Bearded Dragon Lighting Schedule When it comes to how long you keep lights on for a bearded dragon, you'll want to provide them a solid 12-14 hours of UVB and heat a day. This will most closely mimic their natural environment.
The basking light is important in keeping your beardie warm and also in regulating their sleep schedule. Just like the UVA/UVB light, a basking light should only be left on for about 12 hours!
Your vivarium should mimic the natural heat and light pattern of your bearded dragon's natural environment, and since the temperature in the outback drops after dark, your bearded dragon needs a cooler temperature at night. This means you can turn off your heat lamp at night.
Out of Sight: Try to avoid using the lamp overnight or when you can't monitor it, and make sure there is a working smoke detector nearby.
In nature, the temperature drops naturally overnight, and this drop in temperature can be quite dramatic in some areas. So, no matter what, it is good to allow this natural nighttime temperature drop in a Bearded dragon's enclosure as they naturally do not require as much heat during these times.
If your beardie is not sitting in the hot spot, gaping with its mouth open, then it probably isn't hot enough. Remember, the entire habitat cannot be as hot as the basking area, but the hot spot is necessary for proper digestion.
If you're worried about the consequences of no heat, here's some information that can provide some peace of mind. Bearded dragons can usually go without heat for about 24 hours. That's not enough for long-term survival, but it can buy you time to address the heating problems in the enclosure.
Do the research for the specific animal that you have, but a good rule of thumb is to program the UVB and daytime light/heat to be on for 12 hours and then turned off for 12 hours.
Here's one final piece of advice from Molesey Vets' team – it's not normal or healthy for bearded dragons to sleep all day in the summer as they can miss vital basking time. If your pet has become lazy, lethargic, and isn't eating, this could be a sign of being too hot (or something else).
Also known as “Beardies” they are not particularly lazy pets. It's just that they are known to enjoy cuddling up with their owners while they watch TV. Yes, they're cuddly! Another reason that bearded dragons are an increasingly popular pet is because of the common (mis)conception that they are easy to take care of.
The answer to this question often depends on your dragon. As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated.
The nighttime temperatures should drop to 72°F (32°C) to 80°F (26°C) within the enclosure. If the temperatures drop below this after turning the heat and light sources off at night, you may need to use a heating device that does not emit light to supplement heat.
Most young bearded dragons should eat once or twice daily, while older lizards may only eat every 24-72 hours, depending upon each pet's individual appetite.
Many do make the association of a bearded dragon and basking all day, and seem to think this is right. When in fact, a healthy dragon should only really bask in bursts. With a longer stint happening in the morning. This would be to aid the energising process, alongside the UVB exposure for the same reason.
Typically, there's a big difference between a bearded dragon that acts lazy and one that is lethargic. Lazy is generally defined as a bearded dragon that simply lays around for a day or two then is peppy and roaring to go later. This could be very normal as bearded dragons have off days just like their human parents.
As stated earlier, bearded dragons are active daily; however, some individuals may spend some time sleeping. If your dragon sleeps all day, that may be a warning that something is wrong with it or is in brumation, which will be discussed later in this article.
Since bearded dragons don't need light at night, enclosures should be dark for around 12 hours at night. Furthermore, these reptiles should receive no UVB light during those 12 hours. During the day, UVB exposure is paramount. UVB radiation simulates the sun's brightness and color.
Bearded dragons are diurnal and sleep up to 12 hours daily. People often ask if bearded dragons are nocturnal or diurnal. These reptiles are diurnal, so they are active during the day and sleep at night, similar to humans. If you have a bearded pet dragon, it will be awake during the day and rest when you do.
"The ideal internal body temperature for a bearded dragon lizard is 35 degrees centigrade. In order to maintain this temperature, a bearded dragon can change its back to a light yellow colour when it is hot to adark brown colour when it is cool." Ms Smith added.
Bearded Dragon Brumation Signs
There are some telltale signs to look out for: Lethargy, increased sleep, earlier bedtime. Loss of appetite or complete refusal of food. Frequent hiding or burrowing.