Brumation is something usually associated with wintertime because it’s when most lizards tend to go into hibernation.
But in some cases, bearded dragon brumation may occur in the summer months, although it is less common than during the winter.
Bearded dragons may enter brumation in summer if the tank is too cold, the daylight hours are too short, or the lighting is inadequate. Brumation may also occur naturally for bearded dragons during summer when temperatures become too hot or dry, and this type of brumation is called aestivation.
However, if your bearded dragon is trying to brumate out of season (in the summer), or they are under a year old, it is highly likely that its health is compromised.
Let’s discuss more.
Signs Of Brumation In Bearded Dragons
Your beardie may be entering brumation if the following signs are present:
- Decrease in activity
- Sleeping for a longer period
- Seeking an insulated location to rest
- Retreating to cooler areas of the enclosure
- Loss of appetite
- Going to sleep earlier
- Hiding in the shade
How To Help Your Bearded Dragon Prepare To Brumate
Research shows that up to 40% of bearded dragon owners have reported their pets engaging in brumation despite the warmer temperatures!
So how do you help your bearded dragon prepare for its summer slumber?
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Take a Trip to the Vet | Before brumation, it’s important to ensure your bearded dragon is healthy enough to undergo the process. A trip to the vet can help determine if your pet is ready and identify any health issues that may need to be addressed. |
| Prepare a Hide | Providing a suitable hide is important for bearded dragons as it helps them feel secure and comfortable during brumation. The hide should be large enough for the bearded dragon to fit inside and should be placed in a cool, dark area away from any distractions. |
| Gradually Change the Lighting and Temperature | Bearded dragons require specific lighting and temperature conditions for brumation. To prepare your pet for this, it’s important to gradually change the lighting and temperature in their enclosure. This should be done over a period of several weeks, reducing the amount of light and warmth provided until the appropriate conditions are reached. |
| Don’t Stress Your Pet | During brumation, bearded dragons will naturally reduce their activity levels and may not eat or drink for extended periods of time. It’s important to avoid stressing your pet during this time, as this can be harmful to their health. Avoid handling your pet unless necessary and monitor them closely for any signs of distress. |
How To Care For Your Brumating Bearded Dragon
Caring for a brumating bearded dragon during the summer months is essential.
Here are some tips on how to care for your brumating beardie in the summertime:
- Make sure that your beardie has plenty of food available while they are brumating. Feed them small amounts of food throughout the day, such as crickets or mealworms. You should also sprinkle some calcium powder onto their food every other day so they can get enough calcium while they’re not eating much. Make sure that there is always fresh water available for them too!
- Maintain an appropriate temperature range in their enclosure during the summer months. Use a basking lamp to ensure that temperatures don’t drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit at any time – this will help prevent them from becoming dehydrated or getting ill from cold weather conditions. Also, if possible put a heat mat under one side of their tank so they have another source of warmth if needed.
- Be sure to check on your beardie regularly while they are brumating – even though they may seem inactive, they still need daily observation and occasional health checks. If you notice anything out of the ordinary like changes in behavior or appetite, take them to the vet right away!
How To End The Brumation Season For Bearded Dragon
It’s important to understand that brumation in the summer for bearded dragons is a natural process and one that should not be discouraged.
However, it is also important to know when to end the brumation season for your pet dragon.
The best way to bring an end to your dragon’s brumating period is first by increasing its temperature gradually over the course of several days or weeks until it reaches a comfortable level (about 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Then provide plenty of fresh food items such as insects, greens, and other vegetables while adding some calcium supplements into its diet too during this transitionary period.
You may also want to give your beardie access to UVB lighting (which helps stimulate activity) on a daily basis as well as offer up physical activities like climbing branches or swimming in shallow water baths every now and then.
How To Care For Your Dragon In Brumation
If your bearded dragon has begun its brumation period during the summer months, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that your pet is as comfortable as possible during this time.
You should also make sure you provide plenty of hiding spots and bedding materials like moss or soil for them to burrow into if needed.
Second, it’s essential to provide your beardie with adequate nutrition while they’re brumating. If they’re not eating much due to decreased activity levels, supplementing their diet with high-calorie foods such as mealworms and crickets will help keep them healthy throughout the process.
Additionally, providing moist hides filled with damp sphagnum moss will help boost water intake which is especially important when appetite decreases significantly.
Finally, be sure to check on your pet regularly even though they may seem inactive; monitor their weight closely since this could indicate any underlying health issues or dehydration during this time.
How To Get A Bearded Dragon Out Of Brumation
As winter melts away and summertime approaches, the hibernation of your beloved bearded dragon may come to an end.
This is a time when you’ll want to be extra careful in how you handle them as they transition out of their sleep-like state.
It’s necessary to ensure that during this vulnerable period, you don’t overstimulate or stress them out too much.
To ease them back into life after brumation, start off slowly by providing only small amounts of food at first. You could offer things like soft insects or cooked diced vegetables until their appetite returns fully.
Additionally, provide heat sources such as lamps and basking spots so they can regulate their body temperature properly again.
Once they’ve become acclimated to their environment again, gradually increase the amount of food given each day while allowing plenty of time for rest between feeds.
Conclusion
As a bearded dragon owner, you should be aware of brumation and the signs that indicate your dragon is ready to enter this state.
By understanding what kinds of behaviors signal brumation and how to properly care for them during the process, you can make sure your beloved pet has everything they need while entering into this natural phase of its life cycle.