Wild bearded dragons can experience temperatures below 60°F during the Australian winter, and seem highly capable of handling it. While they may endure these conditions, it often results in health issues and shorter lifespans. Bearded dragons require heat not only for survival but also to thrive as desert-dwelling creatures. As a result, you may need extra heating tools or tips to maintain the appropriate temperature in the terrarium. But when is it necessary to provide additional heat?
Bearded dragons need nighttime or supplemental heat if the tank temperature consistently falls below 70°F. Without sufficient heat, your beardie can grow stunted, get severely malnourished, and be at a greater risk of contracting diseases.
This article will help you navigate nighttime heating ensuring you provide your pet with the best care possible. Let’s dive in!
Simple Ways to Know If Your Bearded Dragon Is Too Cold
The ideal average tank temperature for bearded dragons is around 90°F, with the basking area at 104°F to 107°F, and in the shaded area, 71°F to 73°F. If you live in cold regions, you may rely heavily on supplemental heating to reach your pet’s required temperatures.
With that out of the way, here are five signs that your beardie may be too cold:
Lethargy
Lethargy is a common symptom of many health issues, but it can also indicate that your bearded dragon is cold. Without sufficient heat, your beardie’s metabolism slows down, leading to decreased energy levels, weakness, and drowsiness.
Impaction or Slow Digestion
Insufficient heat can slow digestion, increasing the risk of impaction from undigested food. For example, I know a bearded dragon owner who discovered that his pet’s impaction was caused by a failed heat lamp. The lack of proper heat from the lamp caused indigestion, ultimately resulting in impaction. While he was able to quickly solve the problem, several others have lost their pets due to failing heat lamps and poor supervision.
Loss of Appetite
Beardies may intuitively refuse to eat when they’re too cold as heat is essential for digestion. Delayed digestion can lead to indigestion and eventually impaction which can become severe depending on how much food is consumed. However, it can be promptly treated by a veterinarian or relieved by carefully soaking the beardie in warm water.
Stress Marks
Bearded dragons may display stress by darkening their beards or other parts of their bodies. While it’s normal for them to occasionally darken these areas, consistent darkening, especially around the belly and feet indicates significant discomfort. This could be due to improper temperatures or an underlying illness.
Strange Hiding Habits
If you notice your bearded dragon hiding in dark corners or seeking out shaded areas, it might be feeling too cold. Beardies often hide when they’re about to brumate, which is usually a result of a drop in heat. Cold weather signifies less hydration, heat, and food, which is the cue for brumation.
How to Keep Your Bearded Dragon Warm at Night
If you are concerned that your bearded dragon’s enclosure gets too cold at night, here are some effective ways to maintain a comfortable temperature:
1. Use a Ceramic Heat Lamp
Ceramic heat lamps (view on Amazon) are excellent for raising the temperature in your bearded dragon’s enclosure, both at night and during cold days. Remember to replace the lamp periodically, as its heat output can diminish over time. Even long-lasting bulbs can eventually wear out and fail to provide the necessary warmth.
2. Get a Thermostat
Using a thermostat (view on Amazon) is the best way to regulate the temperature in your beardie’s enclosure. Rather than manually turning the heat emitter on and off, connect it to a thermostat and set your desired temperature limit to 73°F. When the tank temperature falls below this threshold, the thermostat will automatically activate the heater, keeping the environment stable.
3. Add Rocks to the Decor
Adding rocks to your bearded dragon’s tank can help retain heat. Rocks are good heat conductors and can help warm the enclosure if the temperature falls below 70°F. However, for a more consistent source of heat, consider using a ceramic heat lamp.
4. Insulate the Enclosure
If you live in a particularly cold climate, insulating the enclosure can help retain warmth. Use insulating panels or boards to pad three sides and the bottom of the tank. This additional layer will help retain heat inside during the night.
5. Use Measuring Devices
It’s nearly impossible to accurately determine the tank’s temperature without proper equipment. Get a stick-on thermometer (view on Amazon) to monitor the overall temperature in the tank, and a temperature gun (view on Amazon) for precise spot measurements. This way, you can easily tell when the tank is too cold and how much heat is required to meet your pet’s needs
The Dangers of Cold Temperatures for Bearded Dragons
Exposing bearded dragons to cold temperatures poses serious risks beyond mere discomfort. Prolonged exposure can lead to several health issues:
Respiratory Disease
Bearded dragons are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. When they are too cold, their respiratory tracts can become irritated causing a build-up of fluids. This can result in difficulty breathing and pressure in the lungs, making respiratory disease a serious concern.
Stunted Growth
Young bearded dragons are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold temperatures. Insufficient warmth slows digestion and metabolism, which can lead to malnutrition. As young dragons experience rapid growth, they are at greater risk of developing growth deformities and a weakened immune system due to improper temperatures.
Death
Bearded dragons are not equipped to survive in cold environments. Prolonged exposure can result in severe health problems and, ultimately, death. Baby and senior bearded dragons are particularly at risk, as their immune systems may not be strong enough to combat the cold. Unfortunately, the onset of these health issues can be sudden and often difficult to predict.
Is Infrared Night Lamp Any Good For Bearded Dragons?
Infrared lights can be misleading and potentially dangerous in bearded dragon care. Bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they only require light during the day. Using red night lamps can disrupt their natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to prolonged stress and restlessness.
It’s crucial to establish a proper sleep routine for your beardie to prevent health issues. Instead of infrared lights, consider using a ceramic heat emitter or a black lamp (view on Amazon), both of which are safer and less disruptive for your bearded dragon.
Can I Keep My Bearded Dragon Warm With A Blanket?
Blankets warm people by retaining the heat produced by their bodies. However, since bearded dragons cannot generate their own body heat, blankets are ineffective for warming them. That said, you can still provide one for your beardie as a fun accessory. Bearded dragons can get bored, and a cute beardie blanket (view on Amazon) can introduce them to new textures and colors, adding some variety to their environment.
In an emergency where the tank temperature suddenly drops below 70°F, you can create temporary heat packs to warm up your beardie’s terrarium. Boil water, fill empty water bottles with it, and then discreetly place them inside the enclosure. The heat released from these bottles will help warm the tank temporarily.
