Do bearded dragons need heat during Brumation?
It is a process very similar to hibernation that many species of reptiles go through. For this reason, your Bearded Dragon will brumate, but will not hibernate. Bearded dragons brumate because they cannot internally regulate their body temperature. Instead, they must use external sources to heat or cool their body.
What does brumation mean for a bearded dragon?
Bearded Dragon Brumation In a nutshell, brumation is to reptiles as hibernation is to mammals. Brumation is a naturally occurring cycle that a lot of bearded dragons can go through. During the brumation period, a bearded dragon may not eat, drink, defecate, or move for several weeks.
How does the Beardie behave during brumation?
How the beardie behaves during brumation can also vary greatly, with some not sleeping at all, merely resting, others sleeping in spates, and some simply having one long sleep.
Is the thermostat a cue for Beardie brumation?
If you also use a thermostat to regulate their tank temperatures, that’s another brumation cue that is gone. Even without the cues of reduced temperature and daylight, brumation is so heavily ingrained genetically that your beardie may do it regardless.
When do bearded dragons start brumating in Australia?
For instance, bearded dragons living in the southern hemisphere (such as in Australia) will typically begin brumating around March/April and may remain brumating as late into the year as August or September.
How the beardie behaves during brumation can also vary greatly, with some not sleeping at all, merely resting, others sleeping in spates, and some simply having one long sleep.
What do you need to know about bearded dragon brumation?
However, if you are new to the world of beardies, it is important to make sure you are offering ample spots for your bearded dragon to hide away during brumation. This will help closely mimic the underground holes that wild bearded dragons will seek out for protection from predators and the elements.
If you also use a thermostat to regulate their tank temperatures, that’s another brumation cue that is gone. Even without the cues of reduced temperature and daylight, brumation is so heavily ingrained genetically that your beardie may do it regardless.
What does a Beardie do in the wild?
Typically in the wild, beardies will not only hide away in burrows, but will also seal their new home with mud or dirt, creating a completely dark place. Many beardie owners like to emulate this for their pets by covering the tank in some way, usually with a blanket.
