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Many questions need answers when you get your first bearded dragon. But with time, you’ll ask less and less questions as you become used to your reptile. One of the most common question (and one of the most funny) is – do bearded dragons fart?
Bearded dragons fart, and other reptiles break wind too. However, the frequency of farts could mean your reptile needs to get some attention. Common farts, like during or after poops for instance, shouldn’t raise any flags. Consider seeing a vet when your bearded dragon can’t stop farting, or doesn’t break wind at all.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s go into a bit more detail such as how bearded dragons fart, why they fart, and whether or not their farts smell. We’re also going to discuss other fun questions pertaining to caring for your bearded dragon.
Jump to..
Why Do Bearded Dragons Fart?
Bearded dragons fart in intervals, especially when there’s natural bowel movement involved. But if your beardy is experiencing some intestinal issues, it may fart more (or less). Let’s look at why it’s more common for your bearded dragon to break wind normally or more than usual:
Releasing trapped air
Air could make it into the gastrointestinal system of bearded dragons in two ways – through swallowing or during digestion. Air that may make it into the gastrointestinal tract of beardies contain gases. These gases end up forming unwanted air that needs to go out.
When it comes to digestion, gases in the intestine mix with air and gives it an offensive odor.
Bearded dragons give off a notable, foul odor whenever they fart. Many bearded dragons are more likely to fart sparingly than unhealthy lizards. If your bearded dragon continues to break wind randomly, consider seeing a vet immediately.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Fart Less Than They’re Supposed To?
Some reasons make farting more common among bearded dragons. So, it’s only natural that some things could make bearded dragons break wind way less than normal. In some cases, bearded dragons may not fart at all and become bloated.
Most bearded dragons will experience much discomfort if they can’t fart when they have to. Bearded dragons need to break wind when it’s time. Intestinal problems or worse could develop if your beardie hasn’t farted for some time, so it’s not something to overlook:
Constipation
Immense discomfort is a common sight among humans. But some humans think they’re the only ones that can come down with a nasty constipation.
Bearded dragons can be constipated too. These reptiles may find it challenging to fart during a constipation episode. Over-feeding your bearded dragon is a major cause of constipation. Make sure you follow recommended feeding template to care for your bearded dragon.
If there is a glaring sign of constipation, your bearded dragon could look bloated within a short while. Consider paying a visit to the vet to have your pet checked out if that happens.
Wrong Substrate
Bearded dragons are smart creatures, but some of these reptiles may mistakenly swallow substrate in their habitat. Loose substrate like gravel, sand, pellets, etc. are not great for bearded dragons.
If your bearded dragon swallows any of these substrate, it could suffer massive impaction. If such impaction isn’t treated quickly, your bearded dragon could suffer digestive issues, or worse.
Use a high-quality substrate at all times to make sure your bearded dragon is safe in its enclosure. Some of the best materials for keeping bearded dragons are synthetic. So, consider getting a vivarium with a smooth surface and prevent your beardie from swallowing anything.
We personally use reptile carpet for our bearded dragons since it’s super easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, and completely eliminates the risk of impaction.
Dehydration
When bearded dragons lack water, they tend to suffer digestive issues that lead to less farting, or none at all. Giving your reptile much water is important.
Most reptiles take their hydration seriously, especially in the wild. It is common for reptiles to take sips from morning dew resting on leaves. But when these reptiles are in your home, that’s not possible.
Give your reptiles water from a bowl shallow enough for them to have a drink. It’s ideal to get your bearded dragons a custom water dispenser for reptiles to help them drink better. Some high-tech water sprays for reptiles makes it easy for bearded dragons to lick water from their hide.
Wrong Diet
Bearded dragons eat insect and veggies and their diet keeps evolving as they get older (more variants with age). Juvenile bearded dragons tend to eat insects more than greens. At a young age, bearded dragons need more protein to grow strong. Beardies will eat more insects and vegetables as they grow older.
Young bearded dragons should consume two-thirds insects and one-third greens. Adult bearded dragons should consume about eighty percent insects and about twenty percent fruits and veggies.
Even if you’re a staunch vegan, your bearded dragon shouldn’t be. Make sure your pet gets the right amount of proteins and vitamins they need from a diet. Their overall health and development could depend on it.
Intestinal Tract Problems
Apart from constipation, some bearded dragons could face other intestinal tract issues caused by parasites. Roundworm, tapeworm, and other worm-related issues could lead to digestive problems for your reptiles. These parasites could cause blockage along the intestinal tract, leading to immense impaction.
Bearded dragons suffering from parasite issues are less likely to fart. It could be a tall order for new owners to detect if their pet is suffering from worm-induced digestive issues.
The easiest way to find out if your bearded dragon has a worm problem is easy – checking out their poop. If you notice any discoloration or worms coming out of its poop, contact your vet immediately.
FAQs
Can a lizard fart?
Lizards have bacteria in their intestines that encourage the production of gases. Farts from a lizard could be quite offensive, especially when it is experiencing intestinal/digestive issues.
Will a bearded dragon poop on you?
Bearded dragons usually have somewhere they’ll fancy to get a poop. Most bearded dragons are less likely to poop in their hiding place, especially if they’re potty-trained. Some bearded dragons will fancy taking a poop outdoors. Other naughty bearded dragons could poop on your sofa, or on you.
Do bearded dragons feel love?
Bearded dragons are a detached reptile species, but may be attracted to human caregivers. These solitary creatures are keen on survival through dominating other less-powerful species. They also rely on instincts to navigate their habitat. Bearded dragons could become quite fond of people that offer them shelter and regular food.
How bad do bearded dragons smell?
Bearded dragons don’t give off any offensive smell. In fact, these reptiles don’t smell – at all. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded species and can regulate temperature swings using their sweat glands. Most species of the bearded dragon will gape or change its color during such temperature changes.
Takeaways: Do Bearded Dragons Fart?
Bearded dragons, just like other animals can fart. But some reasons may cause bearded dragons to fart too much, or too little. Farting is natural and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. There’s no number that can best describe when a bearded dragon is under-farting over-winding.
However, some factors contribute to why your bearded dragons fart and why they don’t. One factor that determines how much your bearded dragons fart is its diet. If your bearded dragon is getting too much of foods likely to cause farting, it will break wind more often.
Another common factor checked out above is air deposits. Whenever your reptile opens its mouth, air makes it into its stomach that has to go out through farts.
Besides farting too much being a cause for worry, not breaking wind at all may be a serious health issue. Constipation and impaction is a major reason why some bearded dragons may not fart. Apart from not being able to fart, your bearded dragon could suffer from immense discomfort.
Immediate medical attention is a must if you’ve not noticed your bearded dragon fart in a while. Leaving your dragon untreated may be a costly mistake. As soon as you notice your bearded dragon is grappling with stomach issues, get them to drink much water.
You don’t want your bearded dragon dying on you because it can’t fart.
