Brumation

[Tarzanikous]

Hi, my bearded dragon Tarzan is currently in his cave, sleeping. He hasn't come out today to eat or drink. He has attempted brumation before. He has slept or laid around in his cave for a couple of days before coming back out to eat, interact, drink etc. He has done this maybe three or four times since we got him last July. He is about 15 months old. His cave is under his heat lamp. We think it's brumation, but we aren't sure--due to his history-- if he will commit or not. He opens his eyes when we open his cage and look at him, but stays inside. Should we drag him out and feed/water him? It's weird, not feeding him, and we don't want him to starve...

 

[Luthien]

No don't force him to do anything. Just leave him be and keep offering food daily, when he's ready he will come out and eat. Make sure to keep him hydrated though, usually when my beardie goes into brumation I drag her out at least twice a week for a short warm bath then put her back to bed. This will also help your beardies system to stay active.