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Why is my new baby bearded dragon lethargic and not eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My baby bearded dragon is very lethargic. He has his eyes closed a lot and doesn’t seem very interested in eating. We got him a few days ago and he’s been like that ever since. Is it because of stress? Is this normal?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about your bearded dragon and including photos. This animal appears very lethargic and thin. Without a doubt, a veterinary visit is needed as soon as possible. Offer water and food (Gerber's baby food) through a syringe. Check and correct husbandry including temperature, UVB, humidity. Intestinal parasites or infection, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney, low calcium) are all possible. This appears serious, so an emergency visit this evening is recommended. Good luck.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 12th, 2018

    She may be cold, ill, injured or in brumation (hibernation). Check the temperature in her enclosure. It should range from about 76 F to 86 F acros the enclosure with a basking spot between 90F and 100 F. You can soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will warm her up and provide hydration. Supplement her diet with Fluker's Repta-Boost. It is a quick way to get calories and hydration into her. Do not force feed her unless you have experience. If she doesn't perk up, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 16th, 2017

    Check the temperature in the enclosure. Ideally, it should range from the mid 70s (cool side) to mid 80s F (warm side). The basking spot should be 90 F to 100 F. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. To stimulate defecation, soak Lucius in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. During the soak, gently massage his abdomen from front to back until he defecates. If the behavior persists or worsens, consider an exam with your veterinarian or vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. The link below will provide more information regarding husbandry. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 12th, 2018

    Confirm proper temps and humidity in her enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Offer a variety of appropriately sized prey to get her eating. Crickets, dubia roaches, locusts or superworms can be used. Soak Leia in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement beverage for 20-30 minutes. This will warm her up and provide hydration. A gentle abdominal massage during the soak may stimulate defecation if she is constipated. If she doesn't regain her appetite, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose illness or injury. The link below will provide a refresher on beardie care. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

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