Brd'd Dragon Hybernating??

[cardinal]

Hello,

Have had her for about 5 months so far. Is it true that they hybernate?? She has never been outside to see how cold it is, I am in Michigan, but the LFS says it sounds like she is hybernating. I can only get her to eat crickets when I put them in the tank. She will not eat greens or anything else, When we take her out she moves around and we do give her a bath, but once back in the tank she only likes to bury herself and not sit on the perch to sun herself.

Any advice is appreciated

 

[Jessica Dring]

raise the temps. she could also be ill, so i'd take her for a checkup. But yes, b'dragons do try hibernate if it gets too cold.

 

[Brooklynella]

Describe your set up please. What temp are you keeping the tank at? Do you provide a heat and light source?
Although it is not uncommon for reptiles to change their eating habits in the winter months, if the heat requirement is met your animal should not be trying to hibernate.
Check for fluid around the nostrils and mouth and also open mouth breathing. Monitor closely. I would suggest not handling him for at least a few days. Make sure your temp is correct. Remember, winter in Michigan is cold-you may have to add some wattage to you existing set up.
If your pet has a cold, antibiotics are in order.

 

[elevatethis]

Not to get all technical, but technically bearded dragons don't hibernate - they Brumate.

Brumation is a little different because while their body processes do slow down to an extend, their metabolism doesn't slow to the point that a hibernating mammal's would.

In any event, if your dragon is going to brumate, there are few things you should be aware of.

This site expains it pretty well:

http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Brumation.html

 

[elevatethis]

Although it is not uncommon for reptiles to change their eating habits in the winter months, if the heat requirement is met your animal should not be trying to hibernate.

Not completely true. There are many other environmental changes that occur in the winter months besides temperature, and reptiles are sensitive to these changes as well. These changes include a shortened day/night cycle, changes in barometric pressure, etc, any of which may cue the animal's internal clock to tell them its time to slow down, even if a keeper keeps the temperatures in the cage exactly right.

 

[cardinal]

Thanks for all your help,

I read about brumation and she is doing exactly that. I think that is the case but will monitor closely.

 

[klmt]

yes sounds like burmation. I have 2 beardies. Bearded dragons burmate like previously said, this may be as long as 4 months but usually shorter. You could lower the temp a bit(85-90 inthe basking area), and limit the lighting time as well for about 4 or 5 weeks and then raise them back up to their regular temperature. This pulls them out of burmation. As said in the site you can or dont have to, your choice, but nothing to worry about, both my beardies are burmating right now they just dont eat as much.