixture into the bearded dragon’s mouth.
- Wait for the bearded dragon to swallow before giving more.
- Repeat until the required amount of food is consumed.
How to Force Feed a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons are docile and friendly reptiles that make excellent pets. However, sometimes they may refuse to eat, leading to health problems. Force-feeding is a last resort, but it may be necessary to save your pet’s life. Here’s what you need to know about force-feeding a bearded dragon.
When to Force Feed a Bearded Dragon?
If your bearded dragon has not eaten for more than seven to ten days, it’s time to take action. Bearded dragons can go without food for a while, but prolonged starvation can lead to severe health problems. If your pet is showing signs of lethargy, weight loss, or dehydration, it’s an emergency situation, and you need to force-feed them.
Force-feeding should be done only after consulting with a veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying health issues that may be causing your bearded dragon’s loss of appetite.
What to Feed a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet should consist of 80% vegetables and 20% insects. When force-feeding a bearded dragon, you need to offer a nutrient-rich slurry that contains both animal and plant-based ingredients.
The slurry can be made by blending a mixture of vegetables, fruits, and insects with water or a commercial reptile supplement. The consistency should be thick enough to form a ball but not so thick that it can’t be swallowed.
How to Prepare for Force-Feeding?
Before force-feeding your bearded dragon, you need to prepare the following items:
- Slurry mixture
- Syringe without a needle
- Towel or cloth for restraining your pet
- Warm water for cleaning up
It’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your bearded dragon to avoid any contamination.
How to Administer the Slurry?
To force-feed a bearded dragon, follow these steps:
- Wrap your bearded dragon in a towel or cloth, leaving only the head exposed.
- Draw the slurry mixture into the syringe.
- Place the syringe tip into the side of your pet’s mouth between the teeth and cheeks.
- Slowly dispense the slurry, being careful not to choke your pet.
- Massage the throat gently to encourage swallowing.
Repeat the process until your pet has consumed the recommended amount of food. It’s important to offer water after feeding to prevent dehydration.
How Often Should You Force Feed a Bearded Dragon?
Force-feeding should be done only under a veterinarian’s guidance and only as a last resort. It’s not a long-term solution to a loss of appetite. Depending on your pet’s condition, your veterinarian will advise you on the number of times per day or week you should force-feed your bearded dragon.
Benefits of Force Feeding a Bearded Dragon
Force-feeding a bearded dragon helps provide necessary nutrients and calories to maintain their health. It’s a way to prevent weight loss and dehydration, which can lead to severe health problems. Force-feeding can also help your bearded dragon recover from an illness or injury.
Disadvantages of Force Feeding a Bearded Dragon
Force-feeding a bearded dragon can be stressful for both you and your pet. It’s not a long-term solution to a loss of appetite, and it can lead to other health problems if done improperly. It’s essential to seek veterinary advice before attempting to force-feed your bearded dragon.
Conclusion
Force-feeding a bearded dragon is a last resort to save your pet’s life. It should be done only under a veterinarian’s guidance and only as a temporary solution. A loss of appetite can be an indication of a more severe underlying health problem. If your bearded dragon has stopped eating, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Freequently Asked Questions
What is force feeding a bearded dragon?
Force feeding is the process of feeding a bearded dragon by hand when it is not eating on its own. This can be done using a syringe or a feeding tube. It is usually done when the bearded dragon is sick or malnourished and needs to be fed to maintain its health.
Force feeding should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or an experienced reptile keeper. It is important to use the right equipment and technique to avoid causing harm to the bearded dragon.
When should I force feed my bearded dragon?
Force feeding should only be done as a last resort when the bearded dragon is not eating on its own and is at risk of becoming malnourished or dehydrated. Before considering force feeding, try offering different types of food, adjusting the temperature and lighting in the enclosure, and providing a stress-free environment.
If the bearded dragon still refuses to eat after these measures have been taken, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles. They will be able to determine if force feeding is necessary and guide you through the process.
How do I prepare the food for force feeding?
The food should be blended or pureed into a smooth consistency that can easily pass through the syringe or feeding tube. It is important to use a food that the bearded dragon is accustomed to and that provides all the necessary nutrients.
Some good options for force feeding include baby food, pureed vegetables, and commercial reptile food that has been blended. It is important to warm the food to body temperature before feeding.
What equipment do I need for force feeding?
The equipment needed for force feeding includes a syringe or feeding tube, a blender or food processor, and gloves to protect your hands. It is important to choose the right size syringe or feeding tube for the size of the bearded dragon.
It is also important to have a clean and sterile environment when preparing and administering the food. The syringe or feeding tube should be cleaned and sterilized after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
What are the risks of force feeding?
Force feeding should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or an experienced reptile keeper. Improper technique or equipment can cause harm to the bearded dragon, including aspiration into the lungs, injury to the mouth or throat, and stress.
Force feeding should only be done as a last resort and after all other measures have been taken to encourage the bearded dragon to eat on its own. If the bearded dragon is still refusing to eat, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles to determine the best course of action.
How to SAFELY Force Feed Your Bearded Dragon
In conclusion, force-feeding a bearded dragon is not an easy task, but it is sometimes necessary for their health and well-being. It is important to follow the proper steps and techniques to prevent harm to your pet. Always consult a veterinarian before attempting force-feeding and make sure you have the proper tools and supplies on hand.
Remember to be patient and gentle with your bearded dragon during the process. Don’t force too much food into their mouth at once and take breaks if necessary. It may take several attempts before your bearded dragon becomes comfortable with force-feeding.
Finally, make sure to monitor your bearded dragon’s weight and overall health regularly. If you notice any changes or concerns, consult a veterinarian immediately. With proper care and attention, your bearded dragon will thrive and be a happy, healthy companion for years to come.
