My bearded dragon is stressed and flat. How can I help him?

Check the temperature in the cage. If it is too hot or too cold, he won't bask. He doesn't look very dark in the images provided. Monitor for lethargy or decreased appetite. You can review bearded dragon care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

The black beard Is indeed an indication of stress or anger. It may be due to his new surroundings or something could be wrong in his environment. You can review care and feeding here: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html Confirm proper temps and humidity. Also, provide a hide large enough for him to enter on each side of his enclosure. As long as Boris is at least 16-17 inches long, superworms are fine to feed. Gut load them for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. For variety, you can offer appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches or phoenix worms. Try offering greens in the morning about an hour or two after the heat lamp comes on. He may be hungrier at this time. Once he eats his greens, you can offer prey. Sometimes, a sprinkle of dried mealworms on the greens will stimulate the appetite. Since he is "new" to you, an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any preexisting conditions.

I commend you for rescuing Meredith. The first thing would be to have her physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm good health or to diagnose any preexisting conditions. Next, review the website below for information regarding bearded dragon care. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html Give her some time to acclimate. Provide a hide on each side of the tank. Consider a tank wrap to provide more security. Survey the area around the cage for negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, vibrations or bright lights. Reduce or eliminate any if found.

This color change is usually due to stress but could be due to other things as well such as improper temperature, diet, etc. I strongly suggest you review all your husbandry to make sure you are doing everything correctly. Refer to this link. ( https://www.lizards101.com/why-is-my-bearded-dragon-turning-black/ )

Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. Monitor Drogon for difficulty breathing, blowing bubbles, lethargy, or odd sounds while breathing. These are symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. Parasites or URI may cause the condition you are seeing. Bump cage temps up by about 5F for a few days. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte twice daily for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the UVB light source is not older than 6 months and use quality vitamin and mineral supplements. If Drogon gets worse or does not begin eating soon, have him examined by an experienced herp veterinarian.

Thanks for reaching out about your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons do not hibernate, so concerns would be around being too cold or being sick. It the environmental temperature is correct, a veterinarian should be visited to aid in the diagnosis and treatment. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Leo. Hibernation is stimulated by winter conditions (cold temperature, decreased food opportunity). If the environmental temperature is still hot, concerns are that she is ill and a veterinary visit is recommended. Intestinal parasites or infections, metabolic disorders and other possibilities exist. Good luck.