Bearded dragons are diurnal reptiles, which means their activity is mainly seen during the daylight hours. However, bearded dragons are go less active as the hours get darker, and they will become more sluggish during the night.
Depending on the individual dragon, they may still wander around at night and may even rest fully awake, but they don’t tend to be as energetic and active as they are during the day. Because of this, it is important to provide your bearded dragon with the right environment day and night so they can rest and get the best sleep possible.
During the day you should make sure there is plenty of sunlight and a source of UVA and UVB lighting in your dragon’s enclosure. Appropriate basking temperatures should also be maintained during the day to ensure your dragon is active and content.
At night consider setting up moon lights or night viewing lamps to provide your dragon with something to look at, and also replace the UVA and UVB lights with warm basking lights to maintain proper temperatures for the night.
With proper environment and lighting your dragon can remain active and content both day and night.
What time of day are bearded dragons most active?
Bearded dragons tend to be most active during the day and prefer daytime hours. Generally speaking, this is when the temperatures in the environment are at their warmest and the amount of bright sunlight available is at its peak.
Optimum temperatures for a healthy, actively engaged bearded dragon range from 87°F during the day and drop to no lower than 68°F at night. When temperatures are low, they tend to become less active and less responsive to stimulating activities or food.
In the wild, bearded dragons are most active when there is plenty of sunlight, typically between 8 AM and 5 PM, though this range can vary depending on the weather and the season. In an indoor setting, it is recommended to replicate their natural environment by providing the same range of temperatures, using cabinets and shelves to regulate their immediate environment.
During the hours of peak activity, they should be provided with ample play space and stimulating activities.
How many hours apart should I feed my bearded dragon?
It is important to have a regular feeding schedule for your bearded dragon, and the frequency of which you feed them can vary according to the size and age of your reptile. Hatchlings (up to six months old) should be fed small insects, such as crickets, daily.
Juveniles (six months to 18 months old) should be fed every other day. Adults (over 18 months) should be fed every three days.
How often and how long you feed them should also vary depending on age. Hatchlings should have food available for 20-30 minutes, juveniles for 30-40 minutes, and adults for 40-60 minutes. It is best to feed them during their most active times, usually during the day.
Having a regular feeding schedule, such as feeding your bearded dragon at the same time each day, will be beneficial for your pet. It is also important to vary their diet and provide them with a variety of different foods, including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, fruits and vegetables, in order to ensure they get the proper nutrition they need.
Should I Feed My bearded dragon in the morning or at night?
It is highly recommended that you feed your bearded dragon in the morning, as this is the time when they are most active and alert. Although some experts suggest that you feed them at night as well, this is not ideal.
Bearded dragons also prefer to eat in the morning, as this is when their metabolism is most active and they can process food more efficiently. When you feed your dragon in the morning, it will also help to regulate their feeding routine, which can make them more comfortable with their environment.
Additionally, feeding your dragon in the morning helps to ensure that they have enough energy throughout the day, as they can often become lethargic if they haven’t been fed regularly. It is also a great time to establish a routine with your new bearded dragon, as they will become accustomed to being fed at the same time each day.
Can I feed my bearded dragon at night?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon at night as long as the food is appropriate for the species, the items are properly sized, and the food is safe for the dragon to consume. Reptiles, like bearded dragons, are naturally nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, so feeding them at night can be beneficial.
Generally, it is recommended to feed a juvenile beardie two to three times a day, while adult bearded dragons should be fed two or three times a week. Be mindful of the types of food you feed your beardie at night as this is when they consume more protein and less carbohydrates, though a quality pellet can be good as well.
When nighttime feeding, limit the size of the meal to avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to health issues later on. To enhance the meal, you can apply calcium powder on top of the food you’re feeding to add additional vitamins and minerals, though fresh vegetables and fruits should be fed during the day.
What time should I turn my bearded dragons light off at night?
It is important to turn your bearded dragons light off at night in order for it to get enough rest. The optimal time to turn off their light is usually around 10 pm, since this is when most bearded dragons are winding down for the night.
Some bearded dragons may prefer earlier or later bedtimes, so it’s important to observe your pet’s individual sleep patterns. It’s also beneficial to provide your bearded dragons with a calm and comfortable environment during the night, with slightly lower temperatures than during the day (around 20°C).
Do you leave the light on at night for a bearded dragon?
No, bearded dragons need complete darkness at night to meet their circadian rhythm and get the rest they need. Although some light visibility is not a complete issue in most cases, the light exposure may cause their sleeping patterns to become disrupted and their behavior to change.
Therefore, when caring for a bearded dragon, it is highly recommended to keep the environment dark at night in order to promote healthy sleeping habits. If possible, provide your pet a dark cave or hide where they can go to feel safe and comfortable at night.
During the day, it is important to provide moderate levels of visible light for the health and well being of the bearded dragon. Depending on the size and type of enclosure, you can use specialized lighting to meet the reptile’s needs.
Can I leave a heat lamp on all night?
No, it is not recommended to leave a heat lamp on all night. Heat lamps are designed to heat an area up to a specific temperature, and leaving them on all night can cause the temperature to reach levels that can be dangerous for your animals or promote the growth of bacteria and molds.
It’s also important to remember that heat lamps use electricity, so leaving them on can cause an increase in your monthly electricity bill. If you need to provide additional warmth for your animals at night, consider using an electric pad, heated bed, ceramic heat emitter, or other device that is designed to be used for extended periods of time.
Additionally, always make sure the electrical devices you are using are properly grounded, and never leave any animal unattended around a heat source.
How do I keep my bearded dragon warm without a heat lamp?
Keeping your bearded dragon warm without a heat lamp can be a challenge, but it is possible. Depending on the size of the enclosure and the ambient temperature of the room, you may need to provide supplemental heat.
The optimal temperature range for a bearded dragon is 85-88°F during the day and 75-80°F at night. To keep your dragon warm without a heat lamp, you can provide a heated rock or spot lamp for basking.
You can also use under-tank heaters or a ceramic heating element (also known as an “infrared heat emitter”) to raise the ambient temperature of the enclosure. Make sure to use a thermometer and thermostat to monitor the temperature to avoid overheating.
Additionally, providing your dragon with plenty of substrate, like a shallow layer of play sand or calcium sand, will help your dragon regulate its body temperature by thermoregulating. Adding an overhead light, like a low wattage LED light, can also provide additional warmth and visibility.
Finally, it is important to make sure your dragon’s enclosure is draft-free and well insulated to retain heat.