Bearded dragons are such interesting pets and they have certain temperatures that are favorable to their health. These reptiles are however adapted to areas of geographical features like the deserts where they are always exposed to extreme temperatures at day and cold at night. That is why when the geckos are kept in captivity, care must be taken to know climatic conditions that affect them, particularly the best temperature to keep them at.
Well, as we cannot answer so sharply and the temperature remains the crucial point in bearded dragon’s cage, this article will be focused on the question ‘What temperature is lethal for bearded dragons?
Factors Influencing Life Through the Concept of Temperature: Knowledge of the Best Temperature Regime
Maintaining a temperature variation for your bearded dragon is rather crucial because its Bearded Dragon is very effective at thermoregulating. Some information about it: Bearded dragons are ectothermic that is why external heat affects their thermal state. Physical: Your dragon should have various areas of temperatures in its enclosure so that, he or she can change positions to the ideal one of warm basking zone to cooler zones depending on his or her desire. This assists to maintain general health of the body and wellbeing of the individuals involved.
This is especially because bearded dragons are native from arid regions and thus require their surroundings to be mimicked in order for them to survive. The preferred range for these reptiles to be is usually 95 – 105 F, 35 – 40 C, which indicates the hot desert’s sun. Housing: On one side of the enclosure they need to have a cooler area with the temperature ranging from 80°F to 85°F or 27°C to 29°C. This variation in temperature basically enables the bearded dragons to regulate their body temperatures by changing their locations from the warmer areas to the cooler ones as a very important factor for their health and alimentary canal.
The Negative Effects of Adventitious Warmth
Lethal effects occur if bearded dragons are exposed to temperatures that are beyond the limit. Under extreme temperatures, higher than 110 F (43 C), these reptiles are at risk of heat stress and can eventually get heat stroke. The signs of heat stress include frequent panting, lack of energy, lowered appetite and sometimes even convulsions.
Due to excessive heat they can suffer from different organs failures and in some cases they die. Hence, protective topcover, air movement, cooling mechanisms and stocks should be availed during the hot weather to reduce on these risks.
Consequences and Dangers of Low Temperature
Although these lizards are much more resilient to cold temperatures as compared to scorching heat, exposing them to freezing conditions is also lethal. Low temperatures affecting Bearded Dragons, the normal body temperature should be maintained between 100- 120 degrees F (40- 49 degrees C); when it gets below 65 degrees F(18 degrees C), a Bearded Dragon can get Hypothermia. This can result to poor immunity, respiratory illnesses and in extreme cases, convince. For them to stay warm during such periods, it is necessary to provide proper heating means which include the ceramic heat emitters or heat mats so that the temperatures are able to remain within the recommended extreme cold range.
Monitoring and Maintaining Temperatures
It must always be checked if the temperatures in the bearded dragon’s terrestrial environment are just right for their welfare. You know, bearded dragons are ectothermic which consequently makes them to be governed by external heat sources in their body. Thus, you will be able to monitor whether their conditions are suitable for them or not with a glance at the temperature readings.
The temperature for their digestion, metabolism and other body functions have to be regulated within a certain range all the time. This implies that if the climates are hot or cold, their immune system is affected, appetite reduces and may result to severe health complications. In this way you check temperatures and ensure that the settings are corrected from time to time to make the best environment for your bearded dragon.
You will have to measure the temperature gradients using accurate thermometers that should be put at different parts of the enclosure. This gradient lets your bearded dragon regulate its temperature, switching from warmer to cooler zones in the exact same way they’d do in the wild. This shows that one has to confirm if the basking area is within the right temperature that is recommended for the health of the chameleons while the other side should be peaceful enough for them.
Measures to take when determining the right temperatures to use
Here are some tips on maintaining appropriate temperatures for your bearded dragon:Here are some tips on maintaining appropriate temperatures for your bearded dragon:
Use Thermometers: You need to arrange one or more thermometers around the enclosure in order to control temperature difference. This will assist you to make sure that you have the optimum temperature range for the basking area as well as the cooler area.
Heat Lamps: As for the light source use a heat lamp on the same side so that your bearded dragon can bask under it. Be sure to place it at one end of the enclosure with some parts warmer and some cooler in order to create a temperature difference. In this way, your dragon will be able to select the right spot to control its’ body temperature.
UVB Lighting: Also, just like heat, bearded dragons require UVB lighting, uvb light. This in turn helps the body to synthesize vitamin D3 which is crucial in calcium utilization and the bones wellbeing. Ensure that you use a UVB lamp whose length matches that of the enclosure to ensure all parts get adequate exposure to the UVB light.
Thermostats: Use thermoregulatory objects for the control of heat flow, for example, thermostats for maintaining the temperature of heat generators including heat-lamps and ceramic heat emitters. It will further assist you in ensuring that your bearded dragon is warm enough and safe to be at all times of the day.
Monitor and Adjust: periodically take and compare the temperatures record at the different parts of the enclosures using the thermometers. Always monitor the temperature very closely and if you see any changes, mainly increase or decrease then make the required changes so that your bearded dragon can be in a convenient and appropriate setting.
Potential outcomes For This Didactic As a result, potential outcomes of extreme heat may include:
It is rather wise to know what might happen if your bearded dragon stays exposed to excessive heat for some time. Like us they are affected by high heat and heat stroke if they are exposed to high temperatures for long hours. This may result in severe health complications that may manifest in organ failure, or even death.
Hence, it is important to offer them an optimum gradient of temperature and guarantee that they have spot in the cage/enclosure which can be cold. Therefore, you should take your time to closely monitor the temperatures and make the necessary changes in order to optimize your bearded dragon environment.
Conclusion
It is now time to conclude as well as highlight some of the concerns we made about temperatures that should be in your bearded dragon enclosure. To ensure that your dragon pets are safe you should monitor the temperature differentials in the enclosure using thermometers. Setting up an area with a heat lamp where your dragon can bask to raise his/her body temperature and creating thermoregulation will help in controlling the temperature environment and exert more control on its body.
It is important not to forget on UVB lighting to cater for the production of vitamin D3 and calcium requirement. Another way, which can also be helpful in regulation of the heat sources is the usage of thermostats. Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to periodically revise temperatures and change them according to the dragon’s actions.
