Because of their unique personality, bearded dragons have been growing in popularity as pets. Bearded dragons can also live up to 15 more years than other pets.
If you’re a new owner of a beardy, it can be frightening to suddenly see your beard go black. This article will explain how to change the color of your beard.
Bearded dragons change color and turn black
Because they possess chromatophores, bearded dragons can partition color to certain parts of their bodies. The cells that have chromatophores are those that contain pigments. They reflect light from the environment to create their eye and skin colors.
As your bearded dragon gets older, the color change might happen gradually. There is nothing to be concerned about if your lizard friend turns black in a few months.
Your beard can turn black or change color depending on age. This could be for communication, camouflage, and even camouflage reasons. It can occur in seconds or minutes depending on what triggers it is.
Is it bad?
Bearded dragons have the ability to change the color of their dorsal area, including the neck, tail, stomach, and chest. These changes are normal and acceptable.
Breeders carefully selected the beardies and made it possible to change their colors over time. Reptile lovers can now choose from a variety of colors and patterns thanks to their breeding efforts.
Beardies are known to experience color changes, but you need to be aware of the factors that lead to sudden color shifts. There are many reasons why a beardie might change its color, including internal factors and the environment. You will need to understand how a dragon naturally colored can turn black.
1. Temperature regulation
The most common reason a beardie turns black is temperature change. These reptiles are able to absorb heat more quickly than other colors because they thrive on high heat. When it gets cold, these reptiles turn their skin black to absorb and soak up as much heat as they can.
The black color on the dragon’s backs helps reduce the time it takes to heat up. After basking for several hours, most dragons will turn blacker in the morning.
By measuring the temperature in your pet’s enclosure, you can determine if they are cold. For baby beardies, ensure that the temperature ranges in their enclosures for adults are between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit (for adults) and 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit (for babies).
2. Feeling threatened/scared
Beardies will react to threats and show fear by turning their heads dark to warn them against any attack or interference. Other pets and your activities could be threats to beardies’ space. The color will disappear once the beardie gets used to its new environment.
You should provide a safe and secure environment for your lizard friend. You might need to be patient while you handle them, and keep other pets away.
3. Stress
As a way to release stress and project its emotions, your lizard friend may turn black. Stress triggers include birds, pets, noises or vibrations, relocation, and other pets.
You can calm it down by getting rid of the stressors. The beard will quickly return to its normal color if it is freed from stressors.
4. You are looking for a mate
The beards of male beardies are darker than those of females. This feature will attract females and let them know that it is a good mate.
Male beardy can also include head bobbing and dark features that flirt with females. This behavior is only for pets that are at least half a year old. Hormones are in control and there is nothing you can do to stop your pet from changing its color How Many Babies Do Bearded Dragons have? How many eggs?
5. After Brumating
After brumating, it is not uncommon for your bearded dragon to turn black. Its mood can be affected by brumation. This includes adjusting to longer daylight hours and finding its appetite after waking from a deep sleep.
The dragon may darken for several days or weeks before it adjusts. Do not force it. Give it the time to become their old selves.
6. Feel Territorial
If you have more than one beardy, darkening to indicate dominance is not common. If this is the case, you will notice one of your pets changing its color, especially the male, to indicate that it is now in control of the space.
When marking territory, your pet will be able to accompany the coloration with other behaviors such as head bobbing and lying on its side. Because these dragons are independent creatures, it is not a good idea to keep them in the same area. The males could harass the females or start fights for territory.
7. Feeling aggressive
A beardy can become red when it’s angry, just like a human’s face might turn red if it’s mad. This happens when the pet is in an upsetting situation or around other pets.
If your pet is changing colors, this is a sign that you have to correct the situation. Keep your pet away from your dragon if it is acting out. If it’s a bath, keep them away from your dragon.
Instead, spray it with water or place drops of water on its snout to encourage it to lick. It should only be bathed during shedding.
8. Feeling unwell or sick
You should be alert to any darkening in your lizard friend. When battling severe illness, a bearded dragon may become completely black or develop stress marks.
You may also notice other signs such as a decreased appetite, decreased movement, and swelling in the abdomen. These are all signs that your dragon might be unwell. These signs, along with the black color, should be reported to your vet immediately.
9. It is not comfortable around you
It might take some time for a beardie to get used to you if it was adopted recently. Your beardy may turn black to help it get comfortable around you.
It is best to allow it to become comfortable with you. It’s possible for it to turn black if you try to rush bonding and interact before it adjusts.
10. The loneliness of being alone
Beardies are intelligent! A lonely bearded guy will turn their neck black if he or she wants your attention. The little guy will do this if you leave it alone in its natural habitat or if you don’t pay attention for a while. It may be time to take your beardy out of its tank and snuggle it.
11. Poor General Care
Sometimes, a bearded dragon’s eyes can become darker due to miscellaneous activities. A poor diet, unfavorable lighting, and a poor environment can all cause a lizard friend to become disoriented. You can make changes to your care plan if you notice any problems with your little friend.
12. New Environment
Bearded dragons can find it overwhelming to move and settle in a new environment. Bearded dragons can feel anxious and afraid when they lose the place that they call home.
They can turn into a blackout of fear or doubt. The best thing for your lizard friend is to allow it to adjust. Once your lizard friend feels comfortable, the black color will fade.
13. Poor Lighting
Most beardie owners don’t understand the importance of lighting bearded dragons. The internet is full of misleading information that does not help.
To be healthy, bearded dragons require enough light. Beardies are best served by white UV lights. These lights increase their appetites and improve their mental health. Use the right UVB bulbs and make sure they are replaced every six months.
Summary
While the color change in beardies should not be alarming, loving parents will attempt to understand why their pet is becoming black. You can help your pet by paying attention to his surroundings.
Beardies recommend that you take a holistic approach to each situation, as some situations may require medical attention. A color change should only occur once in a while, and it should settle down quickly.
If your problem takes you ages to solve, or if your beard turns blacker than usual, take action. Keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy!
Why are there black spots on my bearded dragon?
Dark stains or markings on your dragon’s chin, throat, and belly are one of the most prevalent and clear indications of stress. If your dragon is shedding, stress markings are usual. Your new dragon is still getting used to her new home and surroundings.
What are the symptoms of bearded dragon calcium deficiency?
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms in Bearded Dragons Appetite loss. Weakness and lethargy. Stress. Constipation. The lower jaw has receded. The limbs and jaw are swollen. Bumpy spots on the spine or bones. Jaw and face bones that are soft.
What are the symptoms of parasitism in bearded dragons?
Worms are a frequent kind of intestinal parasite. Roundworms (including ascarids), hookworms, and pinworms are the most frequent diseases in reptiles. The following symptoms are common in reptiles with intestinal parasites: Appetite problems. Weight reduction. Regurgitation or vomiting. Stools that seem abnormal. Diarrhea.
Is it OK to put calcium in the water of my bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons simply cannot survive without calcium, and supplementation is the only method to ensure they get enough.
How frequently do you bathe a bearded dragon?
3 times each week Bathing your dragon three times a week should be plenty to keep it clean and hydrated. If your dragon despises showers, once a week may be an acceptable objective. If your dragon can’t get enough bath time, try doing it more regularly, perhaps even once a day.
What is the best way to know whether my bearded dragon is stressed?
6 Stress Signs in a Bearded Dragon Appetite loss. If your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating any food you provide, it might be a symptom of stress. Lower activity levels. Darker coloration. Inadequate Basking. Frantically Clawing the Terrarium Sides. Stress Marks.
What soothes a beardless dragon?
A warm bath (85-92 F) will soothe your beardie while also allowing them to clean and hydrate themselves. Every day, provide meals. Offer food on a regular basis, even if they are uninterested, in addition to their usual greens. This will encourage the beardie to associate favorably with you.
When bearded dragons are pleased, what do they look like?
How can you tell whether your bearded dragon believes you? Bearded dragons are known to demonstrate devotion to their owners, however not in the same way that dogs, cats, and other animals do. They will, for example, remain quiet when touched or sit still on their owner’s lap. Bearded dragons are not naturally gregarious creatures
What does it indicate when the skin of a bearded dragon darkens?
If you observe your bearded dragon becoming darker earlier in the day, it might be because he is attempting to absorb all of the heat that the sun is generating. Darkening aids bearded dragons in maintaining their body temperatures.