Bearded dragons are quite interesting species of reptiles, which are gentle and amenable. Like any other animal, however, they are sensitive to change. The same house they grew up in may be an issue for them, especially if the house is really different from their previous abode. Such a condition may become life-threatening problems unless properly managed. The next article delves deeper to identify if bearded dragons can actually die from a change in homes, what factors contribute to such risks, and how to ensure their safe transition.
Environmental Effects on Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are environmental followers, and they love a regulated environment in which everything is stable. The parameters that influence their health include temperature, lighting, humidity level, and dieting. Shock from any of these factors may lead to stress that impacts their immunity, thus resulting in bad health. A disease caused by stress may even lead to death if left unchecked.
Characteristics of Stress in Bearded Dragons
Behavioral and physical signs a bearded dragon expresses when he or she feels stress include:
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased activity, or lethargy
- Black bearding-which is when the beard becomes dark-colored to indicate stress
- Will hide or refuse interaction
- Shedding issues
Any of these should encourage early diagnosis to identify causes so their adverse effects are mitigated.
Causes of Stress During a Change in Homes
There are so many reasons why bearded dragons get stressed when they move to a new home, and the following are a few:
1. Change in Environment
A new home typically means a new setup for the enclosure, lighting, or temperature gradient. Bearded dragons depend on a particular environment to regulate their body temperature and metabolism; hence, any change is disturbing.
2. Unfamiliar Surroundings
Bearded dragons are territorial animals and need time to get accustomed to new surroundings. New smells, sounds, or the presence of other pets may stress them out.
3. Poor Acclimatization
Acclimatization must be slow, as rushing may stress the reptile. It needs time to get familiar with the new enclosure and surroundings gradually.
4. Handling During the Move
Too much handling when moved can stress them out even more. Least interaction is preferred by bearded dragons during adjustment periods.
Health Problems Caused by Stress
Stress for a long time exposes your bearded dragon to so many health issues, including the following.
MBD: It progresses if there is poor lighting and sudden changes in diet.
Respiratory Infections: Immuno-compromised effects, due to stress mean vulnerability to infections.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: This increases lack of appetite, which directly triggers nutrition and digestive disorders as well.
In extreme situations, the combined effect may become life-threatening due to stress and other health-issue-Inducing factors.
Steps in Safe Transition
Prevention of any risk that moving homes may cause by strictly abiding by the following guidelines :
1. Prepare the New Enclosure in Advance
Prepare the new enclosure with proper lighting, temperature zones, and hiding spots before bringing your bearded dragon to its new home. As much as possible, mimic conditions close to what they had before.
2. Limit Handling
Restrict their movement to not stress them out. Give your bearded dragon space to inspect his surroundings at his own pace.
3. Stick to their diet
Their diet should not be changed during this time; live insects, leafy greens, and calcium supplements should be the same. Nothing new should be added to their diet.
4. Observe Their Behaviour
Watch your bearded dragon closely for signs of stress or illness. If you suspect a problem, see a veterinary specialist in reptiles right away.
5. Acclimation
Ideally, introduce your bearded dragon to the new house gradually. This would mean that they can gradually get accustomed to the new home.
Conclusion
Though change of homes may be stressing to bearded dragons, it does not have to be fatal. With proper planning, attention to their needs, and prompt action when signs of stress appear, you can ensure a smooth transition for your pet. You have to understand their behavior and create a stable environment to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.