Bearded dragons are interesting creatures with a wide variety of behaviors. One such behavior is hiding. Many people may not know what to do when their bearded dragon starts hiding, so here is a guide on how to handle this situation.
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Is Bearded dragons hiding behavior normal?
Yes, it is actually quite normal for bearded dragons to hide from time to time. This behavior is often seen when they are molting, which is when they shed their skin. Hiding during this time helps them to stay safe and avoid being eaten by predators.
What is considered hiding?
For bearded dragons, hiding can mean a few different things. They may burrow into their substrate to create a hidden space, or they may climb under rocks or other objects. Sometimes they will even hide in their owner’s clothes!
Why do Bearded dragons hide?
A bearded dragon may be hiding because it needs to cool down, feels insecure, wants to escape other bearded dragons in the reptile enclosure, or is ill. When it is shedding, it may also prefer to hide in order to stay safe from predators.
Below are some common reasons beardies usually hide;
- Trying to cool down from unfavorable temperatures
- When it is shedding
- When it feels threatened
- To escape other beardies
Bearded Dragon Hiding Spot:
It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a hiding spot in its enclosure. This can be accomplished by adding a cave, log, or another object for it to hide under. By doing this, you will provide your beardie with a safe place to go when it feels the need to hide.
Make the spot a location in its basking area so the bearded dragon can easily access it when it needs to warm up. It should be a location that you can’t easily and your beardie should feel safe and comfortable in that location when it needs it. If you need to make some extra covering to the spot, go ahead as making it darker or cave-like makes it even more appealing hiding location for your pet lizard.
Bearded Dragon Hiding Tips:
If your bearded dragon is hiding more than usual, there are a few things you can do to help encourage it to come out.
- First, make sure the temperature in its enclosure is correct. Bearded dragons need a basking spot that is between 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, they will not be able to digest their food properly and may become ill. If the basking spot is too hot, they could overheat and become sick or even die.
- Next, make sure there are no other bearded dragons in the enclosure. Bearded dragons are solitary creatures and do not do well with others of their kind. If there is more than one in the enclosure, they will likely fight which can lead to serious injuries.
- Finally, check for any signs of illness. Bearded dragons can hide when they are ill because they feel vulnerable and exposed. If you see any signs of illness, such as weight loss, lethargy, or diarrhea, take your bearded dragon to the vet immediately.
By following these tips, you can help your bearded dragon feel comfortable and encourage it to come out of hiding.
What should you do when your Bearded dragon hides?
The first thing you should do is check the temperature of the room or terrarium. If it is too hot or too cold, this could be the reason why your bearded dragon is hiding. Try to adjust the temperature so that it is more comfortable for your beardie.
If the temperature is not the problem, then you should check to see if your bearded dragon is molting. If it is, then there is nothing to worry about and you should just let it be. However, if your bearded dragon is not molting and it continues to hide, then you should take it to the vet to check for any health problems.
If stressed, your bearded dragon may start hiding more frequently. To help decrease its stress levels, you can try putting a hiding spot in its enclosure for it to use. This could be a rock or a piece of wood that it can hide under. You should also make sure that there are no other animals in the same room as your bearded dragon, as this can also cause stress.
How can I tell if my Bearded dragon is healthy if it is hiding?
If your bearded dragon is healthy, you should be able to see its eyes peeking out from its hiding spot. If you cannot see its eyes, then it is time for you to determine why it is hiding. There are many reasons why bearded dragons may choose to hide. As mentioned before, shedding is one reason but it could possibly be because of other reasons that can include stress, illness, fear, or even being too cold or too hot.
Other bearded dragon behaviors related to hiding:
- Digging: Bearded dragons will sometimes dig in their substrate to create a hidden space.
- Climbing: Bearded dragons may also climb under rocks or other objects to hide.
- Hiding in clothes: Sometimes bearded dragons will even hide in their owner’s clothes! If you find your beardie in your shirt, don’t be alarmed, it is just seeking warmth and comfort.
Bearded Dragon Hiding During Day:
If your bearded dragon is hiding during the day, it must be because it doesn’t want interaction with you and this can be as a result of many reasons some of which include, it’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s sick, it doesn’t feel comfortable with you around or something is stressing it out. The first thing you should do is check the temperature of the room or terrarium. If it is too hot or too cold, this could be the reason why your bearded dragon is hiding. Try to adjust the temperature so that it is more comfortable for your beardie. If the problem persists, take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up.
As diurnal lizards, bearded dragons are most active during the day. If your bearded dragon is hiding during the day, it may be a sign that something is wrong. While they are known to be docile creatures, they also love to pet handled/pet and bask in the sun. If your bearded dragon is hiding and you cannot see its eyes, it may be time to take it to the vet for a check-up.
Bearded Dragon Hiding at Night:
While it is normal for bearded dragons to hide at night, there are a few things you can do to encourage your beardie to come out and play. Try putting a night light in the room or terrarium so that it can see its surroundings. You can also try offering it food at night so that it has a reason to come out of hiding. If your bearded dragon continues to hide at night, it may be time to take it to the vet for a check-up.
How to lure beardies out when hiding:
There are a few things you can do to try and lure your bearded dragon out of hiding.
- Give food: First, you can try offering it food. If it is hungry, it will likely come out for a meal.
- Night light: You can also try putting a night light in the room or terrarium so that it can see its surroundings.
- Temperature: Make sure the temperature is comfortable for your beardie. If it is too hot or too cold, this could be the reason why your bearded dragon is hiding.
- Heat lamp: Another option is to put a heat lamp near its hiding spot. This will make the area more comfortable for your bearded dragon and may encourage it to come out.
- Make some noise: Finally, you can try making some noise near its hiding spot. This may startle it at first, but if it is used to you, it may eventually come out to see what is going on.
Watch the video below from 4:10 where she shows how you can lure your beardie out of hiding:
Bearded Dragon Regular vs Unregular Hiding:
Regular hiding is when your bearded dragon hides at the same time every day or night. This is usually nothing to worry about and is just their way of winding down for the day or getting some rest. If your bearded dragon is hiding at the same time every day, it is probably just their regular routine.
Unregular hiding is when your bearded dragon hides at random times or more often than usual. This can be a sign that something is wrong and you should take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up.
Other Signs to Look for:
In addition to hiding, there are a few other signs that can indicate that something is wrong with your bearded dragon.
Loss of appetite: If your bearded dragon stops eating or eats less than usual, this can be a sign that something is wrong.
Lethargy: If your bearded dragon seems tired all the time or is not as active as usual, this can be a sign of a health problem.
changes: If you notice any changes in your bearded dragon’s appearance, such as swollen eyes or discolored skin, this can be a sign of a health problem.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up.
Bearded Dragon Hiding and not eating:
If your bearded dragon is hiding and not eating, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Underlying health issues can cause bearded dragons to stop eating and may even make them go into hiding. Other accompanying symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite can also be indicative of a health problem. If your bearded dragon is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take it to the vet for a check-up.
Bearded Dragon Hiding After Shedding:
After shedding, it is not uncommon for bearded dragons to go into hiding. This is because their new skin is very sensitive and they need time to adjust. If your bearded dragon is hiding after shedding, it is important to leave it alone and give it time to heal. If the problem persists, take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up.
Bearded Dragon Hiding Due to Stress:
There are many things that can stress out a bearded dragon, such as a new environment, changes in temperature, and even handling. If your bearded dragon is hiding due to stress, it is important to try and identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible. If the problem persists, take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up.
Bearded Dragon Hiding After Handling:
If your bearded dragon is hiding after handling, it may be a sign that it is stressed out. Bearded dragons can be easily stress and handling them too much can make the problem worse. If your bearded dragon is hiding after being handled, it is important to try and reduce the amount of times you handle it. If the problem persists, take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up.