Bearded dragons are reptiles native to Australia. They’re also known as monitor lizards because of their large size.
While most reptiles are carnivorous, bearded dragons are herbivores. In fact, they prefer eating ferns over meat.
If you have a bearded dragon, you might wonder whether he/she will eat ferns. Well, here’s the answer!
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about bearded dragons and their diet so you can make informed decisions about feeding your pet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ferns?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal foods. And since they are carnivorous, they tend to prefer meatier foods. But they will also eat insects, small reptiles, or anything else that comes along.
Bearded dragons are known to be fast feeders, so they can easily consume small prey in a short amount of time. On the other hand, ferns may take up to an entire hour for them to digest. This is because they have a long digestive tract that allows them to break food down into smaller pieces before passing it through their system.
So if you’re wondering whether or not your bearded dragon would enjoy eating ferns, the answer is yes. Just keep in mind that they won’t necessarily chow down on them right away. You should give them plenty of time to chew on them before offering them any more.
What Happens If Your Bearded Dragon Eats Ferns?
Ferns are an important part of the diet of bearded dragons. But if your beardie eats too many ferns, he or she may not be getting the nutrition that they need to survive.
Make sure that your bearded dragon gets plenty of nutritious food at every meal time. You should feed him or her a variety of foods including vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, and bones.
Your bearded dragon needs to consume a balanced diet to stay healthy. And since ferns are not nutritious, you shouldn’t give them to your bearded dragon unless you know that they are providing him or her with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Are Ferns Safe For Bearded Dragons To Eat?
Beardies love eating ferns, especially if they’re green. But before you start feeding them ferns, you need to know whether or not they’re safe for bearded dragons to consume. There are certain types of ferns that are toxic to reptiles, so it’s important to do your research before choosing any kind of ferns to feed your beardies.
Some ferns may contain substances that can be harmful to lizards, so it’s important that you do your research and pick a safe variety. You also need to remember that ferns are not nutritionally balanced foods, so you shouldn’t give them to your bearded dragons in large quantities.
But if you’re looking for a safe and nutritious plant to feed your bearded dragons, then ferns are a great choice. Just be sure to do some research beforehand and find a variety that is known for being safe for reptiles.
Are Ferns Bad For Bearded Dragons To Eat?
Beardies are omnivorous reptiles, meaning they eat both plants AND animals. And while meat should make up the bulk of their diet, there are plenty of plant foods that can be beneficial for them.
Ferns are a great addition to their diet. They’re high in vitamins A and C, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are vital for bearded dragons’ health and ferns can give them the nutrition they need.
Of course, as with any food, moderation is key. Too much or too little of anything can cause problems. But if you feed your beardie ferns regularly, they won’t have any issues getting enough nutrition.
As long as you keep your bearded dragon fed properly, it shouldn’t have any trouble digesting ferns.
But again, as with any food item, moderation is key. Don’t let your beardie eat too many fern leaves or else he might develop stomach upset.
What ferns are safe for bearded dragons?
There are several types of ferns out there that are safe for bearded dragon consumption. Here are some of the most common ones.
Boston Fern – Also called the ostrich fern, this fern grows in moist soil and is found throughout North America. It is considered to be safe for bearded dragons.
Button Fern – This fern grows in damp places and is commonly seen growing along streams and rivers. It is considered to also be safe for bearded dragons to consume.
Maidenhair Fern – This fern is native to Europe and Asia and is considered to be safe to feed to bearded dragons.
Bracken Fern – Bracken fern is a plant that grows in wet soils and is commonly found near water sources. It is considered to not be safe for bearded dragons, however, if ingested in large amounts.
Other Types of Ferns – There are other types of ferns available that are safe for bearded lizards to eat. Consult with a vet or other reptile expert before feeding any ferns to your bearded dragon.
FAQs
How often should I feed my bearded dragon?
Young bearded dragons usually need to be fed once or twice per day, while older lizards may require one feeding per day.
Can bearded dragons eat celery?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat celeriac. Celeriac is an excellent vegetable for them.
Are bearded dragons nocturnal?
Bearded dragons are diurnal animals, which means they’re active during the daytime and sleep at night.
Conclusion
Ferns are an excellent source of protein and vitamins for reptiles. They are also a favorite food among bearded dragons. However, while they can eat ferns, they cannot digest them completely.
This means that when you feed them ferns, you need to supplement their diets with other foods. Otherwise, they won’t absorb enough nutrients from the ferns to stay healthy.
