Bearded dragons should be between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the night time hours. During the day, the temperature should range between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking area in the 90-100 degree range.
It is very important to provide the proper nighttime temperatures for your bearded dragons as low temperatures in the night can cause stress, illness, sluggishness, and sometimes death. Additionally, it is important to also have proper humidity levels as this also affects their health.
Generally, the humidity level should stay between 40-50%. Providing the right temperature levels at night time is a great way to ensure your bearded dragon is healthy and happy.
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How do I know if my bearded dragon is warm enough?
To determine if your bearded dragon is at the appropriate temperature, you will need to purchase an infrared thermometer or digital thermometer with a probe. The thermometer should measure the ambient air temperature in the terrarium as well as the surface temperature of the basking area and cool side.
You will want to make sure the temperatures of the terrarium stay within a range that is most comfortable for your bearded dragon. The optimal basking temperature should be between 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the cool side should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, if you observe your bearded dragon basking or active and alert during the day, it is likely warm enough. Lastly, if you notice your bearded dragon is lethargic, not basking, and eating less than usual, it is likely too cold and needs a temperature increase.
What temperature is too cold for bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons, which are native to the desert regions of Australia, are accustomed to very hot temperatures. In captivity, a temperature of 70 – 80°F should be provided during the day, with a basking spot of 95 – 110°F directly beneath a heat source.
Nighttime temperatures should not go below 65°F, as this can be too cold for the bearded dragon. If temperatures are too cold, it can lead to metabolic problems and respiratory issues due to an inadequately heated environment.
It is important to create a consistent night and day temperature cycle to ensure the bearded dragon is comfortable.
How long does it take for a bearded dragon to warm up to you?
It is generally accepted that it takes around 6-8 weeks for a bearded dragon to warm up to you and get used to your presence. This process can vary depending on the individual personality of the bearded dragon and their previous interactions with people.
When trying to bond with your bearded dragon, it is important to be patient and recognize that they may need time to warm up to new people. During this process it is important to speak in a gentle, calming voice and offer treats as rewards when they allow you to interact with them.
Additionally, it is helpful to offer gentle physical contact, such as petting or gentle strokes to help them become more comfortable with your presence. With consistent, positive interactions, your bearded dragon should eventually become accustomed to you, and may even show signs of affection towards you.
Can my body heat keep my bearded dragon warm?
No, your body heat cannot keep your bearded dragon warm. Bearded dragons rely on a regulated environment, which includes a specific temperature range that should always be maintained and monitored. While it may seem that your body heat could provide warmth for the bearded dragon, the environmental temperature would need to be increased to the recommended range in order to keep them healthy.
Without the proper environment, you are putting your bearded dragon’s health at risk. To keep your bearded dragon warm, you will need to provide some form of temperature control, such as a heating pad, light, or other heating device.
You will also need to ensure the temperatures stay within the recommended range at all times. Additionally, your bearded dragon may benefit from a heated enclosure, which will provide the heat they need to stay healthy.
How long should you hold your bearded dragon a day?
The amount of time you should spend holding your bearded dragon every day will depend on its age and size. Younger and smaller bearded dragons will need less time being handled than older and larger bearded dragons.
However, as a general rule, you should aim to hold your bearded dragon for around 15 minutes each day. This ensures that the reptile becomes comfortable with being handled, and provides ample time for mental and physical stimulation.
In addition to the daily handling, it is recommended that you provide a few hours of reptile-safe interaction each week. This could include regular play time outside of its enclosure, time spent exploring a carefully monitored safe area, and time to socialize with your family.
This extra time spent with your bearded dragon can help keep it mentally stimulated, reducing stress, and increasing the bonding experience between the two of you.
At the end of the day, the amount of time you should spend interacting with your bearded dragon will depend on its individual personality and preferences. Some bearded dragons may be content with 15 minutes of handling while others may need more or less.
By paying attention to your bearded dragon’s body language and behavior, you will be able to provide the level of handling that is best suited to it.
Can I hug my bearded dragon?
No, you should not hug your bearded dragon as they are skittish animals and can stress out easily. When bearded dragons are stressed, they can have difficulty eating and increase their risk of illness.
Furthermore, a frightened bearded dragon can bite the person trying to hug them, which can lead to serious injury.
However, you can show your bearded dragon affection in other safe ways. Petting their head and neck on their terms is one way to let them know that you care. Placing your hand on their back and allowing them to approach it can also be comforting for them.
Additionally, exchanging pleasant words like “hello” and “good boy” when feeding and handling them can be calming and create a bond between of you.
