Bearded dragons have countless unique behaviors that are innate in them. Probably you notice it too. One of which is their sleeping behavior that can be quite alarming sometimes.
Is it normal when a bearded dragon is sleeping in corner?
Yes. It is normal for bearded dragons to sleep in a corner and there is nothing to worry about it. You just need to remember that beardies are smart. Maybe your bearded dragon just found the perfect spot to sleep.
If you are a beginner, this might concern you. I can still remember when I was started my journey as a bearded dragon owner. Seeing my beardy sleeping at the corner of his habitat was seriously alarming.
Usually, I waited for days to see what would possibly happen to my beardy. And thankfully my reptile was perfectly fine. I learned that such behavior is pretty normal for bearded dragons.
The temperature in the tank may also cause this behavior. As mentioned, when a bearded dragon is sleeping in a corner, that spot might be the perfect place for him/her to stay.
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Is It Normal for a Bearded Dragon to Act Lazy or Lethargic?
Another behavior that may concern you about your beardies is when they seem to act lazy or lethargic. Well, in most cases, this is normal. However, there are many occasions where you need to pay attention to your beardies because being lazy or lethargic may signify health issues.
But how do you know that your beardy is acting lazy or lethargic? In this case, we need to clearly define both behaviors.
The Differences between Lazy and Lethargic
These two words may mean exactly the same to you. But they are actually different. In this section, let’s look at how they differ from one another.
A bearded dragon can be said lazy if he/she just lays down for a day or two but becomes active later on. Normally, this should not concern you. It is perfectly fine for beardies to take a break. Like humans, bearded dragons do relax sometimes and don’t bother to do anything.
On the other hand, a bearded dragon can be said lethargic if he/she stays in one location, laying down, and unresponsive for several days. Sometimes, a lethargic beardy is very weak and seemingly exhausted.
Unlike simple laziness, if your bearded dragon is acting lethargic for several days, this should concern you. In my experience, lethargic, in its very definition could mean health problems in your beardies.
You need to take everything into account and figure out what is going on. Is your beardy stressed? Does he/she have the correct habitat set up? All these things could potentially cause lethargic behavior.
If you are not sure what is going on, I suggest that you consult a vet right away.
But if your bearded dragon is just acting lazy, then there is nothing to worry about. Just observe your beardy for a couple of days. But if your bearded dragon remains sleeping in a corner for several days, that is not good anymore.
What Causes Bearded Dragons to Act Lazy or Lethargic?
There are many reasons why a bearded dragon acts lazy or lethargic. Read the following causes because one of them could potentially cause the problem in your beardy too.
1. Brumation
Brumation commonly happens in winter months. This happens mostly in juvenile and adult bearded dragons. During this process, a beardy may sleep for days or weeks and eat less. In fact, in some instances, bearded dragons in brumation do not eat at all.
If you are a beginner, this will scare you. But brumation is a normal process that all bearded dragons undergo. You should not worry about this condition. Your beardy is alive and nothing bad is happening.
Some beardy owners though tend to wake their pet up and feed or bathe them. However, I don’t recommend this. Since brumation is a normal phenomenon for bearded dragons, I won’t interrupt it.
It is very important that brumation happened when they were in the wild too and they survived. In fact, they survive without us. So why interfere with what is healthy and normal for them?
2. Dehydration
Dehydration may be another reason why a bearded dragon acts lazy or lethargic. And this is pretty much common in an artificial environment they are in. In the wild, they get everything regularly.
Now in captivity, you need to provide them the same needs too. One of the simple yet effective techniques you can do is to provide your beardy a regular mist, bath, and clean and safe water.
I want to emphasize this. Whenever giving water to your bearded dragon, make sure that it is fresh and safe from anything that could harm your beardies including chlorinated water. So make sure that you give dechlorinated water to your beardies.
When offering water, I recommend that you use water Dispenser for Bearded Dragons (click here to view this on Amazon). This is because beardies don’t drink much water from a bowl.
Using a water dispenser for my beardies works well. You might want to try it too.
3. Inadequate Temperature
Incorrect temperature is another reason why a bearded dragon acts lazy or lethargic. Low temperature for instance can negatively affect appetite.
There are three temperatures you need to consider as far as setting the right temperature for bearded dragons goes.
- Ambient
This is also known as the general temperature that ranges from 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Basking
The temperature in the basking area should ranger from 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cool Down Area
The cool-down area should have a temperature range of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Testing the correct temperature can be challenging too. Some thermometers can’t detect the correct temperature. So I suggest that you use a high-quality thermometer.
4. Inappropriate Lighting
This might be surprising. But believe it or not, inappropriate lighting conditions can cause the bearded dragons to act lazy or lethargic.
Your reptile pet should receive a full spectrum of light. Therefore, in choosing the lighting equipment, make sure that it is capable of producing UVA radiation.
Why your beardies need it? Well, UVA radiation boosts appetites and physical activities in bearded dragons. If your beardies have been lazy lately, using the lighting like this will help resolve the problem.
You can use fluorescent bulbs, mercury vapor bulbs, and compact fluorescent bulbs. Bearded dragons should be exposed in a full spectrum of light for at least 12 hours a day.
5. Impaction
Impaction can be another cause of why a bearded dragon acts lazy or lethargic. This condition often affects the hind legs of the beardies causing them discomfort when moving around.
As a result, they tend to remain in one spot. One of the signs of impaction is when a bearded dragon seems to drag its hind legs when moving. This is a serious condition.
I have lost my first bearded dragon because of the health issues like this. The best action you can take is to bring your bearded dragon to a vet for immediate medical intervention needed.
Impaction can be fatal especially if not treated immediately. So don’t guess and wait if you see your beardy seems to be not feeling well. A licensed vet knows more than anyone. So keep your beardies safe.
6. Parasites
Parasites are small and tiny living organisms that may take refuge in the pet’s body. But these tiny intruders could potentially cause huge problems in your bearded dragons.
Parasites could also be a reason why your beardy seems to act lazy or lethargic. This is because parasites would depend on their host for their foods. As a result, bearded dragons may become lethargic when their energy was consumed by parasites.
One way of detecting parasites is by examining the poops of your reptile. A runny and extremely smelly feces without urates are signs of parasites.
If the habitat is filthy and not well-maintained can be a viable source of parasites. To avoid it from happening, make sure that the habitat of your beardy is clean.
Again, if this is the issue, seek help or suggestions from a veterinarian. Act before everything becomes too late for your pets.
Final Thoughts on Bearded Dragon Sleeping in Corner
Bearded dragons are indeed different from other animals. That said, they also have unique and different behaviors that sometimes can cause alarm.
One of the behaviors that may concern you is when a bearded dragon is sleeping in the corner for a couple of days.
Well, in most cases, this is normal behavior. Bearded dragons may have found the perfect spot to relax. Usually, it is the temperature that makes the beardy stay in one spot.
However, in some cases though, especially if the bearded dragons are lazy and lethargic for several days or weeks, may be an indication of health issues.
If you are not sure what is really happening, it is always the best idea to consult your bearded dragon with a vet.
I hope this helps. If you want to learn more about bearded dragons, feel free to read my guide here.
Related Questions
Do bearded dragons need light at night?
No. There is no need for that. Bearded dragons will only get distracted with light when they are asleep. So you better turn off the light to help them gain enough sleep.
Do blankets keep bearded dragons warm?
Not at all. Blankets do not help keep the bearded dragon warm. This is because beardies are cold-blooded and their body does not produce heat, unlike humans. Therefore, there is no heat to keep.
