One of the cacti that bearded dragons enjoy eating is prickly pear. Humans have disseminated it globally, despite the fact that it is native to the United States. The plants are grown for human consumption and are also used as houseplants. Some people, on the other hand, grow these plants only to feed their lizards.
Calcium, moisture, and minerals are abundant in these cacti, which are beneficial to your animals. The plant comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Color, shape, and environmental requirements all varied significantly. The majority are green, but some, such as purple prickly pear, have some color.
Prickly pear fruit is also a favorite of bears. Unfortunately, the plant has spines that could harm your lizard. You can, however, buy a prickly pear cactus with the spine removed.
To keep this cactus from outgrowing its environment, it must be pruned on a regular basis.
Christmas Cactus
The smooth pads of this cactus would be ideal for your bearded dragon. It’s a lovely plant that’s very simple to care for. It’s safe, like other sedum cultivars, and requires a cooler climate to thrive. You’ll need to water them frequently because they require a lot of it.
Stapelia
This is a one-of-a-kind cactus with star-shaped blossoms. Depending on the species, the blossoms might be purple or red. Their blossoms could have a pleasant aroma or a foul odor. Partially shaded or partially lit areas are preferred.
Dragon fruit
The dragon fruit cactus has fragrant white and yellow blossoms and is a durable cactus. It’s a low-maintenance plant that looks fantastic in any setting. It grows well in full light. The edible fruits are covered in a red or yellow spiky covering, with a red or brown shell. A magical egg dragon-like fruit is produced by the cactus.
What kind of cactus can my bearded dragon eat?
Some species in the genus are notable for their ability to grow in lower light levels than other succulents.
Echeveria plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including rosettes and globes, and numerous varieties have vibrant colors.
Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia spp.)
Prickly pear cactus are native to the Americas, but people have spread them throughout the world.
They’re produced for human consumption and as aesthetic plants, and they thrive in desert environments.
Bearded dragons eat prickly pear cacti, and some keepers give their lizards prickly pear cactus pads particularly as food.
Prickly pear cactus come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, with different heights, morphologies, environmental requirements, and colors.
The majority of prickly pears are green, but others, like the purple prickly pear (Opuntia macrocentra), are highly colorful.
Prickly pear cacti, as their name implies, have spines that might damage or annoy your lizard. Cacti with their spines removed, on the other hand, are frequently available for purchase. To keep your prickly pear cactus from outgrowing its habitat, you may need to prune it on a regular basis.
Aloe Plants (Aloe vera)
Aloe plants have long been prized by humans for their medical properties, and they make excellent complements to bearded dragon homes.
Aloe plants are native to the arid regions surrounding the Indian Ocean, but they’ve been introduced to a variety of different places across the world, much like prickly pear cacti.
Can bearded dragons eat cactus?
We discovered that chopped up fresh cactus leaves are a terrific staple for your Bearded Dragons after some time and nutritional investigation. After some trial and error (to ensure that our beardies would eat them), we discovered that cactus was a tremendous hit!
Is Christmas cactus safe for reptiles?
This lovely plant, sometimes known as the Holiday Cactus, is a fantastic choice for any reptile-friendly house or tank. They are extremely hardy and low-maintenance. Their leaf-like pad-covered stems can grow quite tall and look attractive in hanging plants. The precise variety will determine the time of year when the plant blooms and the color of the flowers.
When the soil is dry, plants in the Schlumbergera genus appreciate filtered light and thorough irrigation. They can withstand temperatures of up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re also said to be pretty tasty, so don’t be surprised if it’s consumed.
Can bearded dragons eat cactus skin?
Prickly pear, often known as Opuntia, is a flowering cactus endemic to North and South America.
Many bearded dragon owners want to know if the prickly pear cactus is okay for their beardie because it is abundant in some locations.
As long as the spines are removed, prickly pear cactus is a highly nutritious and fully safe food for bearded dragons. The cactus fruit is also edible, but you must first remove the skin and seeds.
Keep reading to find out more about the different applications of the prickly pear cactus.
What succulents are toxic to bearded dragons?
Succulents such as the Jade plant, Silver Dollar plant, Aloe vera, Snake plant, Kalanchoe, Pencil cactus, Crown of thorns, String of Pearls, Peyote, and Stonecrop are not suitable for reptiles. However, the amount of poison in them varies depending on the variety. One of the least poisonous is Stonecrop.
If your reptile eats a hazardous plant, it will show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and an erratic heartbeat. Take them to the vet right once to ensure their safety!
What is poisonous to bearded dragons?
You should be alright if you stick to the food on the lists above, but there are a few foods that Bearded Dragons cannot consume.
Because dragons will eat anything, even if it is hazardous, it is your obligation to ensure that they are not given them in the first place.
If your pet becomes ill, consult a veterinarian. Many issues that affect Bearded Dragons can be covered by insurance.
- Lettuce iceberg Don’t let your Bearded Dragon consume it because it’s primarily water and has little nutritional value.
- Tops of spinach and beets Some instructions may tell you that these are OK for your Beardie and that you can have a modest amount of them. Both, however, include compounds that can lead to calcium insufficiency and, as a result, metabolic bone disease. A Bearded Dragon shouldn’t mind a taste now and then, but with so many other possibilities, it could be best to switch up the greens.
- Insects that were caught in the wild Insects in the wild may carry parasites that are harmful to reptiles. For your Bearded Dragon, exotic pet stores should carry a variety of live and dead insects. And, in any case, getting enough wild insects in the UK would be difficult!
- Fireflies Never give fireflies to Bearded Dragons or any other reptile. Any glowing insects are hazardous and can kill reptiles.
- Avocados Avocados contain chemicals that are poisonous to Beardies. A small amount will make your reptile sick, but a high amount can kill it.
- Rhubarb Bearded Dragons are poisoned by high levels of oxalic acid in rhubarb.
There is a vast list of dangerous natural plants for Bearded Dragons. Here are a handful that are more popular in the United Kingdom: Buttercup, crocus, daffodil, holly, horse chestnut, ivy, oak, and poppy are some of the plants that grow in the bracken fern.
Basically, don’t give it to your pet if you’re not 100 percent sure it’s safe.
Last but not least, there’s sand to consider. Although you are unlikely to feed sand to your Bearded Dragon, many owners do so as a substrate, and because it is loose, it is easily eaten when your Beardie eats.
If eaten, it can induce impaction, which is when food cannot be digested and piles up inside an animal, causing a blockage that can be fatal. Calcium sand might also cause a blockage.
What reptiles eats cactus?
Desert tortoises are “herbivores,” meaning they consume a wide range of vegetation. Plants such as delicious cactus pads and fruits, flowers, and grasses are favorites.
Can I put succulents in my bearded dragon cage?
Succulents aren’t harmful to bearded dragons’ habitats. Succulents are an excellent choice for your dragon’s cage because they add a lot of flair and are simple to maintain. Just make sure you only buy nontoxic succulents because there are a lot of them that aren’t good for dragons.
Can bearded dragon eat scrambled eggs?
Scrambled eggs are safe for bearded dragons to eat. They may consume hard cooked eggs as well. Just keep these reminders in mind: At most, adult bearded dragons should eat half an egg at a time. If you’re scrambling an egg, don’t add any other ingredients at the same time.
What plants can you put in with bearded dragons?
Mint, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Hibiscus, Kale, and Lettuce are just a few of the plants you may grow in your vivarium to give it a fresh scent while also providing natural food and enrichment for your dragon.