Brumation, also called hibernation, is the reversible state in which many Bearded dragons spend the colder winter months. It is characterized by a type of slumber or inactivity, where they are asleep most of the time. This behavior is also characterized by loss of appetite, hiding behavior, and sometimes excessive digging behavior.
During the brumation/hibernation period, unlike the true sense of the word, these animals will actually be awake some of the time. It is normal during this period to have some degree of weight loss and a depressed appetite, sometimes even total anorexia. This can last for weeks to months and usually start when the nighttime temperatures start to drop, even if the daytime temperatures are still warm and bright.
Not all Bearded dragons will go into, this so-called, slumber. Some juveniles can skip their first winter brumation. Some adults might also take this route and apart from being a winter thing, there is no set time or duration for this to happen.
In nature, the change in seasons will cause this behaviour to start and end. In captivity, however, nothing should be done to induce this behaviour. Lighting and heating should remain unchanged. The same goes for when these animals wake up, at which food should be introduced slowly again to gain normal body condition.
Brumation is a condition where bearded dragons go into hibernation during winter months. They lose weight, stop eating and become lethargic. This usually happens because they’re bored and lack stimulation.
If your bearded dragon has gone into brumation, he needs something to get him excited again. In this article, I’ll tell you exactly what to do to get your bearded dragon back to his old self. I’ll also explain why brumation occurs and how to care when it happens.
Where Does A Bearded Dragon Brumate?
A bearded dragon needs somewhere dark and quiet where he can sleep. He doesn’t necessarily need to be underground or in a tree, but he does need to be able to hide away if necessary.
Your bearded dragon may already have a place to hide, but if not, you can help him along by putting a blackout hut in his cage. These huts block light from entering the room, so your bearded dragon won’t wake up every time someone turns on a lamp.
He can curl up and drift asleep without the risk of waking up due to the lights in his home.
How Often Does Bearded Dragon Brumation Occur?
Bearded dragons are reptiles that live in warm climates. Their natural habitat is tropical rainforests, where temperatures average between 25°C and 30°C. But if you keep your bearded dragon indoors, you might be surprised to find that she doesn’t brumate as frequently as you’d expect.
Your bearded dragon may brumate only once a year, or she may brumate every year, or she may never brumate again. There’s no telling how often she will brumate until you observe her behavior.
But there are certain signs that indicate whether your bearded dragon is brumating or not. You should pay close attention to any changes in her activity level, diet, and temperature. These are all signs that your bearded dragon needs to brumate.
So if you notice any of these signs, then you know that your bearded dragon needs a break from indoor life. She’ll probably start acting sluggish and lethargic. Her appetite will decrease, and she’ll stop eating altogether. And she’ll spend less time basking in the sun.
Symptoms of Brumation
If you’re not sure whether your bearded dragon is in Brumation, here are some common signs.
1. Sleeping More
Brumation is a natural part of the life cycle of bearded dragons. As your bearded dragon slows down during winter months, it will start sleeping more frequently, for longer periods of time, and will go to bed earlier in the day.
2. Hiding in the Shade
Brumation is a natural behavior exhibited by bearded dragons. As a result, they may hide under leaves or branches during times of stress.
So if you notice your bearded dragon acting strangely, try giving him/her some extra space and let them know that you’re here for them. You might find that they calm down after a little bit.
3. Decreased Appetite
Brumation is a condition where your bearded dragon stops eating or drinking. It happens when your bearded dragon goes through a phase of hibernation. During this time, he may stop eating and drinking altogether. He might also start sleeping longer and harder.
Your bearded dragon should never be forced to eat during this time. Food left in his belly during brumation can cause him serious health problems. And if you notice any changes in his behavior, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or excessive sleeping, then it’s probably brumation.
4. Reduction in Bowel Movements
Brumation is a condition where someone experiences fewer bowel movements than usual. This may occur due to stress or anxiety, or it may be caused by certain medications.
In addition to experiencing fewer bowel movements, brumators may experience constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, cramps, and/or fatigue. These symptoms usually last between two weeks and six months.
What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon Shows Signs Of Brumation?
Brumation is a natural process that occurs in reptiles every year. During brumation, reptiles lose weight and become inactive. You should be aware of any changes in your bearded dragon’s behavior or appearance. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, lack of interest in eating, and decreased activity.
To help your dragon go into hibernation smoothly, make sure your bearded dragon’s habitat has optimum heating and light.
This means making the enclosure cooler to mimic Australian desert winters. Another important step is to make sure your bearded dragon has a bowel movement prior to entering brumation. Belly massages can help with this.
Don’t force feed your bearded dragon. Instead, offer him water, but don’t force him to drink.
Make sure your bearded dragon doesn’t eat anything new until he wakes up again.
If your bearded dragon shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. He may recommend giving your bearded dragon a probiotic supplement to help keep his digestive system healthy.
How Long Does Brumation Last?
Brumation is a natural behavior for bearded dragons. In the wild, it lasts anywhere from three to four months. In captivity, however, it varies depending on the individual. Some dragons only brumate for a few weeks, while others may brumate for months or even years.
So technically your dragon could be brumating right now, or it could be brumating for just under a month. It just depends on how long his biological clock tells him to stay dormant.
If your dragon starts to disappear for months on end, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. You might think that your dragon is okay, but there’s no harm in checking on him periodically to make sure he’s still alive.
Just keep in mind that it’s important to avoid disturbing your dragon during brumation. He needs to sleep through the winter, so you shouldn’t wake him up unless absolutely necessary.
Can I Feed My Dragon During In Brumation?
During the winter months, dragons hibernate. And during this time, they don’t eat or drink anything. But if you feed them during this time, there’s a risk that they won’t wake up again until springtime.
This is why dragons will naturally avoid eating and drinking during the winter months.
They instinctively know that eating too much makes them feel sick. So be careful not to give them any food or water during this time.
What Happens When A Bearded Dragon Is Sleeping?
During brumation, bearded dragons tend to stay inside their burrows or caves. Their bodies cool down, and their metabolism slows down. As a result, they become sleepy and sluggish.
But it turns out that this isn’t just a passive state. While asleep, bearded dragons produce hormones that influence their reproductive cycles. Cooler temperatures have a positive impact on sperm production in males, while warmer conditions aid ovulation in females.
So if you have a bearded dragon, you might want to keep him warm during brumation. He may not seem like he needs any extra heat, but his body temperature actually goes down during brumation.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat During Brumation?
During brumation, they may refuse to eat. But don’t worry. Just keep offering them food and bathing them regularly. You can also try feeding them insects or crickets. These foods are high in protein and fat, which helps them gain weight faster.
After they’ve eaten, make sure they digest what they’ve just eaten before letting them out of sight again. Also, make sure they have a bowel movement before they leave. Otherwise, they might become constipated.
Try to wean them off their diet slowly. Start with small amounts of insects and crickets. Then gradually add larger quantities. And finally, stop adding any new foods altogether.
Do I Need To Leave On The Heating And Uv During Brumation?
Bearded dragons sleep during brumation. They spend the winter months underground where it’s warm and dark. While they’re asleep, they don’t require heating or ultraviolet light.
But if you’re worried about your bearded dragon getting cold, there are several options available. You can keep him inside a heated terrarium, or you can place him in a heated room. Or you can leave him outside in a sunny spot.
There are also products that you can buy that provide heat and UVB light for your bearded dragon. These include heat mats, heat lamps, and UVB bulbs.
There’s really no reason why you should leave the heating and UV lights on during brumation. You may be able to save a little bit of electricity, but you won’t be saving any money.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t turn off the lights and heater if you think it would be beneficial for your Bearded Dragons. Just know that leaving them on isn’t necessary.
How Do You Know When Brumation Is Ending?
Brumation is a natural part of your bearded dragon’s life cycle. As long as you keep him healthy during this time, he should wake up feeling refreshed and eager to start exploring again. But if you notice any changes in his behavior, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
Your bearded dragon may take several days before he starts acting normally again. Gradually adjust his light levels back to normal and offer him his regular meals. Be patient as he wakes up, and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy his new personality once he does.
If you ever have concerns or notice anything unusual, please reach out to your veterinarian immediately.
Feeding Your Bearded Dragon After Brumation
After brumation, bearded dragons usually become hungry. You might think that they would eat anything, but they actually prefer certain foods. Some of those foods include crickets, worms, and mealworms.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They tend to eat insects, especially if there are no other options available.
So after brumation, feed your bearded dragon greens and hydration, along with some of the Zoo Med canned food. Canned food is safe to give your bearded dragon, and it’s a great option if you don’t know how to feed them properly.
Over the next few days, all being well, you should notice your bearded dragon becoming their old selves again.
Behavior Changes After Brumation
Once it comes out of brumation, it will begin eating again, produce eggs, and become more active.
During brumation, you might notice your lizard getting aggressive or showing off. Males will sometimes fight each other for dominance and the right for mating. Females will display behaviors that indicate they’re ready to be mated by the males.
So if your lizard shows any of these behaviors, it’s probably safe to assume he’s healthy and happy. But if you see him acting aggressively, try separating him from his group until he calms down. Also, keep an eye on your lizard’s diet and water intake. If he doesn’t seem hungry or thirsty, give him some food and water.
FAQs:
Do All Bearded Dragons Brumate?
Bearded dragons are no exception. While they may brumate occasionally, they should never need it. And if they do, it’s usually due to improper care.
Even in nature, bearded dragons sometimes brumate. They might brumate annually, every other year or maybe only once in their life. It’s impossible to predict the timing.
So if your pet needs to brumate, it’s probably because he isn’t getting enough sunlight or his environment is changing. You can prevent him from needing to brumate by providing him with appropriate care.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Brumate?
Bearded dragons brumate during the winter months. Scientists believe that this behavior is part of a natural cycle. During the winter, there is less food available for the lizards to eat. As a result, they conserve energy by reducing activity levels and lowering their metabolism.
During the winter, there is also less sunlight. Because of this, the days become shorter and cooler. The combination of less food and shorter days means that the lizards are less able to produce eggs.
However, once spring arrives, the weather warms up and the days begin getting longer again. This makes it easier for the lizards to find food and insects to eat. As a consequence, the lizards start producing eggs again.
This natural cycle ensures that the lizards have enough food and insects to live off of during the winter. And it gives them the opportunity to reproduce during the spring and summer.
At What Age Will My Bearded Dragon Brumate?
If you keep the conditions in your pet reptile’s habitat at consistent, optimal levels, your bearded dragon should never have to brumate. There is no standard bearded dragon brumation age in nature, but most usually begin experiencing brumation cycles between 10 and 24 months of age.
How Do I Wake Up My Bearded Dragon From Brumation?
Beardies are reptiles, so they naturally hibernate during winter months. During this time, they enter a state called brumation where they become inactive and lose weight. Unfortunately, if your bearded dragon begins its brumation, it may be difficult to wake them up.
There are several methods you can try to wake up your bearded dragon from brumation. One method involves increasing the environmental temperature slightly. Another method involves exposing your bearded dragon to ultraviolet light and misting them gently with warm water.
Another option is to consult your vet. They can recommend ways for you to care for your bearded dragon until their bodies adjust.
Will my Beardie Lose Lots of Weight?
Your beardie won’t lose any weight if he doesn’t eat anything. He’s just burning his energy reserves. But if he does start eating less, then yes, he might drop a little bit of weight.
But keep in mind that losing weight is never a bad thing. It’s actually healthy for your beardie. And it’s important to monitor him closely to make sure he’s okay. You should weigh him every week to make sure he’s staying within his ideal range.
Semi-brumation
There’s nothing wrong with semi-brumation if you know how to handle it properly. Semi-brumation happens when your bearded dragon goes into brumation but doesn’t fully enter it. You can tell if your bearded dragon is semi-brumating because he won’t stop moving his head and neck. He might even start chewing on his tail.
The most important thing to remember is that your bearded dragon is still in brumation. There’s no such thing as semi-brumation. Just make sure that you keep him safe during this process. Don’t let him chew on his tail or anything else that could hurt him. And try to avoid touching him until he’s fully brumated.
Parasites
Bearded dragons are prone to parasites. These little critters live inside your pet’s digestive tract and feed off its food. Some of the common parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, fleas, mites, lice, ticks, and worms.
Your bearded dragon may feel sluggish and under the weather, if he eats insects that carry parasites. You should take him to your veterinarian if you notice any signs of parasites. He can treat your bearded dragon for parasites using medication.
Hypervitaminosis D
If your bearded dragon is showing signs of hypervitaminosis D, then you should definitely consult your vet. Hypervitaminosis D is caused by owners providing inadequate diets to their dragons. Supplementation of vitamins and minerals or feeding them only dog or cat food can lead to this condition.
The symptoms of hypervitaminosis include lethargy, lack of appetite, and weight loss. These symptoms can be rectified by changing your bearded dragon’s diet or reducing or tweaking the number of vitamin supplements he receives.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Your bearded dragon may start showing signs of stress during its brumation period. Some of those signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, and lack of interest in food or water. These symptoms indicate that your bearded dragon needs to be checked by a veterinarian.
Bearded dragons grow quickly, so it’s important to keep track of how long it takes them to reach certain milestones. As they age, they should gain weight and develop more energy. But if your bearded dragon starts losing weight or doesn’t seem interested in eating, it might mean that it’s stressed.
A bearded dragon that isn’t getting enough sleep or exercise is also at risk of developing problems. If your bearded dragon seems sluggish, lethargic, or uninterested in food or water, it’s probably time to consult a specialist exotic vet.
Conclusion:
Brumation is when a lizard goes into hibernation during winter. It happens naturally, but sometimes it can happen because of stress. In either case, it’s important to monitor your bearded dragon closely and provide him with proper nutrition.
So what should you do if your bearded dragon stops eating and starts sleeping for a long time? Here are some tips to help you.
