Why is My Bearded Dragon Black Bearding? Common Causes Explained

Seeing your Bearded Dragon’s beard turn black can be alarming! Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling concerned. This article will explore the common reasons behind black bearding, helping you understand what might be going on with your scaled friend.

Understanding Black Bearding in Bearded Dragons

Black bearding is a common behavior in Bearded Dragons, and while it can sometimes be a normal expression of emotion, it often indicates stress, discomfort, or illness. It’s essential to observe your dragon’s overall behavior and environment to determine the cause. While a brief, isolated instance might not be cause for immediate panic, prolonged or frequent black bearding warrants investigation.

Common Causes for Black Bearding

There are several reasons why your Bearded Dragon might be sporting a black beard. Here are some of the most common:

• Environmental Issues

  • Temperature: Incorrect temperatures are a frequent culprit. Bearded Dragons require a basking spot of around 100-110°F (38-43°C) and a cooler side around 75-85°F (24-29°C). Too cold or too hot can stress your dragon, leading to black bearding.
  • Humidity: While Bearded Dragons need relatively low humidity (30-40%), overly dry conditions can cause discomfort.
  • Lighting: Inadequate UVB and UVA lighting can significantly impact your dragon’s health and well-being. Ensure your UVB bulb is appropriate for your dragon’s size and is replaced regularly (every 6-12 months, depending on the brand).
  • Enclosure Size/Setup: A cramped or poorly designed enclosure can cause stress. Ensure your dragon has ample space to move around and thermoregulate. Lack of hiding spots can also contribute to anxiety.

• Stress Factors

  • Handling: Overhandling or rough handling can stress your Bearded Dragon. Handle your dragon gently and for short periods initially, allowing them to get used to you.
  • Changes in Environment: Moving the enclosure, rearranging decorations, or introducing new objects can disrupt your dragon’s routine and cause stress.
  • Loud Noises/Activity: Excessive noise or activity near the enclosure can be frightening. Keep the enclosure in a relatively quiet and calm area.
  • Other Pets: The presence of other pets, especially those perceived as predators (cats, dogs), can cause significant stress, even if there’s no direct interaction.
  • Aggression from other Bearded Dragons: If housed with other dragons, aggression is a major stressor. Co-habitation is generally not recommended as aggression is difficult to avoid and can have drastic consequences for the subordinate dragon(s).

• Health Problems

  • Illness: Underlying illnesses can cause pain and discomfort, leading to black bearding. This could be anything from a respiratory infection to impaction.
  • Parasites: Internal parasites can cause discomfort and stress.
  • Shedding Issues: Difficult or incomplete sheds can be uncomfortable and stressful. Provide a textured surface for your dragon to rub against to aid in shedding.
  • Injury: Pain from an injury will cause black bearding as a response.

• Natural Instincts

  • Communication: Black bearding can be a form of communication, especially among males. It can be a display of dominance or aggression towards other dragons.
  • Thermoregulation: While not the sole reason, your dragon might be black bearding to absorb more heat if they are cold. However, this is usually a temporary behavior. If your dragon is constantly black bearding to thermoregulate, the environmental parameters are likely inadequate.

When You Should Be Concerned

Black bearding accompanied by any of the following symptoms warrants a trip to an exotic veterinarian:

• Lethargy (decreased activity)
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Regurgitation
• Physical abnormalities (swelling, lumps, injuries)
• Changes in feces (diarrhea, constipation, blood) or urates (yellow or orange discoloration instead of white)
• Labored breathing or wheezing
• Discharge from eyes, nose, or mouth
• Hiding constantly and avoiding basking

What to Do Next

If your Bearded Dragon is black bearding, take the following steps:

• Double-check all habitat parameters (temperature, humidity, UVB/UVA lighting) against ideal values for Bearded Dragons. Use a reliable thermometer and hygrometer.
• Closely observe your dragon’s behavior for other symptoms listed above.
• Reduce potential stressors (loud noises, excessive handling, visual contact with other pets).
• Ensure your dragon has access to fresh water and a balanced diet.
• Consider any recent changes to your dragon’s environment or routine.
• If the black bearding persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult an exotic veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Bearded Dragon behavior is complex, and black bearding can have many causes. Careful observation of your dragon and their environment is key to identifying the trigger. When in doubt, and especially if accompanied by other signs of illness, seeking professional veterinary advice is always the best course of action.