Brumation Dormant Periods in Bearded Dragons

Because of their placid demeanor and unusual look, bearded dragons are popular pets among reptile aficionados. These lizards are endemic to Australia and have grown in popularity as pets throughout time. The brumation stage is one facet of their behavior that might be perplexing for owners. This page will discuss brumation, how it affects bearded dragons, and how to care for your dragon during this period.

What are Brumation Dormant Periods in Bearded Dragons?

Brumation is a type of dormancy that occurs naturally in many reptiles, including bearded dragons. This time is comparable to mammalian hibernation but varies in a few aspects. Bearded dragons reduce their metabolism and become less active during brumation. They may also refuse to eat or drink for lengthy periods of time.

Brumation is most common during the winter months of the year when the daylight hours are shorter. Temperature and light cycle fluctuations induce this behavior. Bearded dragons will enter brumation in the wild to conserve energy at periods when food and water are short. In captivity, they may also experience brumation as a result of environmental changes, such as a drop in ambient temperature.

Related: Can Bearded Dragons eat Leafy Greens?

Signs of Brumation Dormant Periods in Bearded Dragons

Not all bearded dragons will go through brumation, but it is common in adults. Signs of brumation in bearded dragons include:

• Decreased appetite: Bearded dragons may stop eating or reduce their food intake during brumation.
• Decreased activity level: Bearded dragons will become less active during brumation and may spend most of their time sleeping.
• Changes in coloration: Some bearded dragons may change color during brumation. This is a natural response to changes in their environment and is nothing to worry about.
• Decreased body temperature: Bearded dragons may have a lower body temperature during brumation. It is important to monitor their temperature and make sure it does not drop too low.

Caring for Your Bearded Dragon During Brumation

If your bearded dragon is going through brumation, there are a few things you can do to ensure they remain healthy:

• Monitor their weight: It is important to weigh your bearded dragon regularly during brumation to make sure they are not losing too much weight.
• Keep their enclosure clean: Bearded dragons may not move around as much during brumation, so it is important to keep their enclosure clean to prevent any health issues.
• Provide a comfortable environment: Make sure your bearded dragon’s enclosure is set up for brumation. This includes a cooler temperature and a place for them to hide.
• Offer water: Even though bearded dragons may not drink during brumation, it is important to offer fresh water regularly to prevent dehydration.

How to save your Bearded Dragon from happening Brumation?

It is not suggested to try to avoid brumation in bearded dragons because it is a natural behavior. Interfering with their normal cycles might potentially do more damage than good.

However, there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk of your bearded dragon going into brumation too soon or for too long:

• Keep their enclosure warm: Bearded dragons require a warm environment to grow, and maintaining a steady temperature can help avoid premature or protracted brumation. Make sure their basking space is sufficiently warm, and consider using a thermostat to control the temperature.

• Provide enough light: Bearded dragons regulate their behavior, including brumation, using light cycles. Check that they are getting enough light during the day, and think about using a timer to control the light cycles in their habitat.

• Offer regular feedings: Regular feedings might help keep your bearded dragon from going into brumation too early or for too long. Force-feeding them, on the other hand, might cause stress and health problems.

• Provide stimulation: Bearded dragons are lively and curious creatures, and keeping them stimulated can help keep them from growing bored and entering brumation too soon. To keep them entertained, consider giving them new toys or altering their area.

• Monitor their health: Sick or agitated bearded dragons are more prone to undergo brumation early or for a lengthy period of time. To avoid unwanted brumation, make sure you monitor their health and handle any difficulties as soon as possible.

Even with these safeguards, bearded dragons may still undergo brumation because it is normal behavior. If your bearded dragon does experience brumation, it is critical to offer adequate care and support during this time.

How to wake up a Bearded Dragon from Brumation?

Waking up a bearded dragon from brumation requires caution because it is a normal process that their bodies must go through. However, you may assist your bearded dragon to awaken from brumation by doing the following:

• Gradually increase temperature: Begin by gradually raising the temperature in their cage, paying special attention to the basking area. This can assist to increase their metabolism and wake them up.

• Increase light exposure: Gradually increase the quantity of light exposure in their container, just as you would with temperature. This can aid in the regulation of their circadian cycle and the stimulation of their natural behaviors.

• Offer food and water: When your bearded dragon awakens, provide fresh water and a tiny bit of food. It is critical not to overfeed them since their digestive system may take a while to kick in after brumation.

• Provide stimulation: To stimulate and increase movement, give your bearded dragon new toys or alter its environment. However, keep a tight eye on them to ensure they are not overexerting themselves.

• Monitor their health: Keep a watchful check on the health and behavior of your bearded dragon during and after brumation. Seek veterinarian attention right once if you detect any problems, such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, or odd behavior.

When waking up a bearded dragon from brumation, it is crucial to be calm and careful, as their bodies may need time to adapt. Rushing the process or offering much stimulation too soon might result in undue stress and injury.

Do Bearded Dragons eat or drink during Brumation Period?

Bearded dragons may not eat or drink as much as usual during brumation. In fact, it is common for them to go for lengthy periods of time without eating or drinking anything.

This is due to brumation, which is a period of reduced metabolic activity and movement, comparable to hibernation in other species. Bearded dragons will slow down their body operations and preserve energy during this period, which means they won’t require as much food or water to survive.

However, it is critical that your bearded dragon has access to fresh water when brumating. Even if they are not drinking as much as normal, it is critical that they do not become dehydrated. Offering a small water dish or spraying their habitat might help them stay wet.

Furthermore, some bearded dragons may consume modest amounts of food while brumating, while others may not consume any food at all. If your bearded dragon isn’t eating, don’t force feed them because this can create stress and health problems. Instead, continue to feed them tiny quantities of food while regularly monitoring their behavior and health.

It’s crucial to note that brumation is a natural process for bearded dragons, and it’s normal for them to eat and drink less during this period. There is typically no cause for alarm as long as your bearded dragon is otherwise healthy and behaving normally.

Conclusion

Finally, brumation is a natural process that bearded dragons go through that is beneficial to their general health and well-being. Their metabolic activity slows down during brumation, and they may not eat or drink as much as they typically would. This is natural, and you should not force them to eat or drink.

However, to avoid dehydration, make sure your bearded dragon has access to fresh water during brumation. Increasing the temperature and light exposure in their cage gradually can also assist increase their metabolism and urge them to wake up after the brumation phase is complete.

It’s also critical to keep an eye on your bearded dragon’s health and behavior throughout and after brumation. Seek veterinarian attention right once if you detect any problems, such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, or odd behavior.

Overall, knowing and appreciating the natural process of brumation is critical for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. You may assist guarantee that your bearded dragon emerges from brumation well and happy by exercising patience, care, and regular monitoring.