Caring for a bearded dragon requires providing proper heating and lighting in their habitat. But what happens if their heat lamps go out temporarily? How long can a bearded dragon survive without heat? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Bearded dragons can survive around 12 hours without heat as long as the ambient temperature stays above 65°F.
But leaving them without heat for extended periods can be very dangerous and even fatal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bearded dragons and heat. We’ll discuss their heating requirements, how temperature affects their health and behavior, what to do if their habitat loses heat, and how long they can safely go without proper temperatures.
Ideal Habitat Temperature Range for Bearded Dragons
Basking spot: 95-110°F
Bearded dragons need a basking spot ranging from 95-110°F to properly regulate their body temperature. The basking area should be the warmest part of the enclosure and allow the bearded dragon to comfortably thermoregulate.
Basking temperatures lower than 95°F can lead to poor digestion and appetite, while temperatures higher than 110°F can cause heat stress. Provide a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter to create the ideal basking zone for 10-12 hours per day.
Cool side: 70-80°F
In addition to the warm basking area, bearded dragons need a cooler side of the habitat ranging from 70-80°F. This temperature gradient allows them to freely move between warmer and cooler areas as needed. Temperatures lower than 70°F prevent proper digestion and can make the dragon lethargic.
Monitor the cool end with a thermometer and make adjustments as necessary. Provide a heat mat or lower wattage heat lamp for supplemental heating if the ambient room temperature is lower than 70°F.
Nighttime: 65-75°F
Bearded dragons need a slight drop in temperatures at night, ranging from 65-75°F. Temperatures in this range allow their bodies to rest and recharge for the next day. Never allow the temperature to fall below 65°F, as this can weaken their immune system.
Use a ceramic heat emitter or nocturnal reptile heat lamp to provide ambient heat at night. These fixtures produce heat but no light, allowing a proper day/night cycle.
Maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial for bearded dragons. According to reptile expert Dr. Melissa Kaplan (https://www.anapsid.org), “The maximum habitat temperature gradient for an adult dragon in good health is 105oF to 70oF.”
Carefully monitor the warm side, cool side, and nighttime temperatures with reliable thermometers. Adjust heating fixtures as needed to provide a habitat within the optimal temperature range.
Effects of Cold Temperatures on Bearded Dragons
Lethargy and loss of appetite
One of the first signs that a bearded dragon is too cold is lethargy and loss of appetite. Reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external heat to power their bodies. Without adequate warmth, their metabolism slows down dramatically.
This causes fatigue, disinterest in normal activity, and refusal to eat.
Difficulty digesting food
Bearded dragons need belly heat between 88-95°F to properly digest their food. If left unheated for too long, the gut slows down and food rots rather than digests. This can cause painful gas, bloating, nutritional deficiencies, and the risk of internal infection.
According to Bearded Dragon HQ, symptoms usually show 12-24 hours after exposure to cold.
Suppressed immune system
Chilly temperatures also weaken a bearded dragon’s immune defenses. With metabolism slowed, the body has fewer resources to make white blood cells and proteins to fight illness. Even short bursts of cold can allow latent bacteria and viruses lurking in a dragon’s body to take advantage.
Extended exposure over weeks or months frequently results in upper respiratory infections, skin and mouth infections, and potentially deadly conditions like atadenovirus or adenoviral hepatitis. The stress of illness only makes symptoms of lethargy, appetite loss and digestion issues worse in a self-perpetuating cycle.
Organ failure
As cold numbs a bearded dragon’s cells, major organs like the heart, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract struggle to function properly. Electrolyte and hormonal irregularities start to disrupt normal body operations. Calcium regulation in particular seems impacted by temperature drops.
Without quick intervention, spikes of too much or too little calcium can permanently damage organs and glands. Nerve cells in the brain also slowly die off from lack of balanced chemicals, causing disability or behavioral changes.
Death
If a bearded dragon’s needs are not met in time, systems vital for survival inevitably shut down. Research by ARAV found over 30% of bearded dragon veterinary cases involving improper heating resulted in death. Most species do not survive if left at room temperature long-term.
Exact cold tolerance limits depend on the individual dragon’s health, age and genetics. But as few as 12 hours without heat poses a significant threat. Continued lack of warmth for 1-2 days almost always proves fatal barring rapid veterinary intervention.
What to Do If Their Habitat Loses Heat
Gradually warm them with a heat lamp or pad
If a bearded dragon’s habitat cools down too much, it’s important to gradually rewarm them to prevent shock. Start by directing a low-wattage heat lamp or pad into one section of the enclosure, allowing them to move closer to or further from the warmth as needed.
Gradually increase the heat over an hour or two until temperatures reach the optimal range again (around 95-110°F on the basking spot). Monitor them closely and discontinue heating if they show signs of overheating.
Move them to a warmer area temporarily
If it will take some time to repair the broken heating system, consider moving the bearded dragon temporarily to a warmer room in your home. Place the enclosure near a sunny window or use a space heater to maintain ambient temperatures above 75°F.
Make sure to provide a basking lamp during the day to allow them to properly thermoregulate. This is only a short-term solution, as the unique heating and lighting needs of bearded dragons are difficult to meet outside of their specialized habitat.
Monitor for signs of cold stress
Keep a close eye on your bearded dragon’s behavior and health if they get chilled. Signs of cold stress include lethargy, darkened skin color, lack of appetite, slow reactions, and cold body temperature.
If you observe any of these symptoms, gradually warm them as described above and consult an exotic veterinarian if their condition does not improve. Catching cold stress early and rewarming them slowly is crucial for recovery.
Return proper heating as soon as possible
Getting your bearded dragon’s habitat back to the proper temperature ranges should be a top priority. Most species do best with a basking area of 95-110°F, a cool side in the 80s, and nighttime temperatures around 75°F.
Achieving the temperature gradient they need to thermoregulate and digest food is vital for their health. If a heating system must be replaced or repaired, aim to get it functional again within a day or two at most.
With some emergency preparations and vigilance, short heating disruptions can be managed.
How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Heat?
Determining how long a bearded dragon can go without a proper heat source depends on the ambient temperature of their environment. Generally speaking, the warmer it is, the longer they can survive without additional heating.
However, it’s important to avoid leaving them without heat for extended periods whenever possible.
12 hours if ambient temps stay above 65°F
If the ambient temperature around your bearded dragon’s enclosure stays above 65°F, they can generally go up to 12 hours without additional heat. However, this should only happen occasionally. Leaving them without heat overnight or for a full workday puts them at risk of health complications from lowered body temperatures.
Less time at lower ambient temps
At temperatures below 65°F, bearded dragons can only withstand a few hours without a heat lamp or pad. Once the temperature drops below 60°F, they may only last 1-2 hours before becoming distressed. Their metabolism will begin to slow in the cold, and they won’t be able to properly digest their food.
Avoid leaving without heat for extended periods
While bearded dragons can temporarily get by without additional heating, it’s best to avoid leaving them without it for extended periods. According to experts at Reptiles Magazine(1), temperatures that are too cold can quickly lead to lasting health issues in bearded dragons.
An ideal temperature range for pet bearded dragons is 90-100°F on the warm end and 70-80°F on the cool end. This allows them to self-regulate their body temperature by moving between areas as needed.
Ambient Temperature | Max Time Without Heat |
---|---|
Above 65°F | 12 hours |
60-65°F | 6 hours |
Below 60°F | 1-2 hours |
While an occasional, temporary loss of heating may be unavoidable, it’s crucial to restore proper temperatures as soon as possible. Never leave a bearded dragon without heat for an entire day or overnight.
Provide ample hiding spots and climbing areas so they can find warm, cozy places to rest if they get chilled.
Tips to Prevent Loss of Heat
Use reliable heat lamps with a ceramic fixture
One of the best ways to maintain proper temperatures for your bearded dragon is to use high quality heat lamps and fixtures. Ceramic heat lamp fixtures are preferred as they distribute heat more evenly and don’t get as hot as metal domes which can pose a fire risk.
Invest in a good brand like Zoo Med or Fluker’s for reliable performance. Connect the fixture to a surge protector rather than directly into the wall outlet.
Connect heat sources to a surge protector
Bearded dragons rely on electrical heating elements like heat lamps and under tank heaters. Connecting these directly to the wall can be dangerous if there are power surges. The intense spikes in electricity can fry the bulbs or mats.
So always plug heat sources into a heavy duty surge protector to prevent loss of heat due to burnt out bulbs.
Keep back-up heat supplies on hand
Having spare bulbs, thermostats, and heating pads on hand for quick replacement can be a lifesaver if your primary heat source fails. Check supplies regularly and stock up so you don’t get caught without. Local pet stores may not always have your particular heating elements in stock.
Order from reptile specialty websites for best selection.
Monitor temps daily with a thermometer
Prevent deadly drops in temperature by checking your beardie’s basking area, cool side and overnight lows each day. Use a digital thermometer with probe for most accurate readings. Know the ideal temperature range for bearded dragons: 105-110F basking spot, 80-85F cool side, and no lower than 65F at night.
Adjust heating as needed to maintain their optimal zone.
Create an emergency plan for power outages
If the power goes out, temperatures can plummet, putting your beardie at risk. Have a plan in place like a gasoline powered generator or battery operated heat source to provide emergency heat. Or have arrangements to bring your bearded dragon to a heated location until power is restored.
Unpreparedness during an outage can be devastating.
Conclusion
Proper heating is absolutely vital to a bearded dragon’s health and well-being. While they can survive short stints without heat if the ambient temperature doesn’t dip too low, leaving them without adequate temperatures for too long can be very dangerous.
If their habitat loses heat, gradually warm them up, monitor them closely, and restore heating as soon as possible. With some preparation and vigilance over their environment, you can help ensure your bearded dragon stays happy and healthy.