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Bearded Dragons are known for getting agitated or stressed during thunderstorms. They have excellent hearing and tend to dislike loud noises. They’re also very sensitive to sudden changes in light and temperature. So, a thunderstorm is literally the perfect storm for stressing out a Bearded Dragon.
If you notice your Bearded Dragon sending out stress signals before or during a storm, there are some things you can do to try to soothe it. Since each Bearded Dragon is unique, you may have to try a combination of ideas to help it weather the storm.
The 8 Tips to Keeping Bearded Dragons Calm During Thunderstorms
1. Relocated Enclosure to a Quiet Place
First, make sure that your Bearded Dragon’s enclosure is far from too many external stimuli. A busy room with too many light changes, noises, and actions can cause it to feel stressed and anxious.
While it may seem nice to place its enclosure by a window so it can see outside and feel natural lighting, your Bearded Dragon may prefer a calmer space where it can’t see the sky darken before a storm. So, try to find a new space where there isn’t a lot of foot traffic and noise.
2. Stroke Your Bearded Dragon’s Head
Bearded Dragons can form strong bonds with their humans. So, your company can do wonders if your Bearded Dragon is bonded to you. Physical touch can feel very reassuring for Bearded Dragons that are used to handling.
If your Bearded Dragon isn’t hiding during a storm, you can try petting it or stroking its head gently. Remember to use slow and deliberate movements to keep your Bearded Dragon calm.
3. Speak Calmly
Along with petting your Bearded Dragon, you can try to reassure it by speaking to it with a soothing voice. If you’re acting calm, then your Bearded Dragon can feel reassured that there’s nothing to worry about.
When using your voice during a thunderstorm, make sure that you’re not just adding to the noise and further agitating your Bearded Dragon. Speak quietly and remember that even a whisper can be enough to keep it calm.
4. Give Your Bearded Dragon a Bath
Baths have several health benefits for Bearded Dragons, like helping them stay hydrated and keeping them clean. Fortunately, Bearded Dragons tend to enjoy baths. So, if your Bearded Dragon isn’t being too skittish during a storm, you can try setting up a warm bath.
Make sure to keep the water level no higher than your Bearded Dragon’s front armpits. The temperature should be lukewarm or between 85°F-100°F. You can also use a soft bristle brush and stroke it along the direction of the scales. Just don’t apply pressure because this can feel uncomfortable for Bearded Dragons and scratch their skin.
5. Cover the Enclosure with a Towel
Since Bearded Dragons are sensitive to light, you can try covering their enclosure with a towel or blanket during a storm, especially if there’s a lot of lightning. It can also be helpful to use clothes or blankets that have your scent on them. This may help Bearded Dragons feel safer than having their enclosures exposed and uncovered.
6. Create Hiding Spaces
Bearded Dragons have a lot of predators in the wild and don’t have much to defend themselves. So, they need good hiding spaces to feel safe. Make sure that your Bearded Dragon’s enclosure has plenty of hollows and crevices that they can hide inside.
If your Bearded Dragon hides inside its enclosure during a storm, you may not have to do much more for it. If it’s remaining calm underneath a hiding spot, leave it in place because making changes can end up stressing it out.
7. Wrap the Bearded Dragon in a Blanket
If your Bearded Dragon likes being held, you can try comforting it by wrapping it in a blanket or towel. If you find that your Bearded Dragon likes being wrapped, slightly covering its eyes may help it feel more at ease. Speaking to it and petting it while it’s swaddled in a blanket may help it calm down even more.
Bearded Dragons will have different preferences on the texture of the fabric. Some enjoy towels, while others prefer fleece. Once you find a piece of cloth that it likes, you can use it whenever there’s a thunderstorm. Some Bearded Dragons enjoy being wrapped so much that they’ll fall asleep.
8. Create a Distraction
Bearded Dragons need plenty of enrichment activities and keeping them from feeling bored can help reduce skittish behavior. If there’s a storm coming, you can try hiding your Bearded Dragon’s favorite snacks and food throughout its enclosure.
Some Bearded Dragons enjoy playing with toys, like balls and cat wands. You can try playing with a treat-dispensing ball or toy in its cage whenever there’s a storm to try to distract it.
How to Know Your Bearded Dragon Is Stressed
Bearded Dragons show several signs when they’re distressed. So, it’s important to understand its behavior and appearance to figure out what they’re trying to communicate.
One of the most common signs of stress is a loss of appetite. Your Bearded Dragon may not feel like it’s in a safe place to eat, or it can also stop eating if it has an underlying health condition.
Bearded Dragons can also change colors depending on their mood. Happy and content Bearded Dragons have warm colors and are often yellow, orange, or light brown. In contrast, stressed Bearded Dragons will take on a darker tone. They can even start to show darkened “stress marks” on their belly and chin.
Being skittish is another sign of stress. If you notice that your Bearded Dragon is clawing at the sides of its enclosure or acting jumpy, it may be anticipating a storm.
Conclusion
Thunderstorms can cause agitation and stress in Bearded Dragons, so it’s best to devise a plan to help it out before a storm arrives. Many times, appropriately interacting with your Bearded Dragon can help keep it calm. So, make sure to invest your time in bonding with it. As you build trust with your Bearded Dragon, it’ll feel safer when you keep it company, and this can help them stay calm whenever there’s a thunderstorm.
- Related Read: Fascinating & Fun Bearded Dragon Facts
Featured Image Credit: aixklusiv, Pixabay
