Winter can bring big changes for bearded dragons especially here in the UK, where room temperatures drop and natural daylight hours shorten. Many dragons become sleepier, eat less, bask less, or seem “out of sorts.” This can be perfectly normal, but it’s essential to understand why it happens and how to support your dragon safely.
This guide covers everything you need to know about winter slowdown, heating, UVB/UVA, feeding changes, and brumation so you can keep your bearded dragon happy, warm, and healthy
1. Winter Slowdown: Why It Happens
Bearded dragons naturally respond to colder temperatures and reduced daylight by slowing down. This is a seasonal instinct and usually nothing to worry about.
Common winter slowdown behaviours:
Sleeping more during the day
Eating less or refusing food
Basking less
Staying on the cool side of the vivarium
Less interest in insects
Mild grumpiness or laziness
This happens even with perfect heating because the ambient room temperature drops, and dragons pick up on seasonal cues.
💡 Important: Slowdown is normal but being cold is NOT. Proper heating must stay consistent.
2. Heating Requirements in Winter
UK homes get chilly in winter, which means vivarium temps can drop fast. Bearded dragons rely completely on heat to digest food, move properly, and stay healthy.
Ideal Winter Temperature Guide:
Basking spot: 38–42°C
Warm side: 30–32°C
Cool side: 24–26°C
Night time: 18–21°C
If your room drops below 18°C, your bearded dragon must have a safe night heat source.
Recommended: Ceramic Heat Emitter for Night Heating – Check on Amazon UK
Ceramic heaters give warmth without light, so they won’t disturb your dragon’s sleep.
Control the heat with:
Digital Thermostat for Vivariums – Check on Amazon UK
3. UVB & UVA Lighting in Winter
UVB output drops over time even if the bulb still lights up. Winter is when many dragons become deficient because owners forget to replace tubes.
Winter UVB Checklist:
Replace T5 UVB tubes every 12 months (T8 every 6 months)
Use a UVB 10.0 tube for adult dragons
Place the UVB 30–40cm from the basking spot
Provide UVA for natural behaviour and appetite
Recommended: UVB 10.0 T5 Tube + Fixture – Check on Amazon UK
💡 Tip: Short winter days confuse dragons keep lights on 12–14 hours daily to mimic summer.
4. Feeding Adjustments in Winter
Because bearded dragons slow down naturally, their appetite often drops.
Normal winter feeding behaviour:
Eating fewer insects
Less interest in greens
Skipping meals
This is normal if temperatures and UVB are correct.
Adjust nutrition gently:
Offer insects 3–4 times per week instead of daily
Increase leafy greens (spring greens, collards, coriander)
Keep calcium + D3 consistent
Recommended supplement: Calcium + D3 – Check on Amazon UK
💡 If your dragon isn’t eating at all, check:
Basking temps
UVB age
Night time temperatures
5. Brumation: What It Is & When to Expect It
Brumation is a reptile version of hibernation. Not all dragons brumate, but many do especially around November to February.
Signs of true brumation:
Refusing food completely
Hiding for long periods
Sleeping 15–20 hours a day
Slow, calm behaviour
What to do during brumation:
Keep UVB + heat running (reduced hours okay)
Offer water regularly
Offer food occasionally they’ll eat if they need it
Ensure they have pooped before going into deep brumation
💡 Vet check recommended if:
They lose significant weight
They have runny or unusual stools
They look sunken, dehydrated, or weak
Helpful basics: Digital Thermometer & Hygrometer – Check on Amazon UK
Final Thoughts
Winter brings natural changes for bearded dragons but with the right heating, UVB, and gentle feeding adjustments, your dragon will stay healthy, comfortable, and calm throughout the colder months.
💡 Try this: Keep basking temps stable, replace old UVB bulbs, and support appetite gently most dragons perk back up by early spring.
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