Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all
I got my first beardie last winter, and because he was so young and new to his environment, he didn't hibernate on me. This winter, I'm not sure but I think he sort of did. He stayed awake, but didn't really want to eat (unless it was a silkworm) and stayed under his log for a very long time (a few weeks). I had his stool checked out, and everything was fine. So, was it just a sort of hibernation?
Also, lately he seems to be snapping out of it and spending more time under the heat lamps, but now he won't eat veggies! How do I get him to eat them aagin?
Sorry if I sound like a total novice.
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Christina

Beardies may or may not sleep when they brumate...last year our male was down for over 3 months--no movement. This year he occasionally came out of his cave--but did not seem to 'sleep' and definitely did not want to eat... he has just now showing an interest in food.

Be firm on the eating the veggies thing...if you give in and give him the 'good stuff' he may never start eating the 'healthy stuff' (ask me how I know!). As your beardies' activity level increases so should their appetite. Offer lots of veggies--he may hold out for a few days--but eventually should 'remember' that the green stuff is actually good! I do think they crave protein more when they first wake up but they can easily become spoiled!

mixing in a few superworms or silkworms into the salad can also help encourage your dragon to dig into the greens. the movement of the worms make the greens move and that motion should catch their attention. just don't put in alot of worms into teh salad, just a couple, to spark their interest in eating greens again.
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PHLdyPayne