Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
My beardie is about 8 months old. He acts perfectly normal except he just seems so lazy. In the morning when the lights come on he will not get up. He will sleep another 2-3 hours. Then when he does he will eat his breakfast and then go back to sleep (sounds like someone familar...haha). When I mean sleep, I dont mean he sleeps on his basking logs. He literaly burries himself under the papertowles like it was night. I first thought that maybe he was not getting enough "night time" but he gets 12/12 so I dont know why he would be tired. Then the thought came to me that he maybe be extra tired beacuse of the winter months. Could this be the reason? Should I extend the amount of darkness he gets because of this?
Thanks,
Chris
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Hey mine name is Chris and I currently have 1.0 Midland Painted, 1.0 YBS, 1.1 Leopard geckos, 1.0 Bearded Dragon

Yes, it very may well be the colder months (shorter days longer nights). If you know he is clear of parasites I would keep your light cycle the way it is and let him go with the flow. Most dragons brumate their second time through the cold season or over 12 months of age, but not always the case. Some young dragons under a year old do have a natural slow down, but most not to the extent as a more mature dragon in full brumation. If you don't know if he has parasites I would take a stool sample in to the vet for a checkup. The fecal test cost at my vets $22, but if the vet needs to see the animal of course they will charge you for the full check up which might be good if you never brought him in for one. During the summer months I run the lights 14 hours on 12 off, and for my adults who are now in brumation they get 9.5 on with cooler temps, but for my dragons under 12 months I change nothing at all and let them do what's natural their first winter. Another thing to check is the temps. If he is getting to hot he may be going under the paper for shade and cooler temps so double check that. I would also make sure he is getting enough water as the first signs of dehydration would be a slow down in activity, and lack of energy. So a stool sample to check for parasites, check temps, and keep hydrated, if it is none of these it most likely is a natural slow down. Good luck.
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Mystical Dragons webshots pictures
Mystical-Dragons Website

"During the summer months I run the lights 14 hours on 12 off, and for my adults"

How did you get two extra hours in the day?! I have been trying to do that for years! (Just being silly )
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Stacey

You got me!! Very funny
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Mystical Dragons webshots pictures
Mystical-Dragons Website

Alright thanks. . . I will take him in for a checkup once I find a good vet. We do not have to many exotic vets around here. I will also try soaking him, beacuse he never does drink. The only liquid/water het gets is from his greens, so that may be the problem.
Thanks again,
Chris
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Hey mine name is Chris and I currently have 1.0 Midland Painted, 1.0 YBS, 1.1 Leopard geckos, 1.0 Bearded Dragon