Why is My Bearded Dragon Hiding All Day Long? Common Causes Explained

Seeing your Bearded Dragon suddenly hiding all day long can be concerning. It’s natural to worry when your pet’s behavior changes. This article will explore the common reasons why your beardie might be spending more time hidden away and what you can do about it.

Understanding Hiding All Day Long in Bearded Dragons

While Bearded Dragons enjoy basking and being active, occasional hiding is normal. However, consistent, all-day hiding is usually a sign that something is amiss and should be investigated. It’s crucial to distinguish between normal behavior and potential problems. Sometimes, hiding is just a way for your dragon to regulate its temperature or process a meal. Other times, it’s a red flag indicating stress, illness, or inadequate husbandry.

Common Causes for Hiding All Day Long

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your Bearded Dragon might be hiding all day long:

• Environmental Issues: This is a very common cause of hiding behavior.

  • Temperature: Bearded dragons need a specific temperature gradient within their enclosure, with a basking spot reaching around 100-110°F (38-43°C) and a cooler side around 75-85°F (24-29°C). If the basking spot is too cool, your beardie won’t be able to properly digest food and may hide to conserve energy. If the enclosure is too hot overall, they may hide to escape the heat.
  • Lighting: Proper UVB and UVA lighting are crucial for a bearded dragon’s health and well-being. Insufficient or expired UVB bulbs can lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD), causing pain and weakness, prompting the dragon to hide.
  • Humidity: While they prefer relatively low humidity (30-40%), extremely dry conditions can cause shedding problems and discomfort, leading to hiding. High humidity can also be a problem so make sure conditions are optimal.
  • Enclosure Size and Setup: A juvenile Bearded Dragon might feel comfortable in a smaller enclosure, but as they grow, they need more space. An adult dragon needs at least a 40-gallon breeder tank (ideally larger). Lack of proper hides or adequate clutter can also make them feel insecure and prone to hiding.

  • Stress Factors: Bearded dragons are sensitive to their environment and can become stressed easily.

  • Handling: Over-handling or improper handling can stress your dragon. Handle your beardie gently and for short periods initially, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable.

  • Changes: Significant changes to their environment, such as moving the enclosure, rearranging decorations, or introducing new pets, can cause stress and lead to hiding.
  • Noise: Loud noises, vibrations, or constant commotion near the enclosure can also stress your beardie.
  • Other Pets: The presence of other pets, especially those that might be perceived as predators (cats, dogs), can be highly stressful.

  • Health Problems: Hiding can be a sign that your dragon is not feeling well.

  • Illness/Pain: Any underlying illness or injury can cause a Bearded Dragon to hide.

  • Parasites: Internal parasites can cause discomfort and weakness, leading to decreased activity and hiding.
  • Shedding Issues: If your dragon is having difficulty shedding, especially around the eyes or toes, they may hide to avoid further irritation.

  • Natural Instincts:

  • Thermoregulation: Sometimes they hide to cool down or warm up beyond what the basking spot provides.

  • Burrowing: They instinctively try to burrow to feel safe and secure.
  • Satiety/Digestion: After a large meal, your dragon may hide to digest.

When You Should Be Concerned

While some hiding is normal, these signs warrant a visit to an exotic veterinarian:

• Lethargy: Excessive sleepiness or lack of energy, even when exposed to proper basking temperatures.
• Lack of Appetite: Refusal to eat for more than a day or two (especially if this is unusual).
• Weight Loss: Noticeable decrease in body mass.
• Physical Abnormalities: Swollen limbs, lumps, bumps, or any other unusual physical changes.
• Changes in Feces/Urates: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the color or consistency of their feces or urates (the white part of their droppings).
• Difficulty Breathing: Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or any other signs of respiratory distress.
• Sunken Eyes: A sign of dehydration or illness.

What to Do Next

Here are some steps you can take to address your Bearded Dragon’s hiding behavior:

• Double-check all habitat parameters: Verify temperatures (basking, cool side), humidity, UVB/UVA output, and ensure all equipment is functioning correctly. Use a reliable thermometer and hygrometer.
• Observe closely for other symptoms: Watch for any of the warning signs listed above.
• Reduce potential stressors: Minimize handling, noise, and any other potential disturbances.
• Ensure proper diet and hydration: Offer fresh, appropriate-sized insects and greens daily. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish.
• Consider recent changes: Think about any recent changes in your dragon’s environment or routine that might be causing stress.
• Consult an exotic veterinarian: If you are concerned about your dragon’s health, or if the hiding behavior persists or worsens, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles.

Conclusion

A Bearded Dragon hiding all day can be a worrying sign, but understanding the potential causes is the first step towards resolving the issue. Careful observation and prompt veterinary care are essential to ensure your dragon’s health and happiness. Remember, online advice is not a substitute for a professional veterinary examination.