This guide covers everything you need to know about bearded dragon brumation—from when it starts to when it ends. Recognize the key signs, how to care for your reptile during this “hibernation-like” period, and what to do before, during, and after. Whether you are adjusting temperatures, knowing when to stop feeding, or ensuring your bearded dragon’s health, this guide will help you manage a smooth and healthy brumation cycle for your bearded dragon!
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Bearded Dragon Brumation
When Do Bearded Dragons Brumate?
Bearded dragons brumate in winter.
Winter occurs in the southern hemisphere, such as in Australia, from June to August. During these months, the cooler temperatures and shorter days trigger bearded dragon brumation.
Conversely, in the northern hemisphere, winter spans from December to February. The northern hemisphere includes Canada, Ireland, Spain, Germany, the USA, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Bearded dragons in these regions would typically enter brumation during these months, aligning with the local climatic conditions.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Brumate?
How long bearded dragons hibernate can vary depending on the individual bearded dragon, environmental conditions, health, and age. Typically, brumation in bearded dragons lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Both natural and captive environmental conditions can influence the duration and intensity of brumation.
What Age Can Bearded Dragons Brumate?
Ideally, bearded dragons in captivity will only brumate after 6 months old. However, it is best to consult your vet to ensure they are ready.
In the wild, they only reach the age of 1 to 4 months before winter arrives, and brumation comes knocking (Wotherspoon, 2007). Preventing bearded dragons under a year old from brumating is generally recommended. Consult with your vet for guidance in your specific case.
What Are The Triggers For A Bearded Dragon To Brumate?
Bearded dragon brumation, also known as hibernation, is influenced by environmental cues, a combination of lower temperatures and fewer daylight hours. Barboza et al. (2022) explain these triggers:
- Temperature Drop: As the temperature falls, bearded dragons’ bodies slow down their metabolism to conserve energy, similar to what happens in the wild when food becomes scarce.
- Shorter Daylight Hours: A reduction in daylight also signals to bearded dragons that it is time to enter brumation, even if temperatures stay the same. Mimicking natural light cycles in their enclosure is important.
- Both Triggers Together: Both cooler temperatures and shorter days are needed for full brumation. If only one changes, your bearded dragon may not fully brumate, leading to stress.
- Seasonal Timing: Bearded dragons have an internal clock that responds to gradual seasonal changes. Adjusting their environment slowly is important for effective brumation.
Should My Bearded Dragon Brumate?
Healthy bearded dragons should be hibernated to help consume excess lipid reserves (Boyer, 2015).
According to the research by Barboza et al. (2022), not allowing a bearded dragon to brumate can pose significant health risks, particularly related to hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic lipidosis a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. The study highlights that bearded dragons in captivity are at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease when they do not undergo brumation. The absence of brumation disrupts the natural cycle of fat metabolism. In turn this leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver, which is not properly utilized because the bearded dragon is not in its natural dormancy.
Does Bearded Dragon Brumation Last All Winter?
Beearded dragon brumation can be naturally interupted temporarily in the right conditions. In the wild bearded dragons, like many reptiles will go into brumation. However, in Australia (bearded dragons native homeland) some winters days are quite warm and sunny. On those warm sunny days it is common to see reptiles come out of brumation for the day, have a drink, perhaps a snack and then return to the winter dormancy. To replicate this return the heating and lighting to normal and if your bearded dragon wants to come out of hibernation for the day then it will respond.
Will My Bearded Dragon Lose Weight When Brumating?
Yes, bearded dragons will lose weight when brumating. Using stored fat during brumation is normal, and without this natural process, bearded dragons are at risk of fatty liver disease.
Signs A Bearded Dragon Is Going Into Brumation
Bearded dragons exhibit a range of behaviors prior to entering brumation. Common signs of bearded dragons preparing for brumation are:
- Decreased appetite: Bearded dragons may show reduced interest in food or eat less frequently. This change in eating habits is a natural part of their preparation for a period of dormancy.
- Fewer bowel movements: With less food intake, there will also be less poop.
- Lethargy: A noticeable decrease in activity as winter approaches. Bearded dragons might become less active during the day, spending more time resting or sleeping.
- Burying or hiding: Bearded dragons typically seek out secluded spots. They often burrow in their substrate or hide in their enclosure as they prepare for brumation. Let them bury themselves or hide; this is normal
Preparing For Brumation
Pre-Brumation Health Check
Brumation can be a dangerous time for a bearded dragon that has health issues. Book a pre brumation vet check. Vets will look at their overall health, and parasite load. This will help provide peace of mind during brumation.
Preparation Of Habitat
Provide your bearded dragon with a comfortable and secure area to rest. Make sure their enclosure is clean. To create more privacy during this time, add extra hiding spots using caves, cardboard boxes, logs, or large rocks.
Provide a dig box for your bearded dragon to burrow in if it chooses. Cover the sand in the dig box with hay or paper so that it can hide underneath.
Replicate Natural Conditions For Brumation
For a bearded dragon to go into brumation, its enclosure needs to mimic its natural environmental conditions. To trigger this hibernation-like state, gradually adjust the lighting and temperature in its habitat to simulate the winter conditions it would experience in the wild.
Starting late autumn, gradually reduce the temperature by a few degrees for a few weeks until you reach the optimal brumation temperature range of 16–21°C (60–75°F). At the same time, the daily light cycle is shortened to 10 hours (Strimple & Strimple, 1998; Stahl, 1999). You do not require basking area heating during brumation. However, if the basking heating keeps the cool area at the correct temperature, it can be left as is.
Feeding And Digestive Processes
Bearded dragon brumation naturally reduces their appetite, and their digestive processes slow down.
In the weeks leading up to brumation, you may notice a gradual decrease in your bearded dragon’s appetite. This is a natural response to the changing conditions and an indication that their body is preparing for brumation.
At the end of autumn, gradually reduce their food intake until it completely stops, as you also reduce the temperature and lighting cycle period. Once in brumation, bearded dragons will not eat, and their digestive system essentially shuts down. If you are unsure when to stop feeding or have concerns about your bearded dragon’s health, consult your veterinarian.
My Bearded Dragon Has Started to Brumate, What Do I Do?
Water And Hydration During Brumation
Hydration plays a crucial role in the health of bearded dragons. During bearded dragon brumation, their need for water is reduced but still necessary. Here’s how you can ensure your bearded dragon stays adequately hydrated during this period:
- Monitor humidity levels: As always, continue to provide and check the humidity level in the enclosure. Bearded dragons require a specific humidity range for optimal health, and this becomes even more important during brumation.
- Give your bearded dragon drops of water: Provide a few drops of water on the tip of its nose if you notice the signs of dehydration are increasing. If it needs to drink, then it should be interested.
- Providing a Shallow Water Bowl: Keep a shallow bowl of fresh water in the enclosure. While some bearded dragons may not drink from still water, it’s important to have it available.
- Checking for Dehydration: Periodically check for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or wrinkled skin.
Should I Bathe My Bearded Dragon During Brumation?
Bathing a bearded dragon during brumation is generally not recommended. Brumation is a period of dormancy similar to hibernation, during which bearded dragons significantly reduce their physical activities and metabolic processes. Disturbing them with baths can disrupt this natural cycle and potentially be stressful.
Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon During Brumation?
Bearded dragons do not require feeding during brumation.
Feeding a bearded dragon during brumation can be harmful. The temperatures are too low to support digestion.
Sometimes bearded dragons will wake up briefly during brumation. Mayhew’s 1965 research on horned lizards highlights that feeding is not necessary during these brief waking moments. These lizards are adapted to survive periods of low activity and low food intake.
Should I Turn My Bearded Dragon’s Lights Off During Brumation?
The bearded dragon’s enclosure lights should be on a winter cycle during brumation. Ten hours of light per day is sufficient.
What Happens To My Bearded Dragon When It Wakes Up?
Once the bearded dragon brumation period has ended, they gradually wake up and become more active. The process can take several days to a week. Their metabolism starts to increase, and as a result, their energy levels rise as well. During this time, they may have a lower appetite than usual but will slowly regain their normal hunger levels as their body adjusts.
The Capraro 2019 study shows that when bearded dragons wake up from brumation, their bodies quickly start working again to get them ready for normal activities. Here is what happens in simple terms:
1. Body Prepares for Activity:
When bearded dragons wake up, the study found that several parts of their bodies, like the brain, heart, and muscles, undergo rapid changes. These changes help them get back to normal quickly so they can start moving, eating, and acting more like they usually do.
2. Back to Eating and Moving:
The rapid changes in their body help the bearded dragon get its appetite back and restore its energy for movement. This is why, after brumation, you may notice your bearded dragon becoming more active and starting to eat again.
3. Breeding Season:
Bearded dragons come out of hibernation ready for the breeding season. Having come out of brumation, males typically display courtship behaviors, such as head bobbing and beard darkening, when introduced to female bearded dragons.
When your bearded dragon wakes up from brumation, it quickly returns to its usual routine of eating and moving around. Its body is designed to adapt quickly, helping it adjust after its long rest.
For more, the post Bearded Dragon Hibernation explains what happens to your bearded dragons body during hibernation.
Resetting Normal Conditions
As soon your bearded dragon wakes up:
- Heat and UVB lighting should be restored to normal over the next couple of weeks.
- Provide fresh water.
- Build up the food intake with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Health Assessment
Once your bearded dragon has woken from brumation, assess its health. Some common health concerns to look out for include:
- Weight loss: It’s normal for bearded dragons to lose some weight during brumation, but excessive weight loss (over 10% of their body weight) may need attention from a veterinarian (Chang, Li, Hall, Eden, Hyndman, Holmes, & Rose. 2020).
- Bowel movements: As their metabolism increases, bearded dragons should start having regular bowel movements again. If they do not, consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.
- Behavioral changes: Monitor your dragon closely for any drastic behavioral changes such as lethargy, aggression, or appetite loss, as these could be signs of an underlying health problem. It is not uncommon for a bearded dragon, particularly males, to become aggressive after brumation as hormones kick in for the mating season.
Readjusting To Normal Routine
Once your bearded dragon starts to regain its usual energy levels and appetite, work on reintroducing it to its normal routine. This includes feeding it its regular diet, resuming routine basking times, and facilitating exercise and mental stimulation opportunities.
Keep in mind that each bearded dragon is unique, and the time it takes to fully recover and adjust from brumation will vary. Monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and consult with a reptile veterinarian if any concerns arise.
Should I Wake My Bearded Dragon During Brumation
It’s best to avoid interrupting the bearded dragon’s brumation cycle, as this can lead to stress and potential health issues. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to wake them up temporarily for essential care. In these instances, gently warm your pet up and give it time to adjust before returning it to its brumating state.
Preventing Or Stopping Brumation
Bearded dragon brumation can be encourage by providing winter conditions. Conversely you can get your bearded dragon out of brumation or prevent it all together.
How Do I Stop My Bearded Dragon Brumation?
Getting a bearded dragon out of brumation or preventing it altogether requires understanding and manipulating their environmental cues. Bearded dragons enter brumation in response to changes in light and temperature, which mimic the natural approach of winter. Even if they are kept in summer-like conditions inside their enclosure, something as simple as exposure to natural light that is reduced in length (which occurs in winter) from a window can influence their internal rhythms, signaling that it is time for brumation.
To Prevent Bearded Dragon Brumation
- Control Light Exposure: Ensure that your bearded dragon’s enclosure is not influenced by the natural light changes from outside, especially near a window. Artificial lighting should be used to maintain consistent light patterns that mimic summer with longer daylight hours.
- Maintain Warm Temperatures: Keep the temperature inside the enclosure consistently warm, similar to summer conditions in their natural habitat. The cooler area of the enclosure should be set to the temperatures recommended for summer.
- Monitor Feeding and Activity: Maintain a regular feeding schedule and ensure your bearded dragon remains active. A decrease in appetite and activity can be preludes to brumation.
Procedure To Stop Bearded Dragon Brumation
- Gradually increase light and heat: Slowly increase the hours of light and the temperature in the enclosure to simulate the coming of spring over a few weeks.
- Encourage activity: Once you start changing the environment, gently encourage your bearded dragon to become more active. You can do this by interacting with them more frequently and offering food.
- Consult a veterinarian: If you are trying to bring a bearded dragon out of brumation for health reasons, if it’s not responding to environmental changes, or if something does not seem right, consult a veterinarian.
My Bearded Dragon Won’t Brumate
If your bearded dragon does not brumate, then the conditions and triggers required to induce brumation are not right.
Barboza et al. (2022) emphasize that brumation requires both temperature reduction and shorter daylight hours for bearded dragons to fully enter brumation. If only one of these changes occurs—such as reduced light but warmer temperatures—the bearded dragon might show signs of partial dormancy but may not enter full brumation. This incomplete brumation can lead to stress and disrupt their natural biological processes. In addition, brumation requires the winter season. It’s not just about how much the temperature or light changes, but when these changes happen. Bearded dragons seem to have an internal biological clock that recognizes the timing of seasonal cues. This suggests that sudden or out-of-season changes may not trigger brumation as effectively as gradual, natural shifts would.
Risks Of Brumation
What Are The Risks Of Not Brumating?
In captivity, where environmental conditions are controlled, bearded dragons may not experience the same seasonal changes that trigger brumation in the wild. However, this lack of seasonal cues can prevent bearded dragons from entering brumation naturally, leading to an increased risk of liver-related health issues (Barboza et al., 2022).
Brumation plays an essential role in maintaining a bearded dragon’s liver health by helping regulate fat storage and preventing the buildup of harmful lipid deposits in the liver (Barboza et al., 2022).
Another study on the smooth green snake discussed the trade-offs related to temperature response post-release when reptiles are kept active instead of undergoing brumation (Sacerdote-Velat et al., 2014). This indicates that skipping the brumation process can impact the reptile’s normal physiological functions, suggesting that brumation is an integral part of their life cycle.
What Are The Risks Of Brumating?
While “bearded dragon brumation” is a critical aspect of their life cycle, it requires management in captivity to avoid potential complications.
One of the primary risks during “bearded dragon brumation” is the possibility of health complications arising from improper conditions. A study on tortoises and turtles highlighted the importance of clinical health checks, including blood testing before brumation, to reduce the risk of complications (Leineweber et al., 2021). These checks are crucial in identifying any underlying health issues that could be exacerbated during the brumation period.
Bearded dragons’ safety during brumation can be impacted by their current load of parasites or environmental factors, such as the temperature and humidity of the brumation environment. Inadequate conditions can lead to stress, illness, or, in extreme cases, death.
To minimize these risks, replicate natural brumation conditions as closely as possible. In addition, regular health checks, proper environmental conditions, and a thorough understanding of the brumation process are key to ensuring the safety and well-being of bearded dragons during this period.
Brumation is a natural part of a bearded dragon’s life, but it can come with some health risks, especially when they wake up from this deep rest (Chang et al. 2020). Here are the key risks and how you, as a pet owner, can reduce them to keep your bearded dragon safe.
1. Increased Risk of Illness
One of the main concerns during and after brumation is that bearded dragons can become more vulnerable to getting sick. Chang et al. (2020) found that some bearded dragons showed signs of illness after brumation, including being very tired and even dying within 24 hours. This happens because their immune system (which fights off infections) is weaker during this time.
- What You Can Do: Keep your bearded dragon’s enclosure clean, make sure they have fresh water, and monitor their health before they go into brumation. By keeping their environment tidy and free from germs, you can help reduce the chance of them getting sick.
2. Slower Body Functions During Brumation
During brumation, your bearded dragon’s body slows down a lot to save energy. This helps them survive when there is less food around, but it also makes fighting off infections harder. Chang et al. (2020) found that their immune system slowed down during this time, making them more prone to illness.
- What You Can Do: Pay close attention to your bearded dragon when they wake up from brumation. If they seem unwell, aren’t eating, or are acting strangely, it’s important to contact a vet. Keeping their environment clean and limiting their exposure to other animals during this time can also help.
3. Stress After Brumation
Waking up from brumation can be stressful for your bearded dragon. Chang et al. (2020) noted that their body “waking up” can put extra pressure on their system, which might lead to health problems.
- What You Can Do: Help your bearded dragon transition out of brumation by gradually increasing the temperature in their enclosure and extending the light exposure each day. This slow adjustment will help them get back to normal more comfortably. Make sure they have access to fresh water and monitor them closely for any signs of illness.
Is My Bearded Dragon Dead Or Brumating?
Sometimes, pet owners are concerned their bearded dragon has died instead of brumating. Bearded dragons will occasionally move or shift positions. Their bodies will remain pliable and not stiff, and they will continue to breathe, albeit at a slower rate. A bearded dragon that has died will not be pliable but stiff, and it cannot shift any limbs.
Bearded dragon brumation is akin to a profound sleep. During brumation, the bearded dragon’s eyes are shut. If the reptile is still, as if it were in brumation, and its eyes are open, it is unlikely to be brumating.
Dormant lizards in Mayhew’s study were still responsive to external stimuli. When disturbed, they could right themselves if placed on their backs, suggesting that their reflexes remain functional while they are in a deep rest. This observation reinforces that dormancy is not a state of complete inactivity but one in which the reptile remains capable of basic movements when necessary.
It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian experienced in reptile care if in doubt.
Bearded Dragon Brumation Conclusion
While bearded dragon brumation is natural, there are risks involved whether you allow it to brumate or not.
Brumation, or hibernation, allows bearded dragons to conserve energy during colder months when resources are limited. Studies show that bearded dragons use complex mechanisms to regulate their metabolism and survive without food or water for extended periods.
To care for a brumating bearded dragon, closely monitor its behavior, body temperature, and health. Providing a proper environment—a cooler, darker, safe space—supports a successful brumation. Be mindful of potential health issues, such as hepatic lipidosis, and address them early with proper care. Brief awakenings are part of the overall brumation process for bearded dragons. Understanding and managing this cycle is part of responsible reptile ownership.
FAQs
Do Bearded Dragons brumate in summer?
Bearded dragons do not brumate in summer. Brumation typically starts in late autumn and continues into early winter.
How long do Bearded Dragon’s brumate for?
The duration of brumation can vary for each bearded dragon. Generally, it can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Factors such as the individual dragon’s age, overall health, and environmental conditions can influence the exact duration of brumation.
References
- Barboza, T., Susta, L., Reavill, D., & Beaufrère, H. (2022). Prevalence and risk factors of hepatic lipid changes in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Veterinary Pathology, 60(1), 3009858221105058
- Boyer, T. H. (2015). Diseases of Bearded Dragons. AV017 Conference Note.
- Capraro, A., O’Meally, D., Waters, S., Patel, H., Georges, A., & Waters, P. (2020). MicroRNA dynamics during hibernation of the Australian central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Scientific Reports, 10(1).
- Capraro, A., O’Meally, D., Waters, S., Patel, H., Georges, A., & Waters, P. (2019). Waking the sleeping dragon: gene expression profiling reveals adaptive strategies of the hibernating reptile Pogona vitticeps. BMC Genomics, 20(1).
- Cadena, V., Rankin, K., Smith, K. R., Endler, J. A., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2017). Temperature-induced colour change varies seasonally in bearded dragon lizards. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 123(2), 422–430.
- Chang, W.S., Li, C.X., Hall, J., Eden, J.S., Hyndman, T. H., Holmes, E. C., & Rose, K. (2020). Meta-Transcriptomic Discovery of a Divergent Circovirus and a Chaphamaparvovirus in Captive Reptiles with Proliferative Respiratory Syndrome. Viruses, 12(10), 1073.
- Leineweber, C., Stöhr, A., Öfner, S., Mathes, K., & Marschang, R. (2021). Plasma capillary zone electrophoresis and plasma chemistry analytes in tortoises (Testudo hermanni, Testudo graeca) and turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans, Graptemys spp.) in fall. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 51, 915-925.
- Sacerdote-Velat, A., Earnhardt, J., Mulkerin, D., Boehm, D., & Glowacki, G. (2014). Evaluation of headstarting and release techniques for population augmentation and reintroduction of the smooth green snake. Animal Conservation, 17.
- Stahl, S. (1999) General husbandry and captive propagation of bearded dragons, Pogona vitticeps. Bull Assoc Rept Amphib Vet, 9(4): 12-19.
- Strimple, P, & Strimple, J. (1998) Bearded dragons: a beginner’s guide to captive husbandry and reproduction. Reptiles USA Mag, Annual: 28–44.
- Vosjoil, P. D., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S., & Klingenberg, R. J. (2016). The Bearded Dragon Manual: Expert Advice for Keeping
- Wotherspoon, A. D. (2024). Ecology and management of Eastern bearded dragon: Pogona barbata. UWS Research Direct Website; University Western Sydney.
