Brumation Questions

[Ashi56]

Hi there,

I got my first bearded dragon, Norbert, about 3 months ago in January (he was about 11 months when I got him). Since then I've been following this site pretty closely for setting up his tank and keeping him healthy and happy.

I'm pretty sure Norbert went into brumation on Monday, because he's been "sleeping" on the cool side of his tank (laying down with either both eyes closed or slightly open) for the last week. He hasn't eaten or gotten up at all in that time, which is fine (although it does seem a bit late but I heard it can happen at any time).

So, it's been a week now and I'm thinking I should give him a bath and weigh him today. He's under his hide right now so do I just lift it up and pick him up like normal? I know I have to monitor him closely in the bath so his head doesn't go under water.

Also, he ate Monday morning a few super worms, and hasn't gone to the bathroom since then. Norbert usually only goes outside his tank when he gets to run around a bit first- he's never gone in the bath since I've had him. What if he doesn't go to the bathroom? Is there something I can do or will I just have to give him more baths throughout the week to encourage it? I don't want the food to rot in his stomach.

The last question I have is that right now when I peak in his hide, his beard does look a little dark. And as I said, he's not really sleeping, just laying with his eyes almost shut. Is it possible this isn't brumation and it's something else? His temperatures in his tank are 104 on his basking spot, 93 on his warm side, and 81 on his cooler side. He has a reptisun t10.0 mounted in his terrarium (which is new by the way)

Anyways, any insights would be great. I'm mostly concerned about the not having gone to the bathroom and the black beard. Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

I'd take him out to weigh him and log the weight. The bath isn't necessary but you might want to drip some water on his nose and see if he licks it up. If not, he's probably not thirsty which is OK. Then just put him back in his tank for now. It's OK if he doesn't poop for a while. I haven't found a problem with that, especially if he hasn't been eating much. The black beard may just be mood or temperature but keep an eye on it. If that continues and if he is losing weight then a vet visit may be in order. If his weight is stable then he's probably OK.