Owner's Guide to Bearded Dragon Brumation

Bearded dragon brumation is a period of hibernation that occurs during the winter months. Many new owners mistakenly think their dragon is sick when this happens. It's also common for some dragons not to brumate at all. Either way, there are a few things you should know just in case. This article will discuss some of these things.

Light

As mentioned previously, these lizards brumate during the winter months. Therefore, you should try to imitate the natural light cycle. Slowly reduce the amount of light you provide your dragon until it's down to eight or ten hours a day. This will help ease him into the brumation period. After winter has passed, you should gradually increase the light back up to 14 hours a day.

Heat

With winter comes less heat. Therefore, you also need to gradually decrease the temperature. In the daytime, it should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Although dragons can be kept in temperatures in the 50s, it's best that you don't let the temperature drop below 60 degrees at night. After winter, slowly increase the temperature back to normal.

Burrowing

It's common for dragons to bury themselves during this period. Therefore, you should be a good owner and provide an area in the vivarium for him to burrow. One of the best materials to use for this area is aspen.

Activity

You should already know by now that all dragons don't brumate. Even when they do, they sometimes get up and move around. If you're dragon is active, you should give him a little bit of food. Just make sure that you don't give him too much. It's not good for a brumating dragon to have undigested food in his system.

There is probably much more bearded dragon info that you need to learn. Luckily, bearded-dragon-care.net is a great resource for all owners. So, come by today to read about topics such as common bearded dragon health problems.