File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
So, my beardie is being particularly picky about what and when he eats, which is unusual for him. Any advice on getting his apatite and voracity back?

pic related, but not my beardie.
>> Anonymous
How old is it? It's mainly just the young ones that are picky.
>> Anonymous
He's about 1 and a half. He's never really been picky like this, but I've check him out and he seems healthy.

He did just come out of his hibernation sleep about a week ago, so maybe that has something to do with it?
>> Anonymous
om nom nom
>> Anonymous
He's still young for the most part, I would think the sleeping would account for some of it, if it continues then you might have a problem. You can just dust the food he eats to make sure he's gets the needed protein and what not.
>> Anonymous
What are you feeding him? You probably already know all this, but baby Pogonas are primarily insectivorous but as they mature they need to have access toa variety of fresh greens and fruit because they dominate the bulk of a healthy adult bearded dragon's diet (although unlike some iguanids they do still need insects). Try mixing things up a bit with something new, like hibiscus flowers or a bit of banana or squash. If it isn't the food itself, make sure his basking spot is warm enough to aid digestion and that he's getting proper UV, which stimulates appetite.
>> Anonymous
OP here

I just bought a brand new UV bulb just in case the older one was fizzing out on me. I noticed his basking spot is a little cooler than usual (not cold, just cooler), so, I suppose the bulb I have my be going out. Will probably go buy a new bulb tomorrow after I get paid.

About the veggies, I just brought some home from work. These will be the first veggies he's had since hibernation, so hopefully that will stimulate his appetite. I'll keep any changes posted.
>> Anonymous
make sure he's hydrated to ,one of mine is to stupid to know his water bowl has water in it, so a soak or misting his head helps
>> Anonymous
OP again.

So far he's eaten about 5 large mealworms and a few small leaves of greens. That's better than any other day this week, but still an unusually small amount for him.
>> Bearded Diet Anon
My suggestion to you would be up the meat in his diet. Try baby pinkies or hoppers. They will only grow so large on crickets alone. Also, have you tried meal worms or neon tetras? When mine was being picky, I had to get a calcium powder supplement and sprinkle it on his food for him, and add friuts/veggies into his diet. He perked up in a few days time.
>> Anonymous
He loves mealworms. Actually, that is really the only thing he will eat right now. I tried pinkies, but he pussy's out. Just gnaws on it a bit then spits the poor thing out. I haven't tried tetras. I'll go pick a few up tomorrow and give that a try.

Thanks, anon.
>> Anonymous
>>232582

as beardies get older protein in the diet goes DOWN , they can reach their full growth having only crickets as a protein source.

check tamperature gradient from basking to cool end to make sure everythings cool on that front , try a reptile dedicated forum where people that breed the things can give you advice
maybe he's just being a picky bastard, try hand feeding? only offering what you want him to eat ?
or if it's been a while even yanno, a vet?