Bearded dragons can distinguish between varying levels of light, but they are unable to truly “see in the dark”. Bearded dragons’ eyes have a similar structure to humans and other animals, consisting of a lens, cornea, and iris that focus and absorb light.
This allows them to detect changes in light, allowing them to distinguish the difference between night and day.
Bearded dragons have the ability to adjust the size of their pupils to help them adapt to changes in lighting. During the day, the pupils will become pinpoints to help protect their eyes and regulate their sensitivity to light.
At night, their pupils will become larger to allow for more light intake, though this will not allow them to see as clearly as during the day.
Bearded dragons can also see in a low-light environment, however, their vision will be much poorer compared to seeing in sufficient lighting. Since their eye structure cannot be compared to that of a nocturnal animal, such as a bat, bearded dragons will not be able to see as well in dark environments as a nocturnal animal would.
Table of Contents
Do bearded dragons need the light off at night?
Bearded dragons, like most reptiles, are naturally diurnal, which means that they are active during the day and need several hours of darkness at night in order to sleep. This is why it’s important to provide your bearded dragon with 12–14 hours of darkness per day.
During this time the lights should be turned off, as a bright nightlight in their enclosure can disrupt their natural circadian rhythm, causing stress and possibly even affecting their appetite and digestion.
Additionally, they need a temperature drop of around 10-15 degrees at night in order to comfortably sleep. Without an appropriate temperature drop and dark hours, your bearded dragon may become sluggish, withdrawn, and lethargic.
If you’re using artificial lighting for your bearded dragon, you should have a timer geared to switch the lights off and on accordingly.
What time should I turn my bearded dragons light off at night?
The best time to turn off your bearded dragon’s light at night is around 8 or 9 PM. This will allow your beardie to get used to the natural light cycle of a day and night. Also, it will help your bearded dragon wind down and prepare for sleep.
If you have an ultraviolet bulb, you should still turn it off at night as most reptiles do not need it in the dark. When turning off the lights at night, be sure to turn off any additional lights or bright decorations in the tank so that your pet can relax and sleep peacefully.
Are bearded dragons supposed to sleep with the light on?
No, bearded dragons are not supposed to sleep with the light on. Lighting plays a very important role in promoting the health and well-being of a bearded dragon and they should create a natural light cycle similar to what they would experience in the wild.
Bearded dragons should have 12-14 hours of daylight, followed by 10-12 hours of darkness, approximating to a 14/10 light cycle. During their dark cycle, the lights should be completely turned off, ensuring that the bearded dragon is getting sufficient rest and sleep.
Stressing the bearded dragon with bright light in its dark cycle can have a negative impact on its health. It is recommended to keep the lights on during their waking hours only and turn them off when the sun sets.
How cold should a bearded dragon tank be at night?
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals, so it is important to ensure their tank has the proper daytime and nighttime temperature. During the day, their tank should have a temperature range of 90-95°F (32-35°C), while at night it should be around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Additionally, it is important to provide them with a basking area with temperatures between 100-110°F (37-43°C). Additionally, at night and during cooler months, you should also use a heat lamp and ceramic heat emitter to provide them with warmth when they need it.
You may also need to provide a cooler area in the tank at temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C) for your bearded dragon to cool down. Do not forget to also provide them with a UVB light source from 8-12 hours a day in order for them to get the proper amount of Vitamin D3 and calcium.
Do I turn off the heat lamp at night?
Yes, you should turn off the heat lamp at night. Heat lamps are necessary during the day, but at night they should be turned off because the extra heat can interfere with your pet’s regular sleep schedule and make it difficult to cool down.
Additionally, leaving the heat lamp on all night can be a fire hazard. You may still provide some extra warmth to your pet at night through blankets and beds, but it’s best to turn off the heat lamp.
Do you leave the light on at night for a bearded dragon?
It depends on the specific setup of the bearded dragon’s enclosure. Many bearded dragon owners will not leave a light on in their enclosure overnight as this can disrupt their sleep schedule. Generally speaking, it is best to use automatic lighting and timers to turn the lights off and on during regulated times throughout the day, simulating the natural day/night cycle.
Additionally, if your bearded dragon is sleeping during the night, they shouldn’t need any additional lighting. However, if you are using a basking lamp during the day, you will likely want to keep that temperature up so that your bearded dragon can digest their food properly during the night.
In this case, the basking lamp should be left on during the night, but at a reduced intensity, using ceramic heat emitters. This will provide heat without waking up the dragon. It is important to note that UVB lights should not be used at night, as they could disrupt the circadian rhythm of the dragon.
Therefore, the best option for nighttime lighting is to provide a moonlight or low wattage red light bulb.
Do bearded dragons recognize their owners?
Yes, bearded dragons can recognize their owners. They do not have the same capacity for recognition as a dog, but they are capable of associating people and objects with positive or negative experiences.
As they become more comfortable with their owners, they will often become less scared of being handled and may even beg for attention or food. Bearded dragons can exhibit different behaviors when in the presence of different people.
For example, if the bearded dragon’s owner has given them a treat in the past, they may display signs of recognition and excitement when they see that same person. Additionally, their behavior may change when a different person enters the room.
Bearded dragons respond to vocal cues and hand signals as well, so with enough repetition, they can learn to understand what a person is trying to communicate. To properly bond with a bearded dragon and give them the best environment for recognition, provide quality care and consistent attention.
With enough consistency, your friend may come to recognize you as the source of treats, fun, and care!.
How often should I hold my bearded dragon?
It’s important to get your bearded dragon used to being handled. You should start handling your bearded dragon at least once per day, since it is an important part of bonding and building trust with your reptile.
Make sure to handle your dragon for a few minutes each time – no more than 15-20 minutes at a time – and make sure to move slowly and gently. To ensure your dragon stays comfortable, you should always place your hand near the neck area and support its entire body by placing your other hand underneath its chest.
Make sure to return your dragon to its enclosure as soon as it starts showing signs of stress, such as hissing, twitching its tail or trying to move away from you. As your dragon gets more comfortable with being handled, you can increase the amount of time you hold it.
How do I know if my bearded dragon is happy?
The best way to know if your bearded dragon is happy is by observing the signs they give off. Bearded dragons express their emotions and feelings through body language, it is important to understand their body language to better understand your pet.
A happy bearded dragon will appear alert and energetic, remaining awake for long periods of time. They will appear interested in the surroundings and display active behavior, such as digging or climbing.
If your bearded dragon is curious about their surroundings or exploring, this is a great sign that they are feeling content and happy. Your bearded dragon may also display signs of pleasure, such as a relaxed posture and fluttering their eyelids.
The type of behavior which may indicate an unhappy bearded dragon includes excessive sleeping or inactivity, hiding for long periods of time, unusual or defensive body language, and aggression. It is important to take note of any changes in your pet’s behavior as these can be signs of stress or unhappiness.
If you notice your bearded dragon displaying any of these signs, it is important to investigate the cause and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they remain happy.
Overall, the best way to ensure your bearded dragon is healthy and happy is to provide them with an appropriate environment, which should include a correct temperature, diet, and enclosure. Additionally, they should have access to plenty of light and a proper UVB bulb.
As long as their needs are met and their body language is relaxed and active, you can rest assured that your bearded dragon is content and happy.
Can a bearded dragon tell when your sad?
No, a bearded dragon cannot tell when you are sad. Bearded dragons are interesting animals, and they are capable of learning certain behaviors and responding to stimuli, but they do not have the same emotional complexity as humans.
While some people may feel that their bearded dragon can tell when something is off or even when they are feeling down, there is no scientific evidence that these animals can accurately perceive emotion.
Bearded dragons do, however, respond positively to human interaction and show signs of enjoyment when offered treats, gentle petting, and cuddle sessions, so spending time with your bearded dragon may provide comfort and joy.
Do Beardies like human attention?
Beardies are friendly, gentle, and social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their human families. Generally, they love and seek out affection and they will be sure to return any attention they’re given.
While some Beardies may be shy, overall, they love spending time with their favorite people. They have been bred to be loyal and affectionate companions, and they are happy to receive pats and scratches from their people.
If a Beardie feels neglected or ignored they can become bored, anxious or even destructive. Therefore, it is important to provide your Beardie with plenty of attention, love, and interactive play to keep them healthy and content.
If you are looking for a breed of dog that loves spending time with their family, then a Beardie may be the perfect choice for you.
