Are Bearded Dragons Cold Blooded?
Bearded dragons are some of the most popular pet reptiles in the world, and they make fantastic pets. But one of the most common questions asked about them is whether or not they are cold-blooded.
What is Cold Blooded?
Cold-blooded is a term used to refer to any organism that is unable to regulate its own body temperature and relies on environmental sources to warm up or cool down. This means that unlike mammals, they cannot be comfortable in a variety of different temperatures and cannot create body heat from within.
Are Bearded Dragons Cold Blooded?
Yes, bearded dragons are cold-blooded. They rely on basking in the sun or near a heating source, like an infrared heat lamp, to keep their bodies warm. When their environment is too cold, bearded dragons slow down and can become sluggish or even go into brumation, which is a hibernation-like state.
How Do Bearded Dragons Regulate their Temperature?
Bearded dragons are able to regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun or near a heating source in order to warm up and moving to a cooler part of their habitat to cool down. They will also take advantage of shade and will burrow and hide under rocks or other hiding spots in order to keep cool and hide from predators.
Tips For Keeping Bearded Dragons At the Right Temperature
Here are a few tips to help keep your bearded dragons warm and comfortable in their environment:
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- Provide a basking area: Create a basking area in the habitat by placing a heat lamp at one side of the habitat and a basking rock at the other side for them to bask on. This will help provide enough heat for your bearded dragon to regulate their body temperature.
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- Thermometers: Place thermometers both inside and outside the cage to ensure the temperature is not too hot or cold. The ideal temperature for bearded dragons is between 78-88 °F (26-31°C).
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- Provide extra hiding spots: Place extra hiding spots, such as logs and plants, around the cage so they can hide from the heat if they need to.
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- Keep the humidity levels regulated: Bearded dragons prefer lower humidity levels, so make sure their habitat is not too damp by misting the enclosure lightly and providing plenty of heating.
In conclusion, bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles that rely on environmental factors to regulate their body temperature. To keep them safe and comfortable in their environment, it’s important to provide enough heat, hideouts, and regulate the humidity levels in the habitat.
