Beardies, or Bearded Dragons, flatten out for a few reasons. Firstly, flattening out is a behaviour often linked with basking in the sun. By flattening out, Beardies can more efficiently absorb the sun’s rays and use them to regulate their body temperature and metabolism.
Secondly, it is a way for Beardies to reduce the amount of physical space they occupy. This behaviour is often seen in situations when they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Flattening out decreases their profile and helps to make them less visible to predators.
Also, it gives the Beardie a wider range of vision, allowing them to monitor the area better and make sure they are safe. Additionally, flattening out is a sign of a healthy and happy Beardie. If an owner notices that their Beardie is flattening out, it generally shows that the Beardie feels secure in their environment and is comfortable with their surroundings.
Table of Contents
What does it mean when a bearded dragon belly is flat?
When a bearded dragon’s belly is flat, it typically means that the animal is feeling scared or stressed. Bearded dragons will show this as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating in order to ward off potential predators or threats.
If your bearded dragon’s belly appears flat, such as looking sucked in and grumpy, it is important to check what could be causing the stress. Stressful situations can be greatly impacted by their environment and the bearded dragon’s care.
For example, the temperature, humidity and light levels should all be monitored and adjusted as needed. Noise and activity levels can also be stressed and it is important to ensure your bearded dragon is not being disturbed by other household pets or even children.
Additionally, if the environment is dirty or unhealthy this can also raise stress levels. If you believe your bearded dragon is stressed, it is important to ensure that its environment is ideal, and that it is always provided with plenty of hiding places, to ensure it is relaxed and comfortable.
Why does my bearded dragon flatten his stomach?
Bearded dragons will often flatten their stomachs as an instinctive behavior in order to become less visible. It is done as a natural response to perceived danger, as flattening their stomach reduces their profile and makes them harder to spot.
This behavior triggers the freeze, flight, or fight response that they would employ in the wild, with the flattening of their stomach being a part of the freeze behavior. Not only does this behavior allow them to become less visible when they feel threatened, but it can also help to keep them warm as their stomach is pressed against the hot ground.
Flattening their stomachs may also be a necessary instinct to regulate their temperature, which can often be hard to do due to their cold-blooded nature. This behavior is usually not a cause for concern and the dragon should become more relaxed and active once the perceived danger has passed.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is dehydrated?
To tell if your bearded dragon is dehydrated, there are several signs that you should look for. Your bearded dragon may look lethargic or limp, have wrinkled or dry skin, be disinterested in food, or have sunken eyes.
Additionally, you can try to gently pinch their skin above the shoulder blades. If it takes longer than a second for the skin to return to its normal position, your bearded dragon is likely dehydrated.
It is very important to make sure that your bearded dragon has access to water, and that it is kept in a warm, humid environment. If your bearded dragon appears to be dehydrated, you should make sure that it has access to warm (not hot) water and mist the enclosure multiple times a day to provide additional humidity.
You can also provide fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content, and mist the food with water before feeding. If your bearded dragon is not responding to increased humidity and water, or appears to be dehydrated despite proper care, you should take them to the vet to determine further treatment.
How do you hydrate a bearded dragon?
Hydrating your bearded dragon is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. The best way to ensure your bearded dragon stays hydrated is to feed them a moist and fresh diet, keep their enclosure moist, and provide a shallow dish of clean, chlorine-free water.
When providing your bearded dragon with a fresh diet, it is important to provide foods that contain a high moisture content, such as fruits and vegetables. You should minimize the intake of high-fat or sugary foods.
Some examples of moist foods to give your bearded dragon are leafy greens, cucumbers, yellow squash, apples, pears, spinach, and collard greens.
To keep your bearded dragon’s enclosure moist, mist it once a day with a water spray bottle and provide clean, chlorine-free water in a shallow dish, so your bearded dragon can soak in it to help keep their body temperature regulated.
You could also bath your bearded dragon in shallow warm water twice a week. This will help to keep them hydrated, regulate their body temperature, and provide mental stimulation and exercise.
Hydrating your bearded dragon is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. By providing them with a moist diet and a moist environment, as well as a shallow dish of clean water, you can ensure they stay hydrated.
Does soaking bearded dragons hydrate them?
Yes, soaking bearded dragons can help to hydrate them. Bearded dragons, like other reptiles, can become dehydrated if they’re not getting enough water in their diets. Soaking them in warm water on a regular basis provides an easy and effective way to hydrate them and allow them to drink from sources other than a water bowl.
When bathing a bearded dragon, make sure the water reaches up to their chin, offering them enough time to drink, but not too much time that they become stressed. The water should also be lukewarm, around 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also important to be prepared for some splashing, so setting up the bath away from furniture, walls, or anything else you’d like to keep dry is a good idea. Afterwards, you should make sure to thoroughly dry your bearded dragon completely with a clean towel before putting them back in their enclosure.
Always monitor your bearded dragon closely while they’re in their bath, and be prepared to offer them their bath like clockwork every week or two.
Why do bearded dragons puff out their chest?
Bearded dragons puff out their chests in a number of ways. As territorial creatures, they do their best to appear larger than they actually are in order to intimidate any intruders or potential threats away, especially during territorial disputes.
This puffing can also be used as a sign of dominance over another bearded dragon, especially during breeding season.
In addition to puffing out their chest as a defensive or competitive measure, bearded dragons also puff out their chest to regulate their body temperature. By changing the amount of air in their lungs and pressing on their stomachs, they can heat or cool their body temperature as needed.
This behavior is called thermoregulation and is an important way for the bearded dragon to survive.
Another reason bearded dragons puff out their chest is to indicate that they are feeling calm and content. This act of comfort is usually accompanied by other behaviors like moving the head back and forth, swaying side to side, and brushing different surfaces with the chin, neck, and head.
How do you know when bearded dragons are stressed?
Watching your pet’s behavior can help you identify if they are under stress. Stress may be caused by a variety of factors, including change in the environment, not getting enough food, or even not socializing enough with their human caretakers or other dragons.
Signs of stress in bearded dragons can include a loss of appetite, changes in body posture or movement, hiding or less activity and aggression. If you notice these behaviors, you should take steps to help your pet effectively de-stress and get back to a healthy state.
You may also notice changes in the color of your bearded dragon’s skin, ranging from a very light cream color to a deep black. When the dragon is under intense stress, its colors become more intense, possibly resulting in a light to dark pattern on the dragon’s back and sides.
Finally, if your bearded dragon appears to be exceptionally aggressive or displaying unusual body movements, this could be an indication of stress. If your pet is behaving differently than usual, it’s important to take the time to identify what might be causing the stress, and look for ways to reduce it.
Provide an appropriate and comfortable habitat, plenty of food, and opportunities for interaction and play. Understanding the signs of stress in your dragon can help ensure they lead a long, healthy, and happy life.
Is it normal for my bearded dragon to lay down?
Yes, it is normal for your bearded dragon to lay down. They usually lay down to relax or rest. When they are feeling content, they may lay down to soak up some warmth from the sun or from their basking bulb.
They may also lay down to digest their food, especially after eating a big meal. It is important to make sure that your bearded dragon is warm and comfortable when laying down, since this helps them to relax and get restful sleep.
If too cold or in an area where they don’t feel secure, a bearded dragon will not lay down. Provide your dragon with enough space, a suitable temperature, lighting, and shelter to make them feel comfortable enough to lay down.
What do bearded dragons do all day?
Bearded dragons are active animals and will spend most of the day moving, basking in the sun, exploring, playing, and searching for food. During the day, they enjoy basking in the sun to reach their ideal temperature.
Bearded dragons will move from spot to spot to regulate their body temperatures, so it’s important to provide a basking site with a temperature between 90 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, bearded dragons should also have hiding spots to stay cool and seek shelter. When it reaches around 75 degrees, dragons may become inactive, sleeping off and on throughout the day.
Bearded dragons also enjoy exploring and playing, often engaging in vigorous activity and climbing. You can provide your pet with toys or elevated ledges to climb, as well as substrate, such as sand, for your dragon to burrow into and explore.
Finally, bearded dragons also need to feed throughout the day to meet their nutritional needs. While young dragons eat more live insects and vegetables, older bearded dragons may consume more vegetables and fewer insects.
Offer vegetables, leafy greens, and insects (such as mealworms, crickets, roaches, and waxworms) two to three times a day.
How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?
Bearded dragons, like most reptiles, can usually go for quite a long period of time without eating. Depending on their age and health, a bearded dragon can survive anywhere between one month and three months without food.
If a bearded dragon is healthy and consistently fed, they may go up to four months without food. That being said, it is not recommended to withhold food from a bearded dragon for this length of time for any extended period.
For one, it is not healthy, and can lead to a weakened immune system, which can be deadly. Additionally, failing to feed a bearded dragon regularly can lead to improper digestion of food and metabolic bone disease, both of which can be incredibly dangerous.
All in all, it is not recommended to withhold food or go without it completely for more than a month.
Can I pick up my sleeping bearded dragon?
No, you should never pick up your sleeping bearded dragon. It can be very stressful for them as they are naturally skittish and can become easily startled. It’s important to create a safe, calm space for them to sleep in.
This can be done by having hides and hiding spots in the vivarium for them to go to as well as keeping the temperature and light cycle consistent in the space. When it comes to handling your bearded dragon, always make sure they are fully awake and alert before attempting to handle them, as they need to be in a calm, relaxed state.
Always approach them calmly with an open hand, allow them to climb onto your hand before lifting them up, and never grasp the beard. This will help them to get used to being handled and will help prevent any stress and fright.
What are the signs of Brumation?
Brumation is the process of lowering a reptile’s metabolism in order to slow down their activity level and conserve energy. Typically, brumation occurs during the winter but can occur at other times as well.
Signs that your reptile is undergoing brumation include decreased appetite, decreased energy, and lack of activity. In extreme cases, you may also notice that your reptile is remaining in their hiding spot for a prolonged period of time.
Other signs of brumation can include not eating correct food items, becoming unresponsive to their favorite foods, and hiding away in their enclosure or burrowing in the substrate that may occur during brumation.
It’s important to remember that all reptiles are different and will exhibit different signs when entering or coming out of brumation. Close monitoring of your reptile’s behavior is key to ensure they remain healthy during this dormant period.
