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A healthy adult that sleeps more in autumn may be brumating — but the same signs can mean parasites, impaction or infection. Answer what you are seeing below to see which pattern fits. This tool does not diagnose anything: if in doubt, or if any urgent sign appears, see a reptile vet promptly.
Brumation vs warning signs
| Sign | More like brumation | See a reptile vet promptly |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite | Gradually eats less over weeks in cool season, adult only | Sudden refusal in a baby/juvenile, or rapid weight loss |
| Activity | Sleepy but alert when handled, hides more | Limp, unresponsive, cannot grip, dragging legs |
| Breathing / face | Slow, quiet breathing | Open-mouth breathing, bubbles, mucus, clicking or wheezing |
| Poop / belly | Less frequent but formed before slowdown | Bloody, black or runny poop for 3+ days, swollen or hard belly, no poop for 7+ days |
| Weight | Stable weight | Visible hip bones, sunken eyes, tail base thinning fast |
Go to a reptile vet urgently for: blood in stool, breathing difficulty, seizures or tremors, a swollen or hard belly, or any baby that stops eating and becomes lethargic. Bring a fresh fecal sample and your basking, cool-side and UVB details. Never try to force-brumate a sick, underweight or juvenile dragon.
FAQ
What age do bearded dragons brumate?
Usually only healthy adults over about 12 months, in the cooler months. Babies and juveniles should stay active and eating — a sleepy baby needs a vet, not brumation.
Should I still offer food and water during brumation?
Offer fresh greens and water; many keepers give short warm baths for hydration. Keep lights on a normal schedule and confirm temperatures and UVB are correct before assuming brumation.
Can this tool tell me my dragon is sick?
No. Only a reptile vet with an exam and often a fecal test can diagnose illness. Use this page to spot warning signs early, not to rule them out.
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