Yes, bearded dragons can eat their own poop or feces. They may do this to consume undigested food within the feces and prevent waste of nutrients.
While it is not normal behavior, it is generally safe for them to do so.
It is important to keep their enclosure clean and remove any feces as soon as possible to prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.
Eating poop can be harmful to bearded dragons.
It can cause impaction, which is a blockage in the digestive tract that can lead to serious health problems and even death.
It is recommended to avoid letting your bearded dragon eat its own poop.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Own Poop?
This is because their digestive system works differently than ours, and they can digest some of the nutrients found in their fecal matter.
As such, they sometimes eat their own waste to supplement their diet.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous creatures that need both plant-based foods as well as animal proteins for optimal nutrition.
When they consume their own feces, it may provide them with essential vitamins and minerals not found in other parts of their diet.
Eating one’s own poo also helps to keep the enclosure clean by removing any uneaten food or debris from the area.
This behavior helps support healthy digestion since it breaks down undigested material more efficiently than regular bowel movements do.
Is It Safe For Bearded Dragons To Eat Their Own Poop?
No, bearded dragons should not eat their own poop.
This behavior may seem strange and potentially dangerous to us as humans, but it is actually quite common in the reptile world.
It’s important to understand why a bearded dragon might do this so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening if necessary.
The first thing to consider when looking at a bearded dragon eating its own feces is whether or not there are any health risks associated with such a practice.
Unfortunately, there are several potential safety concerns that come with consuming one’s own droppings.
For example, certain parasites and bacteria can be present in the excrement which could cause an infection or disease in the animal if ingested.
Some of these organisms may also pose a risk to other animals in the same environment.
Due to the lack of nutritional value found in fecal matter, ingesting it could lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.
While your pet may find poop-eating appetizing, it is not something we would recommend allowing them to indulge in frequently enough for it to become habit-forming.
How Often Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Own Poop?
It is not out of the ordinary for bearded dragons to eat their own poop.
In fact, it’s a rather common habit that most keepers find distasteful and tries hard to prevent or stop.
But why does this happen?
Bearded dragons may have different reasons for eating their own feces, ranging from curiosity to nutritional deficiency.
When they are young, it can be an exploratory behavior as these reptiles are curious about their environment.
Another reason could be that they need more nutrients than what is available in their diets so eating their own waste provides them with additional vitamins and minerals.
A third possibility is that some of the bacteria present in the reptile’s digestive system process food better when ingested multiple times through feces-eating habits.
The frequency at which your dragon eats its own poop depends on many factors:
- The type of habitat you provide – cleanliness plays a huge role here;
- Quality of diet provided – if there are any deficiencies your beardie will look elsewhere;
- Stress levels – fear, anxiety, and boredom can all contribute to fecal consumption as a coping mechanism.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Bearded Dragons From Eating Their Own Poop?
There are some steps you can take to discourage this behavior and help keep your dragon healthy.
First, make sure that the enclosure is cleaned regularly – this will reduce the amount of waste available for consumption by your dragon.
It’s also important to provide enough calcium in its diet; a lack of calcium could lead to nutritional deficiencies which may encourage it to eat its feces.
Try feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day as opposed to one or two large ones.
This helps minimize leftovers that they may want to snack on later.
Finally, adding bitter-tasting plants like aloe vera or dandelion leaves into their environment might also help discourage them from pooping and then eating it.
