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Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals and require an external heat source to survive. During the day, bearded dragons will try to bask in as much sunlight as possible. But with temperature drops at night, there’s a chance some owners will worry about heating. So, that begs the question – how do you keep a bearded dragon warm at night?
Bearded dragons may not need heat at night. If your home gets cold at night and drops well below 60°F, some heating may be necessary. If your home does get a little cold at night, we recommend getting a 75W blue bulb.
In this article, we’ll be giving you more info on how to keep a bearded dragon warm at night.
Besides offering you this info, we’ll get to see how dragons respond to temperature changes and how to regulate lighting. Take advantage of what this article provides and get your beardie pals comfortable when it’s time to take a nap.
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How Do Wild Bearded Dragons Respond to Temperature Changes at Night?
With information on the origins of bearded dragons, it becomes easier to understand how they react to temperature changes. You’ll have essential information to mimic your dragon’s natural environment, giving them the right amount of warmth.
Wild bearded dragons usually live in arid regions of Tasmania and Australia. These dragons could experience temperature swings, which could go up to about 100°F (38°C) and drop below 69°F (21°C). Hot areas tend to remain cold at night with increased levels of humidity that may top 40%.
Wild bearded dragons have a body build that adapts to temperature changes across these conditions. It is not necessary or even advised to mimic extreme heat readings in your dragon tank. But keeping your beardy from getting too cold is a must.
What Happens If a Bearded Dragon Gets Too Cold at Night?
Bearded dragons exposed to extreme low temperature freeze up and could fall ill as a result. If your bearded dragon gets too cold at night, it may need warming up to feel fine again. That’s why it is important for owners to keep their bearded dragon tank within 70°F – 80°F (21°C – 27°C).
But here’s what to do if your bearded dragon has taken in too much cold already:
- Take the bearded dragon out of its tank
- Warm up the tank to 104°F (40°F)
- Bathe your bearded dragon in warm (not hot) water, making sure its vents and skin absorbs enough fluid. Bath should not exceed 20 ~ 30 minutes.
- Place your beardy in its basking area
After allowing the dragon to bask and recover, it is important you consult a vet as soon as possible. If there’s no emergency, consider taking your beardy to the vet and forgo these steps above.
How to Keep a Bearded Dragon Warm at Night: Best Options
Ceramic Heaters
With ceramic heaters, you get ample infrared heat to your dragon without causing it any harm.
Heating Mats
These mats are ideal for experienced pet owners only. Heating mats can provide warmth from several parts of a beardy tank. But with the risk of burns to your dragon and fire hazard, beginners should avoid this option.
Infrared (IR) Bulbs
IR bulbs have low wattages and supply heat without actually emitting much light. Most IR bulbs glow in purple or red. Lights emitted from these bulbs are not visible to bearded dragons.
Heating Cables
Insulated cables can give off heat when plugged into a power source. You can fit the wires in a coil form or loops around your beardy dragon’s tank to regulate its temperature.
The Best Lighting Duration to Keep Your Bearded Dragon Warm and Healthy
Weather changes could mean your beardy needs a different dose of warmth. Keeping your bearded dragon warm has a lot of health benefits and prevents diseases. Here’s how to care for your lizard across seasons:
Wintertime
During the day, expose your bearded dragon to about 10 hours of UV light. At night, your dragon should receive around 13 hours of light.
Summertime
Provide your bearded dragon 12 – 13 hours of UV light in the daytime. Your beardy should receive about 7 – 9 hours of light at night.
Fall/Spring
During fall and spring seasons, owners should loosely maintain the lighting template, particularly on colder nights.
FAQs
How can I keep my bearded dragon warm without a heat lamp?
Following these steps will transfer heat from your body to the bearded dragon.
- Place your dragon in a hollow cage
- Put the cage on a pillow
- Keep the bearded dragon close
Temporary heat packs and cables are great alternatives too.
What happens if a bearded dragon gets too cold?
Lethargy is one of the first symptoms bearded dragons will feel when they are cold. Other noticeable symptoms are fatigue and loss of appetite, and could lead to malnutrition.
Do blankets keep bearded dragons warm?
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, so blankets don’t keep them warm. Humans emit heat that blankets help us trap to keep warm. Reptiles can’t generate heat so blankets will only make them feel more cold.
Can I put a blanket in my bearded dragon tank?
You can put a blanket in your bearded dragon tank. Bearded dragons usually like to have soft materials to rest on. However, it is not ideal to use a blanket for as a heat support in a beardy tank.
Read More: Do Bearded Dragons Like Blankets?
Final Thoughts: How to Keep a Bearded Dragon Warm at Night
Knowing how to keep a bearded dragon at night is important to ensure your reptiles are comfortable and healthy.
Your dragon may not need extra heating if you live in an arid environment. But with temperature changes likely to hurt your dragon, it makes sense to keep alternative heat sources around. With the tips above, it becomes worlds easier to max out proper heating for your dragon every time.