Shedding is a normal part of a bearded dragon’s growth, but many owners panic when their beardie suddenly won’t eat after shedding. The good news? A temporary loss of appetite is completely normal — but sometimes it can signal underlying issues.
This guide covers why your bearded dragon isn’t eating after shedding, how long it should last, and the exact steps to get them eating again.
Is It Normal for Bearded Dragons to Stop Eating After Shedding?
Yes — most bearded dragons experience a short drop in appetite before, during, or after shedding.
Shedding can make your beardie:
- Itchy
- Irritated
- Sensitive
- Less active
- Less interested in food
Appetite usually returns within 24–72 hours.
But if your bearded dragon refuses food for more than 5–7 days, something else could be going on.
Why Your Bearded Dragon Isn’t Eating After Shedding (7 Possible Causes)
1. Post-Shedding Stress or Discomfort (Most Common)
Shedding isn’t painful, but it’s definitely uncomfortable.
Even after the shed is complete, the skin can feel sensitive for a day or two.
Signs:
- Head rubbing
- Hiding more
- Lower activity
- Dull appetite
What to Do
- Reduce handling for 48 hours
- Keep lighting and temperature stable
- Offer softer foods like hornworms or mashed greens
Most beardies eat normally again soon.
2. Retained Shed (Stuck Shed)
If pieces of old skin remain — especially around:
- Tail
- Toes
- Beard
- Belly
- Eyes
It can cause discomfort, stress, and appetite loss.
What to Do
- Give a lukewarm bath for 10–15 minutes
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently loosen shed (never pull)
- Increase humidity in shedding periods to 30–40%
- Add reptile-safe shedding aids
If shed constricts toes or tail, contact an exotic vet.
3. Dehydration After Shedding
Shedding uses a lot of moisture. A dehydrated bearded dragon may stop eating until hydration levels return to normal.
Signs of dehydration:
- Wrinkled skin
- Sunken eyes
- Hard stools
- Thick saliva
What to Do
- Offer water by dropper
- Provide fresh greens with high water content (collard greens, squash)
- Offer a 10-minute warm soak
- Mist the enclosure lightly (not too much)
4. Incorrect Tank Temperatures
If the basking area is too cool, your bearded dragon cannot digest food — so it naturally avoids eating.
Ideal temperatures:
- Basking spot: 95–105°F (35–40°C) adults
- Cool side: 80–88°F (26–31°C)
- Night: 70–75°F (21–23°C)
What to Do
- Check temps with a digital probe thermometer
- Replace weak bulbs
- Ensure UVB lighting is functioning properly
- Replace UVB every 6–12 months
External reference for care standards:
Reptile keepers often follow temperature guidelines from the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV).
5. UVB Lighting Problems
Improper UVB = poor digestion + stress = appetite loss.
Fix
- Use high-quality UVB (Arcadia or Zoo Med T5 HO)
- Ensure 10–12 hours of light daily
- Place UVB inside the tank for best exposure
- Replace bulbs every 6–12 months
6. Parasites or Illness Triggered During Shedding
Shedding temporarily weakens the immune system. If parasites already exist, symptoms may worsen post-shedding.
Signs:
- Smelly or runny poop
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Constant hiding
What to Do
- Collect a stool sample
- Take it to an exotic vet for parasite testing
Trusted veterinary organizations like Reptiles Magazine’s vet finder network or the HerpVet Directory list reptile-experienced veterinarians.
7. Seasonal Slowdown or Brumation
Adult beardies may eat less after shedding if they’re entering a cooling or “slowdown” period resembling brumation.
Signs:
- Sleeping more
- Reduced activity
- Cool tank temps
- No interest in food
What to Do
- Keep temperatures stable
- Limit food until appetite returns
- Ensure UVB is strong and consistent
How Long Should a Bearded Dragon Refuse Food After Shedding?
- 24–72 hours: Normal
- 4–6 days: Still OK if drinking + active
- 7+ days: Start troubleshooting (UVB, heat, dehydration)
- 10+ days: Contact a reptile veterinarian
How to Get Your Bearded Dragon Eating Again (Step-by-Step)
1. Offer Hydration First
Hydrated beardies eat sooner.
Try:
- Water drops on snout
- Fresh leafy greens
- Warm bath (helps hydration + digestion)
2. Use High-Moisture Feeder Insects
These are irresistible after a shed:
- Hornworms
- Silkworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
These rehydrate and stimulate appetite.
3. Warm Up the Basking Spot
A slightly warmer basking area helps digestion restart.
Example:
Increase from 100°F to 104°F temporarily.
4. Reduce Stress
For 2–3 days:
- No handling
- No loud rooms
- No cage rearranging
- No sudden lighting changes
5. Double-Check UVB + Heat Setup
This is one of the biggest causes of appetite loss.
6. Try Hand-Feeding
Use:
- Tongs
- Soft greens
- Slow movement to catch attention
7. Consult an Exotic Vet if Needed
If the beardie hasn’t eaten in 10+ days, get a professional evaluation.
Good directories include:
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)
- American Veterinary Medical Association’s exotic vet search
Best Foods to Offer After Shedding
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Squash
- Hornworms
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Black soldier fly larvae
Avoid fatty worms like superworms until appetite normalizes.
What NOT to Do
- Do not peel stuck skin
- Do not force-feed
- Do not change temperatures drastically
- Do not increase humidity above 40%
- Do not offer large insects (hard to digest post-shed)
When to Worry (Red Flags)
Seek a vet if you see:
- Black beard constantly
- Weight loss
- Refusing insects and greens
- Runny stools
- Eyes sunken
- Open-mouth breathing
- Significant lethargy
These are not normal shedding behaviors.
Final Thoughts
If your bearded dragon isn’t eating after shedding, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Most beardies return to eating within a few days once their skin settles and stress drops.
By maintaining proper temperatures, strong UVB, hydration, and a calm environment, you’ll help your beardie recover quickly.
If appetite loss lasts more than a week, or you see symptoms of illness, contact an exotic-pet veterinarian.