Why is My Bearded Dragon Eating His Own Shed?

Isn’t it fascinating to observe the peculiar habits of our pets? Bearded dragons, for instance, can display some surprising behaviors.

Have you ever caught your bearded dragon eating his own shed? It might seem bizarre, but it’s a common occurrence.

But why do they do it? We’re about to delve into the mystery together. Let’s uncover the reasons behind this unique behavior.

5 Curious Reasons Why Your Bearded Dragon Eats His Own Shed

• Natural Behavior: Bearded dragons are known to eat their own shed as a part of their natural behavior to keep their environment clean. This instinctive action also helps to avoid attracting predators in the wild.
• Nutrient Reclamation: The skin that bearded dragons shed contains valuable nutrients. By consuming their shed skin, they can reclaim some of these nutrients, essentially recycling their resources.
• Stress Relief: Shedding can sometimes be an uncomfortable process for your bearded dragon. Eating the shed skin can actually provide them with a form of stress relief, making the process smoother and more bearable.
• Curiosity and Exploration: Bearded dragons are innately curious creatures. Eating their shed skin can simply be a way of exploring their environment and getting to know more about the world around them.
• Insufficient Diet: If your bearded dragon’s diet is lacking in essential nutrients, they may turn to eating their shed skin as a way to compensate for these deficiencies. It’s crucial to ensure a balanced diet for your pet to avoid this behavior.

Preventing Your Bearded Dragon from Eating its Own Shed

Knowing the reasons why your bearded dragon might be eating its own shed, it’s important to discuss preventative measures. First, ensure your pet has a balanced diet. A well-nourished bearded dragon is less likely to eat its shed. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects, complemented with calcium and vitamin supplements.

Maintaining optimal humidity levels in their enclosure can aid in smooth shedding. Too dry, and the shed may stick and cause discomfort, prompting them to eat it. A humidity level between 30-40% is ideal; you can achieve this with a good quality reptile humidifier or misting.

Next, provide plenty of mental stimuli. Add interesting items in their habitat to prevent boredom. Rotating their toys, rocks, or hiding places can keep their environment engaging. You can also try hand-feeding some special treats, ensuring they aren’t under-stimulated.

Lastly, regular vet check-ups can help detect any underlying health issues. Remember, your bearded dragon’s well-being is your responsibility. Take action and prevent them from eating their own shed.

To further extend your knowledge about bearded dragons, here are a few more to explore:

• Why is My Bearded Dragon Consuming Sand?
• Why is My Bearded Dragon Hiding Instead of Eating?
• Why is My Bearded Dragon Hiding and Sleeping?

Each post offers in-depth insights, giving you all the details you need to take good care of your beardie.

Remember to research and prepare for your pet’s specific needs, and you’ll have a happy and healthy companion for years to come.

Happy pet-keeping!