How to Syringe Feed a Bearded Dragon

A step by step guide on how to syringe feed a Bearded Dragon the proper way.

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Why you might need to syringe feed your bearded dragon

There are several reasons why you might need to syringe feed your bearded dragon. If your dragon is ill and won’t eat on its own, if it is shedding and can’t reach its food, or if it is a baby dragon and is not yet eating or-moving/’>eating on its own, you may need to syringe feed it.

Syringe feeding your dragon is not difficult, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid harming your pet. Follow the steps below to syringe feed your bearded dragon.

What supplies you’ll need

-A syringe
-Reptile vitamin and mineral supplement
-Meal replacement powder for reptiles (MRP)
-Liquid calcium supplement
-Unscented, mild soap
-Warm water
-Towel

How to prepare the food

Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards that are popular pets. They require a diet of both vegetables and insects. If your bearded dragon is unable to eat on its own, you may need to syringe feed it. This is a guide on how to syringe feed a bearded dragon.

1. Boil water and mix with powdered reptile food to create a slurry.
2. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Fill a syringe with the food slurry.
4. Gently insert the syringe into the side of the bearded dragon’s mouth.
5. Slowly squirt the food into the side of the mouth, being careful not to force it down the throat.
6. stop feeding when the bearded dragon begins to swallow on its own or when it turns its head away from the syringe

How to syringe feed your bearded dragon

If your bearded dragon is not eating properly, you may need to syringe feed him. This is a common practice for dragons that are sick, in shed, or experiencing stress. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to syringe feed your bearded dragon:

1. Get everything you need together. You will need a syringe (no needle needed), ReptiCal liquid food supplement, and a paper towel.
2. Warm up the ReptiCal. This can be done by putting the ReptiCal in a cup of warm water for a few minutes.
3. Fill up the syringe with the warm ReptiCal.
4. Wrap the paper towel around the end of the syringe to help avoid sticking the dragon with the needle by accident.
5. Gently insert the syringe into the side of your dragon’s mouth and slowly squeeze the ReptiCal into his mouth.
6. Once he has eaten his fill, remove the syringe and offer him some water to drink from his bowl to wash everything down.

How often to syringe feed

Bearded dragons are generally easy to care for and make great first pets. When they are babies, they need to be syringe-fed every day As they grow, they can be slowly transitioned to feeding every other day, and then eventually to once a week.

What to do if your bearded dragon won’t eat

If your bearded dragon is not eating, it may need to be syringe-fed. This can be done by mixing some of their food (chopped veggies or insects) with water in a syringe and squirting it into their mouth. Do this a few times a day, or as often as needed, until they start eating on their own again.

If you’re not sure how to syringe-feed your bearded dragon, please consult a veterinarian or reptile specialist.

Possible complications of syringe feeding

Possible complications of syringe feeding your bearded dragon are aspiration, pneumonia, and weight gain.

Aspiration occurs when your bearded dragon swallows liquid instead of breathing it in. This can cause your bearded dragon to choke and may lead to pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be fatal. Symptoms of pneumonia include increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.

Weight gain can occur if you are not careful with the amount of food you are giving your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons should be fed a diet that is high in protein and low in fat.

How to wean your bearded dragon off syringe feeding

If you have a baby or juvenile beardie, chances are you’re syringe feeding them their meals. But as they grow, they’ll eventually need to wean off syringe feeding and start eating on their own. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by offering small pieces of food that your Beardie can easily pick up and eat on their own. Try foods like chopped greens diced fruits, or crickets

2. If your Beardie is still not eating on their own, you can try dipping the food in a little bit of water or juice to make it more enticing.

3. Be patient and keep offering different types of food until your Beardie finally starts eating on their own.

4. Once your Beardie is eating independently, you can slowly start reducing the amount of food you’re offering from the syringe until they no longer need it altogether.

When to seek veterinary help

If your bearded dragon is not eating or drinking on their own, you may need to syringe feed them. This should only be done if you are comfortable doing so and if you have consulted with a veterinarian beforehand. Syringe feeding can be tricky, so it is important to follow the directions carefully.

If your bearded dragon is not eating or drinking and you are unsure of how to syringe feed them, it is best to seek veterinary help. A veterinarian can help you determine if syringe feeding is the best course of action and can provide guidance on how to do so.

FAQs about syringe feeding bearded dragons

Here are some frequently asked questions about syringe feeding bearded dragons.

Why do I need to syringe feed my bearded dragon?
There are a few reasons why you might need to syringe feed your bearded dragon. If your dragon is sick and won’t eat on its own, if it’s a baby and can’t eat solid food yet, or if it’s shedding and can’t eat anything at all.

What kind of syringe should I use?
You will want to use an oral syringe, not a regular syringe. An oral syringe is more narrow and has a blunt tip so you don’t accidentally poke your dragon in the throat. It should be clean and sterile, so either boil it before using or buy a new one.

What kind of food should I use?
You will want to use a food that is high in protein and calcium, like crickets or mealworms for adults, or baby food for babies. You can also buy commercially available reptile formula that is specifically designed for bearded dragons.

How do I prepare the food?
If you are using live food, you will want to dust it with a calcium powder before feeding it to your dragon. This is important for their health as they will not get enough calcium from eating live food alone. If you are using baby food, there is no need to prepare it further. Just open the jar and make sure the food is at room temperature before feeding it to your dragon.

How much food should I give my bearded dragon?
This depends on the size of your bearded dragon. A general rule of thumb is 1 ml of formula per 10 grams of body weight. So, if your bearded dragon weighs 100 grams, you would give them 10 ml of formula per day. If they weigh 50 grams, you would give them 5 ml per day, etc.