Brumation isn't as deep as hibernation. Gently touch them and you'll still see a small amount of movement. In a deceased beardie, their mouth may fall open, beard may be black, the body can look bloated (from decomp gasses) and the eyes will be very sunken.
During brumation, the bearded dragon's body will slow down and go into conservation mode. They will avoid food, and tend to spend most of their time sleeping in cool, darker areas. They may come up from time to time to briefly bask before retreating to cooler areas again.
Healthy adult bearded dragons can go without food for up to seven to 10 days under normal circumstances. Some may survive longer during brumation (a type of reptilian hibernation). Juvenile or baby bearded dragons should not go more than a few days without food.
Signs of brumation are:
Brumation
Adult bearded dragons may go into brumation, a reptile version of hibernation, especially in the winter months. During this time, they eat and move less, or not at all, and may not poop for weeks or even months.
Bearded dragon brumation signs:
Retreating to cooler areas of the enclosure. Loss of appetite. Sleeping for longer periods of time. Seeking dark places to hide or digging to make a nesting spot.
7 Signs Your Bearded Dragon May Be Sick
It is best to minimise handling of your bearded dragon during brumation. This period is similar to hibernation for reptiles, and handling can cause unnecessary stress.
This condition generally occurs in the winter, when temperatures cool, or when lack of food or extreme heat make it necessary for the lizard or snake to slow its metabolism and conserve its energy. "Brumation is a state of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles..."
Bearded Dragon Brumation Signs
Impaction is one of the conditions that frequently causes the death of bearded dragons. In the case of a major impaction, the animal will not be very mobile, and one or both back legs may appear paralyzed. If the impaction is higher in the digestive track, the front legs may also be paralyzed.
Affected lizards may sneeze, have discharge from their eyes or nose, bubbles from the mouth or nose, unnaturally rapid or shallow breathing, open-mouthed breathing, decreased appetite, and lethargy. These cases call for immediate attention and aggressive therapy from your bearded dragon's veterinary team.
Weight loss:Bearded dragons may lose weight during brumation, which is normal. Change in sleeping habits:Bearded dragons typically sleep more during brumation. They may also sleep longer during the day and be less active at night.
Once your dragon wakes up:
They also experience brumation, which is a form of hibernation unique to reptiles. The big question on many pet owners' minds is whether bearded dragons brumate with their eyes open or not. The answer is yes, bearded dragons can indeed brumate with their eyes open.
The ideal temperature for brumation is 41 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous, and temperatures more than 60 degrees Fahrenheit are too warm.
You can tell if your bearded dragon is in brumation because he may have the following symptoms:
Bearded dragons are naturally curious and active reptiles. A healthy dragon will spend time basking, exploring its enclosure, and occasionally interacting with its environment. Lethargy, lack of movement, or hiding more than usual could suggest an underlying health issue OR seasonal brumation.
During hibernation, mammals will fall into a deep sleep, and they don't eat or drink. During brumation, reptiles don't fall into total slumber but still have periods of activity. Though they do not eat, they continue to drink to avoid dehydration.
Just like us humans, Bearded dragons have a few places they don't like to be touched. Avoid grabbing their tails as this can seem like predatory behaviour to your Bearded dragon, which can, of course, be quite stressful.
There are many concerns among new dragon owners regarding the winter months when their dragon seems to eat, drink and move around less. Dragons entering brumation often sit in one spot all day long lazily and sleep for days/weeks/sometimes a month.
If your dragon is acting lethargic and has foul-smelling runny poo, he may have parasites. Definitely contact your vet if you suspect this. Poor diet. If bearded dragons are not given a healthy, balanced diet, they may act lethargic.
Wrinkled or sunken skin: Skin may look loose, dry, or “accordion-like.” Sunken eyes: Eyes may appear dull or recessed. Lack of urates or dry urates: White chalky waste should be soft—chalky or absent urates suggest dehydration. Lethargy: A normally active lizard or snake that stays hidden or sluggish may be dehydrated.
Gently touch them and you'll still see a small amount of movement. In a deceased beardie, their mouth may fall open, beard may be black, the body can look bloated (from decomp gasses) and the eyes will be very sunken. And of course, with death, there will be a pungeant odor that's unmistakably sour.
Bearded dragons commonly face respiratory infections and stress-related behaviors like black bearding. Sudden death in bearded dragons with symptoms like black bearding, sunken eyes, lethargy, and breathing difficulty often indicates severe respiratory infection or organ failure.