Bearded Dragon Brumation UK 2026: Complete Winter Care Guide

If your bearded dragon has suddenly become lethargic, refuses food, and wants to hide away during the colder months, don't panic - they're likely entering brumation. This natural process is the reptile equivalent of hibernation, and understanding it is essential for every UK bearded dragon owner.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about supporting your dragon through brumation safely, with UK-specific temperature guidelines, RSPCA-backed advice, and clear warning signs that indicate when brumation has become something more serious. For complete species information, see our bearded dragon care guide.

What Is Bearded Dragon Brumation?

Brumation is a hibernation-like dormancy state that cold-blooded reptiles enter during cooler months. Unlike true hibernation in mammals, brumating reptiles don't enter a deep unconscious state - they simply slow down dramatically.

According to the RSPCA, "during cooler seasons, bearded dragons naturally slow down and sleep more." This is a completely normal biological process that wild bearded dragons in Australia have evolved over millions of years.

Brumation vs Hibernation: What's the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, brumation and hibernation are different:

• Hibernation (mammals): Complete metabolic shutdown, body temperature drops significantly, animal is unconscious
• Brumation (reptiles): Reduced activity and metabolism, but animal remains semi-conscious, may wake occasionally to drink

During brumation, your bearded dragon's heart rate, respiration, and body temperature all reduce - but they can still respond to stimuli and will occasionally move around their enclosure.

Why Do Bearded Dragons Brumate?

In the wild, Australian bearded dragons brumate to survive periods when food is scarce and temperatures are unfavourable. Even though your captive dragon has consistent food and heating, their instincts remain hard-wired from millions of years of evolution.

Research by Barboza et al. (2022) found that allowing bearded dragons to brumate provides significant health benefits, including reduced risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) - a common problem in captive reptiles that don't brumate.

When Do Bearded Dragons Brumate in the UK?

In the UK, brumation typically occurs during winter months - December through February - though some dragons start as early as October or continue until March.

UK Climate and Brumation Timing

Interestingly, bearded dragons originated in Australia's southern hemisphere, where seasons are reversed. However, captive UK dragons adapt to northern hemisphere seasonal cues:

• Shorter daylight hours (UK winter: 7-8 hours daylight) trigger hormonal changes
• Lower ambient temperatures in UK homes (even with heating)
• Reduced UV intensity through windows during winter

The Royal Veterinary College notes that careful temperature monitoring is especially important during UK winter months.

At What Age Can Dragons Safely Brumate?

Dragons should be at least 12 months old and in good body condition before brumating.

Young dragons under one year need consistent nutrition for healthy development. Brumation depletes fat reserves that juveniles haven't built up yet. If your baby dragon shows brumation signs, consult an exotic vet - it may indicate illness rather than natural brumation.

Signs Your Bearded Dragon Is Entering Brumation

Recognising brumation signs early helps you prepare and ensures you don't mistake natural dormancy for illness.

Behavioural Changes to Watch For

• Reduced appetite - Eating less or refusing food entirely (this is normal during brumation)
• Increased sleeping - Going to bed earlier, sleeping through the day
• Seeking hiding spots - Burrowing under substrate, hiding in caves or decor
• Less basking - Avoiding the warm end of the enclosure
• Reduced activity - Moving slowly, seeming "lazy"
• Darker colouration - Temporary darkening (different from stress blackening)

Physical Signs of Brumation

• Eyes closing more often - But still responds when touched
• Minimal defecation - Due to not eating
• Slightly sunken belly - Normal if eating less
• Maintained body weight - Should NOT lose significant weight

The key difference from illness is that a brumating dragon responds when touched, maintains body condition, and shows no signs of distress.

Brumation vs Illness: How to Tell the Difference

This is perhaps the most critical section. Many symptoms overlap between brumation and serious illness - getting it wrong can have devastating consequences.

Warning Signs That Require a Vet Visit

See an exotic vet immediately if you notice:

• Dramatic weight loss - More than 10-15% body weight
• Sunken eyes - Indicates dehydration or illness
• Black beard for extended periods - Sign of stress or pain
• Mucus around nose or mouth - Respiratory infection
• Completely limp/unresponsive - Should still respond to touch
• Wheezing or laboured breathing - Respiratory issue
• Open-mouth breathing - Emergency sign
• Twitching or tremors - Could indicate MBD (see our bearded dragon health guide)

When in doubt, always consult a vet. A healthy dragon checked unnecessarily costs £45-£80. Missing a serious illness can be fatal.

The Pre-Brumation Vet Check (£25-£40)

Experienced keepers recommend a faecal (parasite) test before allowing brumation. Why?

• Parasites are common in bearded dragons
• Dormant immune systems can't fight infections
• Parasites multiply while the dragon's defences are down
• Treatment during brumation is difficult

In the UK, you can get faecal tests through:

• Your exotic vet - £25-£40 typical cost
• PALS Lab UK - Postal testing service popular with reptile keepers

If parasites are found, treat them BEFORE brumation begins. Find an exotic vet near you for testing.

How to Prepare Your Dragon for Brumation

Proper preparation ensures safe brumation. Follow these steps over 2-3 weeks as your dragon shows brumation signs.

Step 1: Book a Faecal Test

As mentioned above, get a parasite check before brumation. If treatment is needed, complete it before allowing brumation to proceed.

Step 2: Ensure Complete Bowel Movement

This is critical. Any food remaining in your dragon's digestive system can rot during brumation, causing serious illness.

• Stop offering food 10-14 days before temperatures are reduced
• Maintain normal basking temperatures (38-42°C) during this period
• Give warm baths (28-30°C) every 2-3 days to encourage defecation
• Watch for the final bowel movement - usually 5-7 days after last meal

Only begin reducing temperatures once you've confirmed your dragon has completely emptied their system.

Step 3: Gradually Reduce Temperatures

Don't drop temperatures suddenly - this shocks the system. Over 2-3 weeks:

• Week 1: Reduce basking spot to 30-32°C (from 38-42°C)
• Week 2: Reduce to 25-28°C, shorten lighting to 8-10 hours
• Week 3: Ambient temperature 15-18°C, minimal or no basking, 6-8 hours light

UK winter naturally helps this process - heating costs in winter 2024/25 mean many keepers appreciate reduced electricity usage during brumation.

Caring for Your Dragon During Brumation

Temperature Settings (UK Winter Guide)

During full brumation, the RSPCA recommends:

• Ambient temperature: 15-18°C
• Night temperature: 12-15°C (never below 10°C)
• Basking: Can be turned off, or reduced to 20-25°C

Some experienced keepers follow the "two-type" method described by veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Howard:

• Type 1: Constant cool temperatures (15°C day and night) - dragon sleeps continuously
• Type 2: Temperature fluctuates naturally with UK room temperature (12°C night, 18°C day) - dragon may wake occasionally

Both methods are safe if temperatures stay within recommended ranges. Use a reliable digital thermometer with probe to monitor conditions.

Lighting During Brumation

Reduce lighting but don't eliminate it entirely:

• 6-8 hours of ambient/low light daily
• Maintains circadian rhythms
• UVB can be reduced or turned off during deep brumation
• Keep the room naturally lit during daytime hours

Hydration Is Essential

Always provide fresh water. Dehydration is a serious risk during brumation.

• Keep a shallow water dish available at all times
• Change water every 2-3 days
• Optional: Give a lukewarm bath (28-30°C) once every 1-2 weeks
• Some dragons will drink during baths; never force water

Minimal Disturbance

The golden rule: leave them alone.

• Don't wake your dragon for "check-ups"
• Minimal handling - only for baths or genuine concern
• Keep the enclosure clean but don't deep-clean during brumation
• Reduce household noise near the vivarium if possible

How Long Does Brumation Last?

Normal Brumation Timeline

Brumation duration varies significantly:

• Minimum: 4-6 weeks
• Average: 6-12 weeks
• Maximum: Up to 4 months (rare)

There's no set schedule. Some dragons brumate for a few weeks and emerge refreshed; others sleep through entire British winters. Both are normal.

What If My Dragon Wakes Up Early?

Dragons may wake briefly during brumation to drink or reposition. This is normal.

If your dragon wakes and seems alert for several days:

• Offer water (not food initially)
• If they remain active for 5+ days, gradually raise temperatures
• They may resume brumation or emerge fully - let them decide
• Don't force them back into dormancy

After Brumation: Recovery and Refeeding

How to Safely Wake Your Dragon

When your dragon shows signs of emerging (more alert, moving around, eyes open):

• Week 1: Gradually increase basking to 32-35°C, extend lighting to 10-12 hours
• Week 2: Return to normal temperatures (38-42°C basking, 22-26°C cool end)
• Resume normal 12-14 hour light cycle

Reintroducing Food

Don't immediately offer large meals - their digestive system needs to restart:

• Days 1-2: Fresh greens and vegetables only (dandelion, rocket, butternut squash)
• Days 3-5: Small amounts of protein - a few mealworms or small locusts
• Days 6+: Gradually increase to normal feeding schedule

Most dragons regain full appetite within 1-2 weeks of emerging. If your dragon refuses food for more than 3 weeks post-brumation, consult a vet.

Post-Brumation Breeding Behaviour

After brumation, dragons often display increased breeding behaviour:

• Males may "black beard" and head-bob more
• Females may become receptive or produce eggs (even without a male)
• This is hormonally normal and usually settles within weeks

Can You Prevent Brumation?

Should You Stop Your Dragon From Brumating?

Many UK keepers wonder if they should prevent brumation by maintaining summer conditions year-round. The answer is nuanced.

You CAN discourage brumation by:

• Maintaining consistent 12-14 hour lighting year-round
• Keeping basking temperatures at 38-42°C consistently
• Ensuring ambient temperatures don't drop
• Providing consistent feeding schedules

However, forcing a determined dragon to stay awake is:

• Stressful for the animal
• Potentially harmful long-term
• Fighting millions of years of evolution

Health Risks of Preventing Brumation

Research by Barboza et al. (2022) found that bearded dragons prevented from brumating are at higher risk of:

• Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) - fat accumulates without the metabolic reset brumation provides
• Obesity - continued eating without natural fasting period
• Hormonal imbalances - brumation regulates breeding cycles

Studies show dragons allowed to brumate are typically "in better physical condition, more active overall, and have longer lifespans."

Our recommendation: If your adult dragon wants to brumate, let them. Focus on making the process safe rather than preventing it.

Essential Equipment for Safe Brumation

Having the right equipment makes monitoring brumation safer:

• Digital thermometer with probe - Essential for monitoring temperature fluctuations
• Kitchen scales - For weekly weight monitoring
• Shallow water dish - Constant hydration access
• Ceramic heat emitter - For emergency warming if temperatures drop too low
• Thermostat - Essential for maintaining safe minimum temperatures

When to Seek Emergency Help

Contact an emergency exotic vet immediately if your brumating dragon shows:

• No response at all when touched
• Open-mouth breathing or gasping
• Discharge from eyes, nose, or mouth
• Dramatic weight loss (more than 15%)
• Unusual swelling anywhere on the body
• Twitching or seizures

For more on health warning signs, read our comprehensive bearded dragon health problems guide.

Summary: Safe Brumation Checklist

Before brumation:

• ✅ Dragon is over 12 months old and healthy weight
• ✅ Faecal test completed (treat parasites if found)
• ✅ Stop feeding 10-14 days before temperature reduction
• ✅ Confirm complete bowel movement
• ✅ Gradually reduce temperatures over 2-3 weeks

During brumation:

• ✅ Maintain 15-18°C ambient temperature
• ✅ Never let temperature drop below 10°C
• ✅ Provide 6-8 hours ambient light
• ✅ Fresh water always available
• ✅ Weekly weight checks
• ✅ Minimal disturbance

After brumation:

• ✅ Gradually increase temperatures over 1-2 weeks
• ✅ Offer greens before protein
• ✅ Resume normal schedule gradually
• ✅ Monitor for full appetite return

Official Sources & Further Reading

• RSPCA - How To Care For Your Bearded Dragon
• Royal Veterinary College - Reptile Vet Services
• Vet Help Direct - Bearded Dragon Health
• Animal Welfare Act 2006