Why Is My Bearded Dragon Acting Weird? Understanding Common Behavior Changes

By Mandy Thompson

January 6, 2025


Understanding Bearded Dragon Behavior

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY2y5D509RQ&embed=true

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures, and understanding their behavior is crucial for their well-being. These reptiles are known for their unique body language, which can indicate their mood and health status. For instance, arm waving and head bobbing are common behaviors that bearded dragons exhibit when they feel threatened or want to assert dominance.

Stress is another factor that can affect bearded dragon behavior. These animals can become stressed due to various reasons, such as being in an unfamiliar environment or not having access to their basking spot. Signs of stress include glass surfing, digging, lethargy, and hissing.

Color change is another behavior that bearded dragons exhibit. They can change their color to regulate their body temperature or communicate their mood. For instance, a bearded dragon may puff out its beard and turn black when it feels threatened or intimidated.

Boredom is another factor that can affect bearded dragon behavior. These animals need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Signs of boredom include yawning, licking, and waving.

In conclusion, understanding bearded dragon behavior is crucial for their well-being. By paying attention to their body language and behavior, you can identify potential issues and address them promptly.

Common Health Issues and Symptoms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoOz89awgRs&embed=true

Signs of Illness

Bearded dragons can show a variety of symptoms when they are sick. These symptoms include sunken eyes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, and runny stool. If you notice any of these symptoms in your bearded dragon, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease is a common health issue in bearded dragons. This disease is caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in their diet. Symptoms of metabolic bone disease include weak bones, soft bones, and deformities. It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a balanced diet that includes calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent this disease.

Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illness is another common health issue in bearded dragons. This illness is caused by bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms of respiratory illness include open-mouth breathing, wheezing, and discharge from the nose and mouth. If you notice these symptoms in your bearded dragon, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Parasitic Infections

Bearded dragons can also suffer from parasitic infections. These infections can be caused by internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasitic infections include lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It is important to have your bearded dragon tested for parasites regularly and to treat any infections promptly.

Dehydration and Shedding Issues

Dehydration and shedding issues can also cause your bearded dragon to act weird. Dehydration can cause lethargy and sunken eyes, while shedding issues can cause your bearded dragon to become irritable and uncomfortable. It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a clean and humid environment to prevent dehydration and to help with shedding.

Impaction

Impaction is another health issue that can cause your bearded dragon to act weird. This condition occurs when your bearded dragon ingests something that they cannot digest, such as substrate or large pieces of food. Symptoms of impaction include loss of appetite, constipation, and lethargy. It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a proper diet and to monitor them closely to prevent impaction.

Diet and Nutrition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSKrT5OzysU&embed=true

Feeding Habits

Bearded dragons are known for their voracious appetite, but it is essential to monitor their feeding habits. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. It is recommended to feed adult bearded dragons once a day, while juveniles should be fed twice a day.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Bearded dragons require a balanced diet to maintain their health. Nutritional deficiencies can cause various health problems such as metabolic bone disease and stunted growth. A lack of calcium in their diet can cause their bones to become brittle and weak.

Proper Diet and Supplements

A proper diet for bearded dragons should consist of a variety of greens, vegetables, and feeder insects. Greens such as kale, collard greens, and mustard greens are rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. Vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes provide vitamins and minerals. Feeder insects such as crickets and dubia roaches are an excellent source of protein.

Supplements such as calcium and vitamin D3 are also essential for bearded dragons. Calcium supplements should be dusted on their food at least once a week, while vitamin D3 supplements should be provided through UVB lighting.

It is important to avoid feeding bearded dragons lettuce as it has little nutritional value and can cause digestive problems. Additionally, feeder insects should be gut-loaded with nutritious food before being fed to the bearded dragon.

Overall, providing a proper diet and supplements is crucial in maintaining the health of bearded dragons.

Habitat and Environmental Factors

Temperature and Lighting

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles that require a specific range of temperatures to maintain their health. If the temperature in their enclosure is too low, they may become lethargic and refuse to eat. Conversely, if the temperature is too high, they may become stressed and dehydrated. It is essential to provide a basking spot with a temperature of around 100-110°F and a cooler area of around 80°F. Additionally, bearded dragons require UVB lighting to help them produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their overall health.

Enclosure Setup and Substrate

The enclosure setup and substrate are crucial factors to consider when caring for a bearded dragon. The enclosure should be large enough to allow the bearded dragon to move around comfortably, with plenty of hiding places and climbing opportunities. Additionally, the substrate should be safe and easy to clean. Loose substrates, such as sand or gravel, can cause impaction if ingested, leading to serious health issues.

Humidity and Hydration

Bearded dragons require a specific level of humidity to maintain their health. If the humidity is too low, they may become dehydrated, leading to health issues such as kidney problems. On the other hand, if the humidity is too high, it can lead to respiratory problems. Additionally, bearded dragons require access to clean, fresh water at all times to stay hydrated.

In summary, bearded dragons are fascinating pets that require proper husbandry to thrive. Maintaining the correct temperature, lighting, substrate, and humidity levels is essential to their health and well-being. By providing a suitable habitat and environment, bearded dragon owners can help ensure their pets remain happy and healthy for years to come.

Behavioral Changes with Age and Season

Brumation and Hibernation

Bearded dragons are known to enter a state of brumation during the winter months. Brumation is similar to hibernation, but it is not as deep. During this time, your bearded dragon may become less active, eat less, and sleep more. Some bearded dragons may even stop eating altogether. This is a natural behavior and nothing to be alarmed about. However, if your bearded dragon is losing weight or appears sick, you should consult with a veterinarian.

Mating Behaviors

Bearded dragons have specific mating behaviors that are unique to their species. During mating season, male bearded dragons may become more aggressive and territorial. They may also display their dominance by bobbing their heads or puffing up their throats. Female bearded dragons may become restless and may lay eggs even if they have not mated. If you have a female bearded dragon, it is important to provide a suitable environment for egg-laying.

Age-Related Behavior

As bearded dragons age, they may exhibit different behaviors. Older bearded dragons may become less active and may eat less. They may also develop health issues such as arthritis or other age-related conditions. It is important to provide a suitable environment for older bearded dragons and to monitor their health closely. If you notice any changes in your bearded dragon’s behavior or health, consult with a veterinarian.

In conclusion, understanding your bearded dragon’s behavior is key to providing the best care possible. By being aware of their natural behaviors and changes that occur with age and season, you can ensure that your bearded dragon is healthy and happy.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8l37lXtCNQ&embed=true

If a bearded dragon is acting weird, it is important to observe their behavior and determine if it is a temporary issue or a sign of a more serious health problem. If the dragon shows any signs of injury or illness, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.

A reptile veterinarian can diagnose and treat a variety of health issues that may be affecting the dragon. They can also provide advice on proper care and nutrition to ensure the pet stays healthy.

If the dragon is showing signs of a serious health problem, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and even death.

In some cases, the weird behavior may be caused by environmental factors such as improper temperature or lighting. A reptile veterinarian can provide advice on how to properly set up the dragon’s enclosure to ensure it is comfortable and healthy.

Overall, it is important to pay close attention to a bearded dragon’s behavior and seek veterinary care if there are any signs of injury or illness. With proper care and treatment, most health issues can be resolved and the pet can return to its normal behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV2fuMQ34Qc&embed=true

What could be causing my bearded dragon to be lethargic and refuse food?

Bearded dragons can become lethargic and refuse food for a variety of reasons, including illness, stress, improper lighting or temperature, or lack of appetite. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian if these symptoms persist.

How can I tell if my bearded dragon is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration in bearded dragons include sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, and decreased activity. It is important to provide fresh water and mist your bearded dragon’s enclosure regularly to prevent dehydration.

What are common signs of illness in bearded dragons?

Common signs of illness in bearded dragons include lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal stool, respiratory distress, and abnormal behavior. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect illness.

How should I respond if my bearded dragon is not moving much but is still breathing?

If your bearded dragon is not moving much but is still breathing, it may be experiencing stress or illness. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian if these symptoms persist.

What does abnormal bearded dragon behavior look like?

Abnormal bearded dragon behavior can include excessive aggression, lethargy, hiding, or abnormal movement. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any abnormal behavior.

Why might my bearded dragon suddenly start acting aggressively or erratically?

Bearded dragons may become aggressive or erratic due to stress, illness, or improper handling. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian if these symptoms persist.

You might also like