Why Is My Bearded Dragon Turning Grey?

Bearded dragons are a popular choice of pet for reptile owners due to their unique personalities and easy care requirements. However, even the most experienced bearded dragon keepers can be stumped when their beloved pet begins to turn grey.

In this article, we’ll explore why your bearded dragon may be turning grey and what you can do about it. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent further discoloration in the future. So whether you’re looking for answers or just want to learn more about bearded dragons in general, read on!

What Causes a Bearded Dragon to Turn Grey?

There are several possible reasons why your bearded dragon may be turning grey. These include:

• Stress or Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect the color of a bearded dragon’s skin, causing them to turn grey.
• Age: As they age, some bearded dragons naturally develop grey patches on their body.
• Dietary Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals in their diet can cause discoloration in some cases.
• Infection or Disease: Bacterial and viral infections or illnesses can also cause your pet’s skin to turn grey.

What Should I Do If My Bearded Dragon Is Turning Grey?

If you notice that your bearded dragon is starting to turn grey, it’s important to take action right away. The first step is to evaluate their environment for any potential stressors. This could include too much noise, bright lights, temperature fluctuations or other factors that might be making them uncomfortable.

Once these have been addressed, consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any underlying health conditions. They will be able to perform a physical exam and recommend the necessary tests if needed. It’s also important to ensure that your pet is receiving proper nutrition by providing them with a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals.

How Can I Prevent My Bearded Dragon From Turning Grey?

The best way to prevent your bearded dragon from turning grey is by creating an optimal living environment for them. Make sure they have plenty of space in their enclosure and provide ample hiding spots like branches or rocks where they can feel safe and secure.

Additionally, keep the temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day with a basking spot around 95°F (35°C). You should also ensure that the humidity levels remain between 30-50%, depending on species type, as this will help keep them comfortable throughout the day. Finally, offer your pet fresh vegetables every few days along with occasional insects for added protein sources – both of which will contribute towards healthy nutrition overall.

Why Is My Bearded Dragons Color Fading?

Your bearded dragon’s color fading could be caused by a few different things. The most common reason for this is stress, which can lead to a lack of appetite and decreased energy levels that can cause their colors to fade. Another possible cause is illness or infection, such as an internal parasite or metabolic bone disease, both of which can also lead to a decrease in appetite and energy levels.

It is important to take your bearded dragon to the vet if you suspect any type of illness or infection. They will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment options as necessary. In addition, it is important that you make sure your bearded dragon has proper care in order to reduce any potential sources of stress.

This includes providing them with good nutrition, adequate space and lighting, regular exercise opportunities (such as allowing them time outside their cage), and plenty of interaction with you or other people they may know. If these measures are taken then there should not be any major issues with their health and coloration should remain intact.

Do Bearded Dragons Turn Grey Before Shedding?

Yes, bearded dragons do turn grey before shedding. This is a normal part of the shedding process and occurs when the old skin begins to loosen. During this time, the beardie may appear grey as their outer layer of skin takes on a lighter color.

The greyish hue usually appears shortly before your dragon sheds its skin, which typically happens at least once every six weeks or so depending on age and health. As they get older and bigger, they need to shed more often because their new growth requires more room than what their current skin can provide them with.

Bearded dragons will also experience an increased frequency in shedding during periods of rapid growth such as adolescence or pregnancy. In addition to becoming gray prior to shedding, some other signs that your dragon is about to shed are decreased appetite, darker colors around their eyes and mouth area, duller looking scales and even potential loss of appetite altogether during times of extreme stress or illness.

It is important for any bearded dragon owner to be aware of these signs so that you can help make sure your pet stays healthy throughout its life by helping it properly shed its old skin when needed. If you notice any changes in behavior or appearance with your beardie that could indicate a pending shed, then it’s best to keep a close eye on them until the process has completed itself naturally.

What Are The Signs Of Illness In A Bearded Dragon?

Bearded dragons are generally hardy animals, but they can still become sick. It is important to be aware of the signs of illness in a bearded dragon so that you can take appropriate action if necessary. Bearded dragons may show a variety of physical and behavioral signs when they are ill.

A common sign of illness in a bearded dragon is changes in appetite or activity level. Generally, healthy bearded dragons have an active lifestyle and eat consistently. If your bearded dragon decreases their activity levels or stops eating altogether, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Other physical signs include weight loss, swollen eyes, discoloration of the skin or scales, respiratory distress, diarrhea or constipation and excessive shedding.

Behaviorally, some signs that may indicate illness include hiding more than usual or becoming very aggressive towards other animals or humans. Additionally, excessive yawning may also signal an issue with health as this behavior is usually associated with stress or pain in reptiles such as bearded dragons. If you suspect your bearded dragon might be ill then it is important to take them to see a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles for diagnosis and treatment options as soon as possible.

What Are Signs Of A Dehydrated Bearded Dragon?

Signs of a dehydrated bearded dragon are fairly easy to recognize if they are observed. Dehydration can be dangerous and even life-threatening for your pet, so it’s important to note any signs that indicate that your bearded dragon is not getting enough water.

The most common sign of dehydration in a bearded dragon is sunken eyes or “pits” along the sides of their face. This occurs when their skin begins to draw away from their body as it loses moisture. Other signs may include wrinkly skin, lack of appetite, changes in behavior, and darkening around the mouth and eyes. In extreme cases, a beardie’s tail might also become faint or disappear altogether because its body has begun to break down muscle tissue in an effort to hydrate itself.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly by providing your bearded dragon with additional sources of hydration such as misting them with water or giving them pieces of leafy greens soaked in water. Additionally, you should increase the humidity levels in their enclosure and reduce activity levels until they are rehydrated. If the problem persists despite these efforts then consult a vet immediately as further treatment may be necessary.

What Color Is A Stressed Bearded Dragon?

A stressed bearded dragon often takes on a darker color. While it may vary from dragon to dragon, the most common colors for a stressed bearded dragon are dark brown and black.

This is because when a bearded dragon is feeling threatened or stressed, they excrete melanin in order to make themselves appear more intimidating. The increase of melanin causes their scales to become darker and sometimes even slightly enlarged.

In addition, other signs of stress can be seen on the skin of a bearded dragon. Stress stripes, which are light-colored lines that run along the spine of the beardie, will also begin appearing as they become increasingly anxious about their environment or situation.

These stripes are usually visible when viewed from above and should not be mistaken for normal markings that naturally occur on some species of dragons. It is important to keep an eye out for these signs so you can take necessary steps to help your pet feel safer and less anxious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the possible causes for a bearded dragon turning grey. This could include a lack of dietary and environmental nutrition, improper lighting, or an underlying health issue such as MBD.

Taking steps to ensure that your bearded dragon has adequate nutrition, proper UVB exposure and regular vet check-ups can help keep your pet healthy and happy. By taking preventive measures, you can help prevent your bearded dragon from turning grey and maintain its beautiful natural coloration.