Most people are familiar with animal hibernation, where they enter deep sleep to protect themselves from extreme weather. Hibernation helps animals recharge and build internal strength to survive cold temperatures. Brumation, often called reptile hibernation, is similar but occurs in reptiles.
Brumation is a form of winter sleep most animals experience between fall and winter. The key difference between hibernation and brumation is that reptiles slow their metabolism during brumation instead of completely shutting it down.
Bearded dragons also undergo brumation, entering a sleep-like state for several months. During this period, they stop eating altogether. Brumation is a natural process for bearded dragons, not a medical condition. For new beardie owners, this may be concerning, but it’s important not to disturb them during this time.
Things to Know About Bearded Dragon Brumation
Brumation is a deep sleep that lasts for months; all reptiles, including bearded dragons, go through it. During this period, bearded dragons experience a slow-down in their digestion, eating, and waste elimination.
While brumating, bearded dragons become sluggish and show little interest in food. This often results in weight loss, which is normal. They will seek out a quiet, isolated spot to sleep without disturbances.
Brumation benefits their health and promotes successful breeding once they awaken. Sometimes, bearded dragons may turn black during brumation, another typical occurrence.
Signs for Bearded Dragon Brumation
Your bearded dragon must communicate its needs through various signs. Before entering brumation, a beardie may display several symptoms, including:
- Increased sleep duration and lethargy
- Ā Loss of appetite
- Ā Burrowing and hiding
- Ā Less frequent bowel movements
- Ā Loss of interest in movement and individuals
- Ā Unusual aversion to being handled
It cannot be very clear for bearded dragon owners to determine if their pet is entering brumation. The key factor to consider is the season. Bearded dragons typically enter brumation around October, just before winter, although this can vary by region.
If your bearded dragon shows signs of brumation during off-seasons, it could indicate a potential health issue, such as a parasitic infection. This can lead to a decline in your dragon’s health. Always consult a veterinarian before making any conclusions.
Where and When Does Bearded Dragon Brumate?
Dragons don’t need a specific location to brumate; they seek an isolated resting spot for several months. Brumation is a dormancy period similar to hibernation. As an exotic species, bearded dragons are sensitive to their environment. To enter brumation, they search for a sheltered space.
Search for an Isolated Place
Bearded dragons seek out areas with little human or animal disturbance for brumation. Like other animals that hibernate, they look for a secure place to rest for 4-5 months until winter ends. During this period, beardies slow down their internal functions, vital for their rejuvenation and ability to withstand extreme weather changes.
Many owners wonder when their beardies undergo brumation. Typically, beardies enter brumation in the winter, which begins around mid-October and lasts until mid-March. In countries like Australia, winter starts in June so that the timing can vary.
However, if a beardie shows signs of brumation during warmer months, it may indicate a health issue, so a visit to the vet is recommended.
How Long Bearded Dragon Brumation Lasts?
Bearded dragons experience brumation for a few weeks to several months each year. Brumation is a form of deep sleep where they slow down their bodily functions to survive winter. The duration of brumation can vary but typically lasts through the winter months. In the wild, brumation lasts about three to four months. It’s essential for their survival.
However, the length of brumation can differ from one bearded dragon to another. Generally, brumation begins around one year of age and continues throughout their life. Not all bearded dragons go through brumation; some may never experience it.
Should I Try to Wake My Beardie and End Brumation?
Brumation is a critical stage for your bearded dragon. During this time, it’s essential not to disturb them. Ensure the environment is clean, which is simple to maintain since they produce minimal waste. Also, provide enough water in their dish to keep them hydrated throughout their sleep.
Always ensure the heat and temperature are moderate. For example, if your bearded dragon gets 10-12 hours of UV light exposure, reduce it by a few hours. This helps maintain their body temperature. Continue adjusting until the light is completely off.
There are no strict rules, but it’s important not to disturb your bearded dragon during deep sleep.
What Happens After a Bearded Dragon Wakes?
When a bearded dragon wakes up from brumation, two things can happen:
High Appetite
After brumation, a bearded dragon typically begins eating more to regain the weight lost during the period. Their increased interest in food leads them to explore everything offered, helping them reestablish their regular diet and routine.
Breeding Mode
Bearded dragons experience significant behavioural changes after waking up from brumation, which benefits them. Brumation allows beardies to rejuvenate their bodies and recover. During this period, they often focus more on reproduction than eating, especially when a female is nearby. It’s normal for them to behave this way. These changes become most noticeable once they wake up, with the two most common signs being related to their behaviour and reproductive instincts.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are highly energetic creatures. Observing their behaviour provides valuable insight into their needs and habits. Understanding their dietary requirements is essential, as any sudden changes in their nutrition can be harmful.
After learning about brumation, we can confirm that it is a deep sleep that all reptiles experience. Brumation is vital for their survival during harsh weather conditions. However, it is different from hibernation in several key ways.
FAQs
How long does brumation last?
Brumation is a deep sleep experienced by all reptiles, including bearded dragons. The duration of brumation varies, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It serves as a rejuvenating period for bearded dragons.
How old should a bearded dragon be before it goes into brumation?
Bearded dragons typically begin brumation after reaching one year of age. However, they usually don’t brumate until they are between ten months and one year old. Predicting the exact time for brumation can be challenging.
Do all bearded dragons brumate?
Brumation is essential for survival, but not all bearded dragons undergo it. Some beardies may show signs of brumation, while others do not. They may enter a brumation state for a few weeks or last through winter.