Brumation in Bearded Dragons: Signs and Treatment

Brumation refers to the hibernation state bearded dragons can enter, usually during the colder months.

Although hibernation is taught to us from an early age, we tend to associate it more with mammals such as bears than with scaly lizards. Brumation is a form of hibernation that cold-blooded animals often experience.

When kept in captivity, lizards and other cold-blooded creatures will not participate in this natural activity. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of brumation, as well as what you should do if it occurs. You could also think they are dead, sick, or dying, and treat them inappropriately during sensitive times in their lives.

This article will cover everything you need to know about bearded dragons, brumation, and what you can expect during and after.

Brumation is a cold-blooded animal’s version of hibernation. They may or not engage in it while they are in captivity. It is a natural part of their survival strategies in the wild, so you should be prepared for it.

As millions of generations of lizards before it, your bearded dragon might enter into brumation. This is common even for lizards that have been kept in captivity for many decades.

Why do Bearded Dragons Brumate

Bearded dragons are one of many lizards that brumate to survive in Central Australia’s middle of the desert. Even deserts can experience seasonal changes, especially at lower latitudes.

Your bearded dragon will have fewer food options during winter. They will build a burrow and dig into it to survive the difficult season. They build up internal reserves before they do so. Their bodies live off these as they sleep.

It is important to note that Australia is located in the southern hemisphere and experiences winter from June through August. Don’t be surprised if your Lizard “misses winter” and starts brumating in May.

Brumation: Signs and Symptoms

Although brumation may look like certain diseases that your dragon might be susceptible to, there are many signs that your dragon is not feeling well.

These include:

• Sleep more soundly
• Sleeping earlier and longer
• Shade is best
• A diminished appetite
• Reduce the frequency of urinating

Bearded dragons that feel the need to rest and take a nap will cut down on their food intake. They won’t eat or limit their food intake. You may have a brumating Dragon if this is combined with an exponentially longer sleep time.

However, it is a good idea to have a fecal test performed at your veterinarian’s office. These symptoms may be similar to other harmful illnesses such as parasite load. Don’t assume you know everything.

Timing and length of rumination

When they are kept in captivity, your bearded dragon will not be in danger of starving to death. They need to be fed regularly and given water. They don’t have to depend on Mother Nature for their care.

Your dragon may not know this, nor their genetics.

Although they may adjust to captivity, their brumation lengths are not as consistent as in the wild.

Bearded dragons can brumate for as long as four months. Be patient and allow them to brumate for as long as they require. Fighting their instincts will confuse them and can even cause sickness.

What to do during Brumation

It is not a sign that your bearded dragon has brumates.

To ensure your dragon’s safety, there are some things you should do as a responsible owner. To begin, have your dragon’s feces tested to ensure that you are aware of how to care for them.

Once you have received the okay from your vet, you will need to track two things: the heat and lighting in their enclosure as well as the food and water you provide them. You are working with them to replicate winter in their natural environment. You should continue to monitor them daily once they start to brumate.

Heat and light

You can reduce the heating of your bearded dragon’s home each day for the next few weeks as soon as you notice signs they are trying to brumate. You can reduce heating to the point that there is no heating at all.

Reduce their basking time. To keep their day cooler, you can use a less-wattage bulb. You can keep the temperature low until your dragon moves again. Gradually increase their heat and sunlight each day.

At the end of the process, you can completely turn off the heat and UVB light. The wild dragon would live in a burrow that is covered with dirt. The shelter would remain cool and dark because there would not be any light.

You can protect your lizard by covering its enclosure with newspaper or a thin blanket if they are in a room that requires you to turn on the lights. You should ensure that they are able to breathe on the inside.

Water and food

You should stop feeding your dragon once they have to brumate completely. It is completely natural for them to stay in their burrows for several weeks, and not eat any food.

If your dragon has a full stomach, it may sleep on it for several weeks. The food inside them will start to rot. They will naturally avoid food when they begin to brumate. You should respect their signs and refrain from feeding them.

If their food starts to rot, they may experience serious health issues.

It is not necessary to water them during the brumation process. A small water bowl should be placed in the enclosure. You should place it a little closer to your child while they are sleeping so that they can reach it easily if they awaken. It should be refreshed every week.

What to Expect during Brumation

A healthy bearded dragon will lose three to four grams on average. Their bodies function at a lower level than normal, so they don’t lose much weight. A parasite or illness could cause significant weight loss and you will need to see a vet.

You can monitor their weight by weighing them once or twice a week. You shouldn’t bother them if you do it efficiently.

Researchers have discovered that hormone changes are occurring in the dragons while they sleep, even though you don’t actually see them. Cool temperatures positively impact male sperm production. Warmer temperatures are also beneficial for female ovulation.

If you want to breed bearded Dragons, brumation will be vital for optimal reproduction.

What to do for Bearded Dragons after Brumation?

It can take weeks to care for a sleeping creature, but once they are awake, you will see them smiling or scooting around the enclosure.

Bathing your child is a great way to start their day. This also provides an opportunity to stimulate their thirst. You can gradually turn everything back on and then give them more food until they eat the same amount. It is likely that they won’t eat much initially, but this is normal.

They will have an appetite once they eat normally. Make sure they eat a balanced diet and make sure to give them plenty of water.

You have done your job well as Mother Nature if they are happy and healthy after brumation. You can add brumation to your experience list.