Bearded Dragon Brumation / Hibernation

Brumation, or so called Bearded dragon hibernation, is the irreversible state in which these lizards go during the colder winter months of the year. It is characterized by a reduced habitus, appetite (sometimes even complete anorexia), weight loss, hiding and digging behaviour. This is all normal.

Some Bearded dragons won’t even go into this so-called slumber, for example some juveniles will skip their first winter brumation and only start in the next one. Some adults might also be unpredictable and follow this route.

Because Bearded dragon brumation is believed to only follow the colder winter evenings, instead of winter days, I believe that no lighting to temperature should be altered to induce, during or after this period. At the end of the hibernation period, food should gradually be increased to build up the body condition again.