Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Babies?

Imagine welcoming a clutch of tiny, wriggling baby bearded dragons into the world—only to wonder if their own parents see them as family… or food.

Sounds like a reptilian soap opera, right? But this question isn’t just a wild “what if”—it’s something every beardie owner should understand.

Let’s uncover the truth behind this unexpected (and slightly terrifying) reptile mystery.

Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Babies?

Bearded dragons are fascinating pets, but some of their behaviors might shock you. One of the biggest surprises? They might eat their own babies!

Yes, you read that right. These cute little lizards don’t have strong parental instincts. Once their eggs hatch, they don’t see baby dragons as family—just as tiny, wriggling snacks.

Why Would a Bearded Dragon Eat Its Babies?

Yes, it sounds horrifying. But bearded dragons sometimes eat their own babies. It’s not because they’re evil. It’s just nature doing its thing.

I remember the first time I heard about this. My friend had a clutch of baby beardies, and one disappeared overnight. Turns out, the dad had a late-night snack. Yikes.

So why does this happen? Let’s break it down.

No Parental Instincts

Bearded dragons are not cuddly parents. They lay eggs, and once the babies hatch, it’s every lizard for itself.

• No bonding. No motherly love.
• Babies are just small moving creatures—aka potential food.

Hunger Takes Over

A hungry dragon isn’t picky. If there’s no food around, a tiny, wriggling hatchling looks like an easy meal.

• In the wild, food is scarce, so survival instincts kick in.
• In captivity, if they’re underfed, they’ll munch on anything available.

Stress and Overcrowding

Ever been hangry and stuck in a packed room? Now imagine that feeling with sharp teeth and claws.

• Too many dragons in one space = tension.
• Stress makes them aggressive, and babies become an easy target.

Hungry for knowledge about Bearded Dragon? We’ve got you covered in this article. How to Care for a Baby Bearded Dragon Like a Pro

Natural Selection at Work

Nature has a brutal way of making sure only the strong survive.

• Weak or slow hatchlings are the first to go.
• It’s a way of keeping the gene pool strong.

How to Prevent Bearded Dragons from Eating Their Babies?

Bearded dragons are cool pets, but they don’t win any “Parent of the Year” awards. If given the chance, they might snack on their own babies. That’s a nightmare no one wants.

Here’s how to stop it from happening.

1. Separate the Babies ASAP

The second those tiny dragons hatch, move them to a different enclosure. Bearded dragons don’t do family bonding. To them, a baby dragon is just another moving snack.

Quick Tip:

• Have a second tank ready before the eggs hatch.
• Use a soft substrate so the babies don’t hurt themselves.
• Keep the temperature warm, but not too hot.

2. Keep the Adults Well-Fed

A hungry dragon is a dangerous dragon. If they aren’t getting enough food, they might see their babies as an easy meal.

What to Feed Adults

Food Type	Examples	How Often
Insects	Crickets, Dubia roaches, Mealworms	3–4 times a week
Greens	Collard greens, Mustard greens, Dandelion leaves	Daily
Treats	Fruits, Superworms	Occasionally

3. Reduce Stress in the Tank

A stressed dragon is unpredictable. If the enclosure is too small, too bright, or too noisy, they might lash out—including at their own babies.

How to Keep a Bearded Dragon Calm:

• Give them enough space to move around.
• Avoid handling them too much.
• Keep their habitat clean and comfortable.

4. Don’t House Multiple Dragons Together

Dragons don’t like roommates. Even adults can get aggressive, and babies stand no chance. If you want to raise multiple bearded dragons, give each one its own space.