Bearded dragons are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures become too high or low, bearded dragons may become lethargic as a way to conserve energy. If your bearded dragon is lethargic, there are a number of potential causes that you should investigate.
In this expert guide, we’ll cover the following topics:
- What is lethargy in bearded dragons?
- Why is my bearded dragon lethargic?
- What are some common causes of lethargy in bearded dragons?
- Lethargic when eating and when not eating
- Relationship between lethargy and laying of eggs
- Lethargy on bearded dragon while shedding
- Bearded dragon lethargy with other signs such as limping or eyes closed.
- How can you treat and prevent bearded dragon lethargy?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about why your bearded dragon may be lethargic and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
What is lethargy in bearded dragons?
Lethargy in reptiles is defined as a state of reduced energy and activity level. Bearded dragons may become less active or even sluggish when they are too cold or too hot. In the wild, this reduced activity helps them to conserve energy when food is scarce or conditions are not ideal.
In captivity, bearded dragons should have access to a basking spot that allows them to warm up to their desired body temperature. If the basking spot is too cold, your bearded dragon may become lethargic as a way to preserve heat. Similarly, if the basking spot is too hot, your bearded dragon may become lethargic to avoid overheating.
It’s important to note that bearded dragons are most active during the day when they are basking in the warm sun. If your bearded dragon is active at night and lethargic during the day, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition and you should consult with a veterinarian.
Why is my bearded dragon lethargic? 5 key reasons:
Your bearded dragon may be lethargic for a number of reasons, including:
- An environment that is too hot or too cold
- Not enough food
- Injury or illness
- Parasites
- Stress
As we mentioned above, the most common cause of lethargy in bearded dragons is an environment that is either too hot or too cold. Bearded dragons rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature and if the temperature is not ideal, they may become lethargic as a way to conserve energy.
If your bearded dragon’s basking spot is too cold, you may notice that your reptile is less active and sluggish. In addition, your bearded dragon may seek out cooler areas of the tank and avoid the basking spot altogether. If the basking spot is too hot, your bearded dragon may become restless and try to escape the heat by moving to a cooler area of the tank.
What are some common causes of lethargy in bearded dragons? 10 Key Causes
There are a number of potential causes of bearded dragon lethargy. Some of the most common include:
1. Incorrect temperature:
As we mentioned, bearded dragons are ectothermic and rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, your bearded dragon may become lethargic as a way to conserve energy.
2. Not enough food: Bearded dragons need a diet that is rich in protein and calcium to support their growth and development. If your bearded dragon is not getting enough food, they may become lethargic as a result.
3. Injury or illness:
If your bearded dragon is injured or sick, they may become less active as a way to conserve energy. injuries and illnesses can also cause pain, which may lead to your bearded dragon becoming more lethargic.
4. Parasites:
Parasites can cause a number of problems for bearded dragons, including anemia and malnutrition. If your bearded dragon has parasites, they may become lethargic as a result.
5. Stress:
Bearded dragons are susceptible to stress and if they are stressed, they may become less active. Common sources of stress include changes in their environment, such as a new tankmate or a move to a new home.
6. Constipation:
If your bearded dragon is constipated, they may be less active as a way to avoid pain. Constipation can also lead to impaction, which can be life-threatening.
7. egg binding:
Egg binding is a condition that can occur in female bearded dragons when their eggs are not able to pass through the cloaca (vent). If your bearded dragon is egg bound, they may be less active as a way to conserve energy.
8. Shedding:
Shedding is a normal process for bearded dragons but it can be stressful. If your bearded dragon is shedding, they may be less active as a way to minimize stress.
9. Gravity:
Bearded dragons rely on gravity to help them move their food through their digestive system. If your bearded dragon is in a position that is not ideal for digestion (for example, if they are upside down), they may become lethargic as a result.
10. Metabolic Bone Disease:
Metabolic bone disease is a condition that can occur when bearded dragons do not have enough calcium in their diet. If your bearded dragon has metabolic bone disease, they may become lethargic as a result.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is lethargic? 5 Ways to tell:
There are a few warning signs that you can look for to determine if your bearded dragon is lethargic. These include:
1. Reduced activity level:
If your bearded dragon is usually active and playful but suddenly becomes less active, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
2. Refusal to eat:
If your bearded dragon stops eating or only eats very small meals, this may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
3. Weight loss:
If your bearded dragon starts to lose weight, this may be a sign that they are not getting enough food or that they are sick.
4. Change in appearance:
If your bearded dragon’s appearance changes, such as their skin becoming dull or their eyes appearing sunken, this may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
5. Change in behavior:
If your bearded dragon’s behavior changes, such as they become more aggressive or irritable, this may be a sign of stress or an underlying health condition. You may also see them closing their eyes more or may be constipated most of the times.
What should I do if my bearded dragon is lethargic?
If you think your bearded dragon is lethargic, the first thing you should do is check their environment to make sure the temperature is correct. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, you will need to adjust it to the correct level.
Next, you should check your bearded dragon’s diet to make sure they are getting enough food and that the food is properly balanced. If your bearded dragon is not getting enough food, you will need to increase their meals or change their diet.
If you suspect that your bearded dragon’s lethargy is due to an injury or illness, you should take them to the vet for a check-up. Parasites are also a common cause of lethargy in bearded dragons, so if you suspect your reptile has parasites, you should take them to the vet for treatment.
Finally, if you think stress may be the cause of your bearded dragon’s lethargy, you should try to identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible. If you cannot remove the source of the stress, you can try to help your bearded dragon cope with it by providing them with a hiding place or by using calming products designed for reptiles.
Bearded dragons are prone to a number of health problems, so it is important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups. If you think your bearded dragon is lethargic, be sure to contact your vet for advice.
FAQs
Q: What causes beardies to stop eating?
A:There are a number of reasons why your bearded dragon may stop eating, including illness, stress, and parasites. If your bearded dragon stops eating, you should take them to the vet for a check-up.
Q: How do I know if my beardie is sick?
A: There are a few warning signs that you can look for to determine if your bearded dragon is sick, including weight loss, changes in appearance, and changes in behavior. If you think your bearded dragon is sick, you should take them to the vet for a check-up.
Q: Is it normal for my beardie to be lazy?
A: Some Beardies are naturally lazy, but if your bearded dragon suddenly becomes less active, this may be a sign that something is wrong. If you think your bearded dragon is lethargic, you should contact your vet for advice.
Q: Why is my beardie scratching itself?
A: Bearded dragons may scratch themselves for a number of reasons, including parasites, allergies, and stress. If your bearded dragon is scratching themselves excessively, you should take them to the vet for a check-up.
Additional Tips to help with Beardies’ Lethargy
1. Check the temperature of your bearded dragon’s enclosure to make sure it is not too hot or too cold.
2. Make sure your bearded dragon is getting enough food and that their diet is properly balanced.
3. Take your bearded dragon to the vet for a check-up if you think they may be sick.
4. Try to identify and remove the source of stress if you think it is causing your bearded dragon’s lethargy.
5. Take your bearded dragon to the vet for regular check-ups to help prevent health problems.
When to see the vet:
- When the bearded dragon’s activity levels do not improve after making changes to their environment and diet, it is time for a vet visit.
- Also see the vet if the bearded dragon is not eating, has lost weight, or if there are any other changes in appearance or behavior.
- If its closing its eyes and appearing lethargic, these are all signs of an underlying health problem and a vet visit is warranted.
- If the bearded dragon has started to scratch itself excessively, this could be a sign of parasites, allergies, or stress and a vet visit is necessary.
Wrapping up
Bearded dragons can become lethargic for a number of reasons, including illness, stress, and parasites. If you think your bearded dragon is lethargic, you should take them to the vet for a check-up. You can also try to improve your reptile’s environment and diet to help increase their activity levels. Finally, be sure to take your bearded dragon to the vet for regular check-ups to help prevent health problems.
I hope you enjoyed this expert guide on bearded dragons being lethargic. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.