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Why Does My Bearded Dragon Feel Cold To Touch?

Salini

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Are you curious about your bearded dragon’s temperature? It’s normal to wonder. These reptiles have a unique way of managing their body heat.

If your bearded dragon feels cold, it is not always a cause for alarm. There are several reasons for this, related to their biology and environment.

Let’s delve into why your little friend may feel chilly to the touch and what it signifies.

5 Factors Making Your Bearded Dragon Feel Cold to the Touch

  • Low Ambient Temperature: The temperature in your bearded dragon’s enclosure plays a significant role in their body heat. If this temperature is too low, your bearded dragon will feel cold to the touch. Adjust the temperature to between 95°F to 110°F during the day and about 70°F to 75°F at night.
  • Inadequate Basking Spot: Bearded dragons require a basking spot to absorb heat. If the basking spot’s temperature is too low, it can cause their body temperature to decrease. Ensure that the basking spot is between 100°F to 110°F.
  • Improper Lighting: Bearded dragons need UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium and maintain warmth. Without adequate UVB light, they can feel cold. Use a UVB light that covers at least two-thirds of your dragon’s enclosure.
  • Illness: When a bearded dragon is ill, it might feel cold to the touch. This could be due to a lack of energy to thermo-regulate. If your bearded dragon feels consistently cold and shows other signs of illness, consult with a vet.
  • Brumation: Brumation is a period of dormancy for bearded dragons, similar to hibernation. During this time, they can feel cooler as their metabolism slows down. Monitor their behavior for lethargy or loss of appetite, which may indicate brumation.

Increasing Your Bearded Dragon’s Body Temperature Safely

You might be worried if your bearded dragon feels cold to touch. Fear not, there are safe techniques to increase your pet’s body temperature without causing harm.

Firstly, pay close attention to the enclosure temperature. It should have a basking area around 95-110°F and a cooler side of about 80-85°F. Use a quality thermometer to monitor this.

Secondly, UVB lighting plays a crucial part. Ensure your pet gets 10-12 hours of UVB exposure daily. This lighting helps in thermoregulation and aids in their digestive process.

Another aspect falls under diet. Feed your bearded dragon a balanced diet of insects, veggies, and fruits. A healthy diet contributes to maintaining optimal body temperature.

Finally, handling your bearded dragon can also help. The warmth from your body can increase their body temperature. However, limit handling to 15-20 minutes to avoid stress.

Remember, a healthy and warm bearded dragon is a happy one. Make these changes and you’ll see improvements in your pet’s body temperature.

To further extend your knowledge about bearded dragons, here are a few more to explore:

Each post offers in-depth insights, giving you all the details you need to take good care of your beardie.

Remember to research and prepare for your pet’s specific needs, and you’ll have a happy and healthy companion for years to come.

Happy pet-keeping!