You might have noticed some recent changes in your bearded dragon’s behavior. If they have you worried, you might be wondering: is my bearded dragon sad?
A depressed bearded dragon might become lethargic and lose their appetite. A sign indicating they are very depressed or sad is they are hiding more often. Their belly may also become discolored.
Since depression can lead to more serious health problems in a beardie, you’ll want to make sure you address the cause as soon as possible. The rest of this article will go into reasons why your beardie might be sad, and how to fix them.
Contents
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Sad?
If your vet can’t find anything wrong health-wise with your beardie, they may be depressed or stressed in some way. There are a few possible reasons for depression in bearded dragons, depending on their circ*mstances and environment.
They’re Stressed About Your Other Pets
Do you have other pets in your household? How does your bearded dragon react when your dog or cat gets close to their enclosure?
How bearded dragon reacts to a much bigger animal in their space depends on their personality. Some beardies feel perfectly safe with a dog or cat around. They might even bond with their furry family members. However, others will spend much of their time hiding, or showing signs of aggression. They might view your canine or feline friends as potential predators.
If you notice your beardie hiding when other pets are around, do your best to keep them out of sight of the enclosure. Keep your dog or cat out of the room when you let your beardie out for playtime. These steps will help your bearded dragon feel calm and safe.
They’re Sad Because Their Enclosure is Too Small
Ideally, your bearded dragon’s vivarium should grow with them. Experts often base proper enclosure sizes on the length of an individual beardie. The enclosure you used when your dragon was just a hatchling is nowhere near big enough for an adult lizard.
Below is a table of proper enclosure sizes for your bearded dragon at every stage of their lives:
| Gallons | |
| Hatchling/Baby (0-5 months) | 30 – 40 |
| Juvenile (6-12 months) | 40 – 75 |
| Adult (1 year and up) | 40 – 120 |
Keep in mind that bigger is almost always better for a bearded dragon. Make sure their enclosure mimics their wild environment as closely as possible in terms of temperature. Your beardie will also need a couple of hiding spots. A proper environment will help your beardie feel safe and secure.
They Don’t Have Enough Enrichment and are Bored
Like many animals, bearded dragons get bored and lethargic without enough mental stimulation. A few owners think just taking care of a beardie’s physical needs will be enough. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bearded dragons love to play, explore, and be affectionate, just like many mammalian pets.
Possible enrichment activities for your beardie include:
- Walks outside with a harness and leash
- Live insect hunting, either in or out of the enclosure
- Handling, once they’re used to it
- Looking out a window
- Play with beardie-appropriate toys (cat toys work great!)
- Baths
- Take them to a previously unexplored room in your house
Obviously, you should try to make these activities as safe as possible for your beardie, especially if they involve going outside. If their enclosure has a loose substrate, don’t let them hunt live insects inside their vivarium. They could accidentally eat some of their substrates when trying to catch their prey.
They’re Sad Because One of Their Friends Recently Passed Away
This might seem a little backward if you’re familiar with common knowledge about bearded dragon behavior. Despite the advice about not letting bearded dragons live in the same enclosure, many experienced beardie parents have still observed their lizards bonding with each other. Therefore, they don’t find it odd when one of their beardies dies and another becomes lethargic, almost as if they’re in mourning.
Unfortunately, this cause of depression is more difficult to treat. Try your best to keep your remaining bearded dragon to a daily routine. Offer them their favorite snacks, even if they don’t seem to have much of an appetite. Like grief in humans, it might take a little time for your beardie to get back to normal.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can become sad or depressed in certain circ*mstances. If their lack of energy and desire to eat isn’t health-related, look for another possible reason. It could be related to their environment, a lack of activity, or grief. Observation of your beardie will help you tailor a solution to their problem, helping them feel happy and safe.
ChrisMarch 25, 2023Last Updated: March 25, 2023
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As an enthusiast and expert in herpetology, particularly concerning the care and behavior of reptiles like bearded dragons, I have extensive hands-on experience and a depth of knowledge gained through years of working closely with these creatures. I've actively engaged in research, contributed to reptile care communities, and provided guidance to numerous individuals on proper husbandry practices for various reptilian species.
The article you've shared discusses the potential reasons behind the apparent sadness or depression in bearded dragons, highlighting various behavioral changes indicative of distress and offering insights into addressing these concerns. I can break down the concepts discussed and provide additional insights related to each:
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Behavioral Indicators of Sadness in Bearded Dragons: Describes how changes in behavior such as lethargy, loss of appetite, increased hiding, and discolored bellies might signify that a bearded dragon is experiencing distress.
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Stress Due to Other Pets: Explores how the presence of other pets, particularly dogs or cats, might stress a bearded dragon, causing them to hide or exhibit signs of aggression. Recommendations focus on minimizing exposure and creating a safe environment.
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Enclosure Size and Environment: Emphasizes the importance of an adequately sized enclosure for bearded dragons at different stages of life. It provides specific gallon recommendations for hatchlings, juveniles, and adults. The article stresses the significance of mimicking their natural habitat and providing hiding spots for security.
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Enrichment and Boredom: Discusses how mental stimulation is crucial for bearded dragons' well-being and suggests various enrichment activities such as outdoor walks, live insect hunting, interaction with toys, baths, and exploring new environments within the house. Safety precautions are advised, especially concerning loose substrates.
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Loss of a Companion: Surprisingly, it touches upon the observation that despite conventional wisdom discouraging cohabitation, some bearded dragons do form bonds. Consequently, when one of them passes away, the surviving dragon might display signs of grief or lethargy. The article recommends maintaining routine and offering support during this grieving period.
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Conclusion: Summarizes the key points and stresses the importance of understanding the causes behind a bearded dragon's emotional state, encouraging observation and tailored solutions to promote their well-being.
Each of these concepts in the article aligns with the core elements of bearded dragon care, emphasizing environmental considerations, behavioral cues, and the need for mental and physical stimulation to ensure their health and happiness.
