Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

New bearded dragon owner? Feeding, light schedule, and bonding guide.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I’ve been getting a lot of mixed answers as to what to feed my dragon and what the schedule should be I’m a new owner and I also want to know what the light schedule should be right now he seems hungry but won’t eat the collard greens I gave him how do you get them to eat them also how do you bond is it strange that his poop was big

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 18th, 2018

Beardies are omnivores and eat a mix of greens and live prey. Adult beardies will eat more greens than prey. At his age, Majesty can be fed once daily. Alternate between prey and greens. Don't forget to dust food with a calcium supplement as well as a multivitamin. Always have fresh water available. Offer different types of greens such as mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, bok choy or raw cabbage. Vegetables that can be fed include celery, carrots, squash and pumpkin. This list is my no means inclusive. If he won't eat greens, chop them finer and add strawberries or blueberries to the mix. Mixing in crickets or mealworms may also stimulate the appetite. As long as the stool is formed, size isn't an issue. It will change depending on how much and what he eats. A light cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours off is sufficient. To get him acclimated to you, simply spend time with him. Initially, you'll want to just sit by his cage, then progress to placing your hand in the cage then actually touching and holding him. Begin each stage with short periods of time and gradually increase the time as he accepts you. The links below will provide more information. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1796&aid=2730 http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 11th, 2019

    The bugs/prey likely taste better and move which stimulates feeding. You can try offering greens and vegetables first thing in the morning. Do this about 2 hours after the heat lamp turns on to allow warming. You can sprinkle freeze dried prey on the greens to stimulate the appetite. Also, a bit of a commercial beardie diet can be offered.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on July 9th, 2018

    An adult beardie should be fed a diet that is about 80% greens, vegetables, fruits and 20% prey/protein. Adults can be fed once daily or every other day. You can offer greens in the morning about an hour or two after the heat comes on. Sprinkle some meal worms on greens to stimulate the appetite. A shallow bowl of water can be left in the enclosure for drinking and soaking. Clean it as needed. You can also soak Rocky in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes every few days to maintain hydration.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored