Bearded dragons are unique and have distinct behaviors that you don’t usually see in other animals. Some of these behaviors vary depending on the beardies’ age.
If you have been caring for bearded dragons for years now, you probably noticed these unique behaviors. An example of this is the length of their sleeping time. Baby and adult bearded dragons have different sleep habits.
So, is it normal for a baby bearded dragon not eating and sleeping a lot?
The answer is, in most cases, yes. Baby bearded dragons normally spent a long time sleeping than their adult counterparts. It is normal for them to sleep long unless their sleeping tendency is due to the environmental changes they experience.
Bearded dragons are sensitive to the changes in their habitat. It could be a change in location or sudden temperature changes. Such a sudden change will impact their behavior.
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Common Reasons Why a Baby Bearded Dragon Not Eating and Sleeping a Lot
As mentioned, young beardies tend to sleep more than their adult counterparts. It is pretty good for them to spend more time sleeping.
However, there are cases wherein sleeping too much is indicative of potential health problems. There are many reasons as to why a young beardy sleeps a lot.
Below are some of the reasons as to why a baby bearded dragon not eating and sleeping a lot.
1. Stress Due to Relocation
As mentioned, too much sleeping in a baby bearded dragon can be the result of relocation stress. Beardies can be easily affected by their new environment. And babies are the most prone to this problem.
Unlike adult beardies, the stress in baby bearded dragons can last for several weeks. If this is the case, you need to get rid of the things that cause stress to your beardies.
You can do the following to fix the stress in your baby bearded dragons and help them better:
- Remove the sources of noise
- Provide appropriate lighting
- Keep bearded dragons alone in their tank (remove other animals)
- Be gentle when handling them
- Give them a warm bath
- Gently rub their head and belly
2. Growth Spurt Could Also be the Cause
Like humans, baby bearded dragons also undergo a growth spurt. When this happens, they are affected in many aspects. It affects their sleep and eating habit.
Unfortunately, as an owner, there is nothing you can do about it. It is a natural process that happens to them.
All you can do is to give them time and wait. As long as growth spurt is the cause of why your baby beardy is not eating and sleeping a lot, he/she will be fine.
3. Inappropriate Temperature
Temperatures could affect the eating and sleeping behaviors in bearded dragons. It is important to remember that beardies are cold-blooded animals.
What this means is that the sudden change in temperatures can potentially affect their eating and sleeping behavior.
For instance, if the temperature increases, beardies tend to become more active. However, as the temperature drops, they slow down. And if the low temperature lingers long, forced brumation will occur.
It is important to remember though that it is not a natural but as a forced brumation. Beardies undergo brumation in their natural way.
During brumation, beardies normally sleeps a lot and eat less.
To avoid force brumation, make sure that you provide correct and appropriate lighting setup. Use a good thermometer to determine the temperature in the habitat.
Another thing to remember is that young beardies are different from adult beardies in terms of temperature requirements.
When setting up the right temperatures, there are three main areas you need to consider (basking area, hide or cool area, and the overall habitat).
As mentioned, beardies in different age brackets need different temperature requirements. For instance, the basking area for baby bearded dragons should be between 100-100 degrees Fahrenheit. While for adult beardies, the basking area should have a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hiding or hide spot should 70-85 degrees. While for the overall temperature of the habitat should have about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is applicable to both baby and adult bearded dragons.
You should check the temperature regularly. Unlike other animals, bearded dragons are pretty vulnerable to temperature changes.
4. Low UVB
Understanding the natural habitat of bearded dragons help you understand their needs in captivity. Aside from the correct temperature, bearded dragons also need an appropriate source of light.
In the desert, they used to sunny days. And they enjoy those hot and dry places. In captivity, they also need those sunny environments.
What does this mean for beardy owners? This means that you should make sure that your beardies get the same amount of appropriate light. In the absence of UVB light, beardies get less amount of vitamin D. As a result, they get less active.
5. Impaction
Another possible cause is impaction. Impaction happens when beardies eat large chunks of foods that are hard to digest. Always take the size of the food you are offering into consideration. Big chunks of foods could cause impaction.
One of the common symptoms of impaction is less pooping. Bearded dragons normally poop 3-4 times a day. If their pooping is way less frequently, then impaction could be the potential cause of frequent sleeping tendencies.
If this the cause, you can give your baby beardy a warm bath. A gentle massage on his/her belly will also help resolve the problem.
If this first aid does not work, the ultimate solution now is to take your baby bearded dragon to a licensed veterinarian. In uncertain situations, seeking professional help is the best move.
6. Dehydration
Bearded dragons are also prone to dehydration. Baby bearded dragons are more prone to dehydration. Beardies suffering from dehydration tend to sleep a lot especially the young ones.
If your beardy’s urine turns to chalk-like white substance, there is a high chance that your beardy is dehydrated.
There are many sources of water for bearded dragons. They can get water from drinking, eating watery foods, and from their skin.
Either of these water sources can replenish the lost water in their body. Giving them water is the easiest way to hydrate your beardies.
They can also get water from fruits and leafy greens. However, make sure that they get just what they need. Eating too many watery foods will result in overhydration. This is not healthy either.
A regular bath can also improve dehydration. You can bath your beardies more frequently to give them the right amount of hydration.
7. Illness
If all the causes discussed above are not present in your beardies, then illness may be the cause. If beardies are sick, they normally eat less and sleep a lot.
There are common symptoms when a beardy gets sick. Take a look at the following signs:
- Beardies don’t poop regularly
- They become less active
- Eat less and have a poor appetite
- Have mucus around their nose or eyes
- Breathe heavily
- Gaping
- Hissing
If you notice some of these symptoms, I suggest that you take your baby bearded dragon to a vet immediately. Don’t guess what is going on. I made the same mistake before which cost the life of my first beardy.
Final Thoughts on Baby Bearded Dragon Not Eating and Sleeping a Lot
Baby bearded dragons normally sleep more than their adult counterparts. So you see more baby beardies sleep than adult beardies.
However, in some cases, sleeping a lot in baby beardies may be indicative of physical problems. As mentioned, there a many factors as to why beardies tend to eat less and sleep a lot.
The environment in general plays a very important role in this case. So make sure that your beardies get the best set up for their habitat to keep them healthy.
Aside from all of these, sickness can also be an ultimate cause. if you see the symptoms mentioned above, I recommend that you bring your beardies to a licensed vet for proper intervention.
When it comes to the health of my bearded dragons, I don’t guess. I made that mistake before. And I don’t want to make it again. Always choose the best route.
I hope this helps. Thank you for reading.
If you want to learn more about bearded dragons, visit my guide page.
Related Questions
How long can a baby bearded dragon go without eating?
A healthy mature beardy can last for several weeks to three months without eating. However, baby and juvenile beardies though may not be able to survive that long without food. It is because young beardies need more protein for their speedy growth.
Why has my baby bearded dragon stopped eating?
The main reason for this is brumation. During the entire brumation period, baby bearded dragons have a slow metabolism which allows them to survive without eating food. As a result, they eat less.
