Brumation in bearded dragons can be confusing. While some beardie owners think it’s mandatory and intentionally induce it on their pets, others mistake it for hibernation, which can be dangerous. Understanding brumation can help ensure your pet’s safety and your sanity during the ordeal. So, really, what’s brumation all about?
Brumation is a period of dormancy that most lizards undergo when heat, UV light, and food are scarce. During brumation, bearded dragons slow down their metabolism to conserve nutrients until conditions improve.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Brumate? Cues for Brumation
Bearded dragons instinctively enter brumation in response to specific environmental signals. This may differ regionally, but are usually as follows:
- Significant Drop in Temperature: Beardies rely on external warmth to increase their body temperature which is responsible for metabolism. A drop in temperature from seasonal changes or a failing heat bulb can mimic the onset of winter, which may lead to your bearded dragon instinctively entering brumation.
- Shorter Day Cycles: Bearded dragons can sense shifts in the day/night cycle signaling that winter is approaching. While the timing varies globally based on local seasonal changes, in their natural habitat, it’s usually around June to August.
- Reduced Sunlight: With shorter days, UV light, which is necessary for your bearded dragon’s digestion and metabolism, becomes increasingly scarce. Lack of UVB can either trigger brumation or when prolonged, lead to serious issues like chronic indigestion or metabolic bone disease.
- Scarcity of Food: Although pe bearded dragons may have more access to food, they can still recognize changes in availability or feeding patterns. This alone isn’t enough to drive them into brumation, but it can easily be attributed to the scarcity of bugs and greens during winter.
Should Captive (Pet) Bearded Dragons Enter Brumation?
Pet bearded dragons should brumate solely due to perceived natural climate changes, not scarcity or inadequate care.
Brumation isn’t a requirement for sound health; it’s a result of insufficient living conditions to increase chances of survival. Some bearded dragon enthusiasts point to studies that depict the benefits of brumation in beardies, but these are specific to wild beardies and do not necessarily apply to pets living in ideal setups. While the process is natural, it can be substituted with optimal care such as consistent UVB light, basking heat, and healthy food.
In some cases, bearded dragons may still enter brumation despite their comfortable home setting. Seasonal change plays a significant role in brumation patterns, making it challenging to replicate your beardie’s ideal environment with heat and UVB bulbs. If you experience severe winters, particularly those with heavy snowfall, your pet may choose to brumate, wrongly anticipating a period of scarcity. And if you live in warmer areas, like Florida, it may skip the process entirely.
To prevent unnecessary brumation, regularly inspect the lighting setup as bulbs often lose effectiveness after six months. Additionally, confirm that the basking spot is at the appropriate temperature to support your pet’s health.
Brumation vs. Hibernation
Sometimes, brumation is interchangeably used with hibernation, which is majorly where the domino of misinformation begins. Let’s clarify these two concepts once and for all!
This table will help you differentiate between brumation and hibernation so that you can catch a clearer view of the subjects.
Brumation | Hibernation |
---|---|
Experienced by major reptiles | Experienced by majorly warm-blooded animals |
The animal can wake and move around when necessary | Includes a deep, deep sleep completely halting the possibility and necessity of movement |
The animal can drink water and (rarely) eat food | The animal does not drink or eat |
Is induced by mostly climate change | Is induced by changes in environment, temperature, hormonal balance, and systematic behavior |
Animals can wake up to adjust positions | Animal remains dormant throughout the duration |
Survives by slowing down metabolism | Survives by slowing down metabolism and using up stored body fat |
Body temperature drops but is maintained and regulated | Body temperature completely drops |
Metabolism is significantly reduced | Metabolism is mildly reduced |
Drastically reduces appetite in preparation for brumation | Includes preparatory feeding months before hibernation |
At What Age Do Bearded Dragons Start Brumation?
Bearded dragons typically begin brumation when they are fully grown adults or around 6 to 7 months of age. Hatchlings and juveniles are not physically developed enough to undergo this process safely. If they do, they can easily die from energy depletion or hypothermia.
Note that this is neither mandatory nor uniform for all bearded dragons. Do not force your beardie into brumation as you’re only subjecting your pet to scarcity which can be dangerous under some conditions as explained later in this article.

Is Your Bearded Dragon Preparing for Brumation? 5 Tell-Tale Signs
Brumation in bearded dragons can be tricky to identify. While some captive dragons may not brumate if their environment is stable, it’s important to recognize the signs as it could still occur. Here are five cues that your beardie may be preparing for brumation:
1. Lethargy
Lethargy is a state of reduced activity and fatigue. If your bearded dragon seems unusually slow or disinterested in its surroundings, it may be a sign of brumation. In this case, it is usually followed by reduced physical interactions and slower responsiveness.
2. Decreased Appetite and Fewer Bowel Movements
Unlike other hibernating animals, bearded dragons typically eat less as they prepare for brumation. Consequently, you may notice a significant drop in both their appetite and bowel movements.
This doesn’t mean they completely stop eating or excreting, as it varies among bearded dragons. Instead, they may go weeks without either activity, occasionally taking breaks to eat little food before returning to brumation.
3. Reduced Basking
Basking is essential for bearded dragons to regulate their body temperature. If you find your dragon spending less time in its basking spot or avoiding it altogether, this could indicate its readiness to brumate. However, check for any health issues that might be affecting its mobility.
4. Irritability or Aggression
Although it’s not a common symptom, some bearded dragons become irritable or defensive as they approach brumation. You might notice increased blackening of the beard or defensive opening of the mouth. During this time, your pet may prefer to rest all day instead of associating with you, and your attempts to interact may only come off as bothersome.
5. Burrowing Behavior
Burrowing is a natural instinct for bearded dragons, especially when they are preparing to brumate. If your dragon is digging in its substrate, it may be searching for a comfortable spot to rest. Regardless, ensure that this behavior isn’t related to nesting, particularly if your dragon is female.
Female beardies can lay infertile eggs and may get egg-bound if they cannot lay them properly. This is life-threatening for the dragon, with treatment usually fetching the heaviest vet bills!
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Stay in Brumation?
The duration of brumation varies from one dragon to another; there is no fixed timeframe. Generally, bearded dragons may brumate for anywhere between 2 weeks to 4 months.
If your beardie has been brumating for more than 4 months, consult your veterinarian immediately. In fact, talk with your vet even before brumation begins to verify that your pet can carry on with the process. If it brumates with an underlying illness, it can sadly die from it.
How to Safely Prepare Your Beardie for Brumation
While brumation is optional in captivity, your dragon can still naturally enter this state. If you suspect that your pet is about to enter brumation, here are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition:
- Encourage Pooping: Beardies usually excrete to clear up their guts before brumation as retained waste can be dangerous for their health. By soaking your beardie in shallow lukewarm water, you can help it defecate in preparation. This significantly lowers the risk of impaction after brumation.
- Take a Fecal Sample: After your pet has pooped, take fecal samples to your vet clinic to check for parasites or illness. This can help identify any health issues that need addressing before your beardie enters this vulnerable period.
- Provide a Hiding Spot: Your beardie will need a dark, secure area to rest. Make sure there’s a suitable hide that can block out light completely, allowing your dragon to feel safe and secure. Beardies enjoy brumating in a cozy, cool area.
- Ensure Access to Water: Even during brumation, your beardie may wake up occasionally to drink. Provide a clean source of water in its enclosure. If humidity levels rise, place a sock filled with rice in the tank to help absorb excess moisture.
- Adjust Lighting: To simulate seasonal changes, gradually reduce the amount of daylight your dragon receives. You can decrease the light duration by two hours—turning the light on later and off earlier—to help your pet acclimate to its resting period.
Brumation Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
If you can easily notice the danger signs during brumation, you’ll have a better chance at keeping your bearded dragon safe. Here are warnings to look out for:
Significant Weight Loss
It’s not typical for bearded dragons to lose noticeable weight during brumation. If you notice a sudden reduction in your dragon’s fat pads, it could indicate a health issue. Schedule a vet visit for a thorough evaluation as soon as possible.
You can also consult a reputable breeder for weight comparisons; some may be willing to look through pictures of your pet’s process, and can easily notice unusual changes. However, this shouldn’t replace professional veterinary care.
Unresponsiveness
Brumation may involve periods of deep sleep, but your dragon should wake up at least once every two weeks to change position. If it remains completely inactive for more than two weeks, consult a veterinarian as prolonged unresponsiveness may signal a serious problem.
Dehydration
Dehydration can occur during brumation, often more so than weight loss. Check your dragon’s skin for signs of dehydration such as wrinkled or knotty areas. If you do, lightly mist it with a spray bottle or offer it water during its waking periods.
Bloating
Though rare, bloating can happen if your beardie eats and enters brumation without pooping. Digestion slows significantly during this time, which can lead to gas buildup. If you notice your dragon’s belly looking overly rounded or firm, contact your vet immediately for assessment and treatment.
Labored Breathing
Respiratory issues can be worsened during brumation due to decreased metabolism and nutrient deficiency. If your bearded dragon exhibits heavy or labored breathing, consult your vet as untreated respiratory problems can be life-threatening.

Post-Brumation Care: What to Do When Your Beardie Awakens
Once your bearded dragon comes out of brumation, it’s important to monitor its adjustment to its environment and offer situational care. Here’s how to go about it:
Gradually Increase Food Intake
Start with small portions of food to avoid digestive issues and gradually increase the quantity over the first three days. This will help your beardie adjust without causing indigestion or impaction.
Offer High-Quality Foods
After brumation, your dragon may appear thinner and less nourished. Feed it nutritious greens like collard and dandelion, along with high-fat treats like hornworms for replenishment. Avoid watery or low-nutrient foods such as fruits or low-nutrient vegetables like cucumbers or lettuce during this phase.
Give Your Beardie a Bath
A gentle 10-minute soak can help rehydrate your dragon and rejuvenate its skin and digestive system. This will also encourage bowel activity preventing the chances of impaction while it eats.
Monitor Behavior Closely
Carefully observe your dragon’s behavior post-brumation. Be alert for any signs of illness or lethargy that persist after waking. If your beardie doesn’t seem to be recovering normally, contact your veterinarian for a check-up.