What is Brumation?

If you are new to the world of reptile keeping, brumation might be a term that you haven’t heard before. Brumation is a form of hibernation that is commonly observed in reptiles. During brumation, reptiles enter a state of decreased activity and reduced metabolism, which is brought on by changes in environmental conditions such as temperature and daylight hours.

Bearded dragons, like many other reptiles, undergo brumation. This means that they may become less active and eat less during the winter months when temperatures drop. It’s important for pet owners to understand brumation, as it can be a confusing and concerning time if you don’t know what to expect.

Can I Wake My Bearded Dragon Up from Brumation?

One of the most common questions that new bearded dragon owners have is whether it’s safe to wake their pet up from brumation. The answer is no – you should never try to wake your bearded dragon up from brumation.

During brumation, bearded dragons naturally lower their body temperature and enter a state of reduced activity. This is a normal process that allows them to conserve energy and survive through the winter months. If you wake your bearded dragon up from brumation, you could cause them to become stressed and confused, which could lead to health problems down the road.

How Can I Tell If My Bearded Dragon is Brumating?

If you are new to owning a bearded dragon, you might be wondering how you can tell if your pet is brumating. The signs of brumation can be subtle, but there are a few things that you can look out for:

• Reduced activity – bearded dragons may be less active than usual during brumation
• Reduced appetite – your bearded dragon may eat less, or not at all, during brumation
• Hiding – bearded dragons may spend more time hiding away during brumation
• Lower body temperature – you may notice that your bearded dragon’s body temperature is lower than usual, as they are trying to conserve energy

Should I Do Anything While My Bearded Dragon is Brumating?

While you shouldn’t try to wake your bearded dragon up from brumation, there are a few things that you can do to help make the process easier for your pet:

• Keep their enclosure clean and comfortable – even if your bearded dragon is not using their basking spot or favorite hiding spot right now, it’s important to make sure that their enclosure is clean and comfortable
• Make sure they have access to fresh water – it’s important to make sure that your bearded dragon has access to clean, fresh water at all times
• Monitor their weight – while it’s normal for bearded dragons to lose some weight during brumation, you should still monitor their weight to make sure that they are not losing too much
• Don’t handle them – it’s best to avoid handling your bearded dragon while they are brumating, as this can be stressful and disrupt their natural process

When Should I Be Concerned About My Bearded Dragon’s Brumation?

While brumation is a normal process for bearded dragons, there are situations where you should be concerned and seek veterinary attention:

• Lack of bowel movement for extended periods of time
• Significant weight loss
• Unresponsiveness
• Abnormal breathing
• Discharge from the nostrils or mouth
• Sunken or discolored eyes
• Frequent regurgitation or vomiting

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Your bearded dragon may have an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

Brumation is a normal process for bearded dragons, and it’s important for owners to understand what it is and how to care for their pet during this time. While you may be concerned about your bearded dragon’s health during brumation, it’s best to let them go through the process naturally and avoid waking them up. By keeping an eye on your bearded dragon’s weight and health, and seeking veterinary attention if necessary, you can ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy throughout the brumation period.