Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My bearded dragon is hiding. Is it brumation or egg-bound?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Reptile | Bearded Dragon | Female | unspayed | 7 years and 2 months old
When does brumation typically start? Liz has been j her cave for two days. I am concerned, I’m not sure if its because brumation is starting or if it’s because she is getting sick from not laying her eggs yet... please help!
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on October 25th, 2018
Thanks for reaching out about Lizzie. Brumation is triggered by a drop in temperature in the environment and shortening day length. If you have a heating element on your system, the temperature should not be dropping. Being quiet and secretive for two days is concerning, as they usually remain active up to the time they lay, not for several days prior.
If she is egg bound, a veterinary visit is recommended. Calcium injections and a drug to induce egg laying (oxytocin) can be given to stimulate egg production. She could be sick for other reasons with kidney disease being common in aging bearded dragons.
If she is still eating, you have a little time. If not, she needs to visit a veterinarian.
Good luck.
If she is egg bound, a veterinary visit is recommended. Calcium injections and a drug to induce egg laying (oxytocin) can be given to stimulate egg production. She could be sick for other reasons with kidney disease being common in aging bearded dragons.
If she is still eating, you have a little time. If not, she needs to visit a veterinarian.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful