Introduction

If you own a bearded dragon, you may have heard of the term brumation before. However, for beginner reptile owners, the term can be confusing, and they may not fully understand what it means or how to deal with it.

In this guide, we will discuss all the things you need to know about brumation in bearded dragons. We will explain what it is, its signs, symptoms, and how to prepare and care for your bearded dragon during this period.

What is Brumation?

Brumation is the reptile equivalent of hibernation. It is a period of semi-dormancy that bearded dragons enter into during the winter months. Brumation allows them to conserve energy and survive through the cold weather.

Brumation is a natural process that bearded dragons go through, and it can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. During this period, your bearded dragon’s metabolism, activity level, and appetite will decrease significantly.

Signs and Symptoms of Brumation

During brumation, bearded dragons will display several signs and symptoms that indicate they are entering this phase. The following are some common brumation signs and symptoms you may observe in your pet bearded dragon:

Decreased Activity Levels

One noticeable sign of brumation is decreased activity levels. Your pet bearded dragon may become lethargic, and you may notice that it spends most of its time sleeping or basking in its enclosure.

Loss of Appetite

When your bearded dragon is about to enter brumation, it will start to lose its appetite. As the weeks go by, it may refuse to eat altogether, and you may need to force-feed or provide alternative food sources to keep your pet healthy and nourished.

Change in Coloration

During brumation, your bearded dragon’s skin color may change. It may become pale, opaque, or dull. This is because their metabolism is slowing down, and their body is trying to conserve energy.

Bowel Movements

Your bearded dragon may not defecate while in brumation, and this is normal. However, before brumation, it is essential to make sure your pet is adequately hydrated and has emptied its bowels, so there are no complications during the dormant phase.

Preparing for Brumation

Bearded dragons need to be adequately prepared for brumation. While the process is natural and essential, incorrect preparation may lead to health issues for your pet. Here are some things you need to do before your bearded dragon goes into brumation:

Provide Adequate Nutrition

Before your pet goes into brumation, ensure it is adequately nourished as the metabolic rate will decrease significantly. Provide them with good-quality food, and increase their feeding frequency and prey size.

Ensure Proper Hydration

Your bearded dragon must be adequately hydrated before brumation. Provide them with fresh water daily and ensure that they drink water. Dehydration may cause various health complications, such as gout and renal disease.

Provide a Suitable Enclosure

During brumation, bearded dragons need a safe and warm environment to rest. Ensure that their enclosure has the correct temperature and humidity levels and provide a hiding spot or a designated area where they can rest peacefully.

Caring for Your Bearded Dragon During Brumation

While bearded dragons are in brumation, pet owners must be vigilant about their care. Here are a few things you can do:

Maintain Optimal Temperatures

During brumation, keep your bearded dragon’s enclosure at a constant temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C). This will prevent them from becoming too cold and going into deep hibernation.

Providing Additional Heat

While it’s essential to keep the temperature steady, you should also provide additional heat sources such as a heat mat or a ceramic heater. Ensure that the heat source is not too close to your pet to prevent burns.

Reducing Light Exposure

Bearded dragons are photoperiodic, meaning they respond to changes in light conditions. To encourage brumation, reduce the amount of light exposure by turning off the lights in their enclosure or reducing the photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily.

Conclusion

Brumation is a natural process that bearded dragons go through during the winter months. As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to understand this phenomenon to ensure that your pet stays healthy throughout the process. Remember to provide adequate nutrition, hydration, and an appropriate enclosure. Keep a close eye on your pet bearded dragon during brumation and take the necessary steps to maintain optimal temperatures and light exposure.