Why Is My Bearded Dragon Not Eating?

I have a bearded dragon that is about 3 years old and he has stopped eating for 8 days. I really need some help on what to do. (chad toole - South Carolina)

It is very unusual for a Bearded Dragon who is sick to stop eating for so long without any additional symptoms, and we will therefore assume that there are no underlying health concerns. The possible causes I am providing below relate solely to adult lizards which have are not in a new enclosure, and that have no other symptoms.

If your dragon is possibly eating a little, and you simply are not noticing, it is possible that his rate of digestion is too slow - probably because you are not providing a warm enough basking area. The basking area should be between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Another way to tell if they are not warm enough is if they don't spend any time gaping - which all dragons, even when kept at preferred temperatures, will spend some time doing.

If you are sure that your dragon is not eating any food, the most likely cause is that your lizard is brumating - a form of hibernating. This may be the first time that your adult lizard has done this, and it comes as quite a shock to many Bearded Dragon owners. Not all dragons brumate, and the time of year they start brumating and the length of brumation varies widely. If your lizard is spending a lot of time with his eyes closed, spending more time in the cooler area of his enclosure, or if he is exhibiting digging behavior, then your dragon is most likely brumating. Unless you notice weight loss there is no cause for concern and you can let your dragon behave as he wishes. Sometimes brumation can last for as long as 6 months, so keep an active eye on his weight.