Bearded dragons show many behaviors and each behavior has some meaning behind it. This is their way of communicating their joy, pain, sorrow, and stress to you. This article is part of a series of, “Unveiling the bearded dragon behaviors”. In this article, common reasons for bearded dragons closing their eyes will be discussed.
Like all animals, bearded dragons close their eyes when they are sleepy or during their sleep. This is natural as well as common. But there are many other reasons why bearded dragons also close their eyes.
Some other reasons for bearded dragons closing eyes are normal and some want your immediate reaction and care. But usually, there is nothing serious.
Knowing why your bearded dragon is closing eyes is a good idea as will unveil the meaning behind it and you will understand what they are trying to communicate. It will also help you to investigate potential problems as well as the dangers that your bearded dragon might face.
So, without any further delay, let’s discuss 10 common reasons why your bearded dragon is closing his eyes.
Due to Shedding, Skin is Catching On the Bearded Dragon’s Eyes
The most natural and normal process by which bearded dragons undergo is shedding. In shedding, a new skin takes the place of the old skin or bearded dragon. They get rid of old skin. This is also a sign of your good care, a balanced diet, a good environment, and growth of bearded dragon.
Shedding usually takes place like a normal process. But if you notice that your bearded dragon is undergoing the shedding and also he’s closing his eyes (Often or permanently), it means there is something wrong. You need to investigate it. Usually, the dead skin over the eyes is responsible for it. The dead skin creates irritation, and particles of dead skin can also go into their eyes, which is the reason they close their eyes.
When bearded dragons undergo shedding, their dead skin can get in the way of their eyelids, which causes bearded dragons to close their eyes.
Remember, Never peel away the shedding skin from Bearded Dragon’s eyes to relieve them. This can cause infection as well as other health issues. Instead, you can give them warm baths, increase the humidity of the tank, and allow the moisture to solve the problem. In the shedding process, you need to give your bearded dragon time to naturally remove their old skin.
You can only remove the dead skin, which is separated from their body and stuck in their eyelids by using a toothbrush.
As a last resort, you may call your vet.
Bearded Dragons Closing Eyes Due to Dehydrated
You know that bearded dragon doesn’t sweat. If it is too hot, they open their mouth and star breathe from it. Too much heat can also cause dehydration in bearded dragons. If your bearded dragons lick their lips a lot, are less active, have gooey saliva, they are dehydrated. When dehydrated, bearded dragons also tend to close their eye a lot as they are tired from dehydration fatigue.
In the wild bearded dragons take water from their food. But in captivity, you need to provide water in a separate dish/ shallow bowl. You also give them warm baths as well as sprinkle the water on them to help them fight dehydration.
So, now you know the solution to the problem, but what was the reason for the problem? There can be many reasons for dehydration like an unbalanced diet, high temperature of the tank, unavailability of water in the tank, stress, etc. All you need to do is to take care of them, give them time and a proper diet and they will overcome dehydration.
Your Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes As It Has Something in Its Eye
If something is stuck in your eyes, you can simply wash it away and relieve yourself from irritation. But this is not the case with bearded dragons. Imagine a bearded dragon with dirty eyes due to dust or particles of the substrate, and they are closing their eyes again and again in the hope that the particles will fall off. This is quite irritating for bearded dragons.
If something gets in the bearded dragon’s eyes, they will close it frequently. You cannot use water for this, instead, reptile drops are recommended and you can easily get it from the vet.
It is recommended that you have reptile drops at your home available every time as you may need them anytime.
Remember, using tap water to wash bearded dragon’s eyes can cause infection in them.
Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes Due To Light
There are two cases in which bearded dragons close their eyes due to light, one is quite normal and the other is not. The first case is your bearded dragon closing his eyes in light because they are comfy and enjoying the heat lamp or taking a sun bath, especially when they are laid on a warm rock. There is nothing wrong with it, it’s quite normal and it shows your good care for your bearded dragon.
In the second case, you need to investigate the light. Usually, bearded dragons close their eyes in light when the light is of the wrong type. UVB 10 or 12 is the best light for your bearded dragon. The wrong light might not harm them, but it irritates them. In the long run, it can also cause health issues for your bearded dragon. So, be sure to purchase a good UVB light for your bearded dragon. Also, read the instructions on lamp packaging carefully to ensure that they are suitable for your bearded dragon.
Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes Due To Less Humidity
Bearded dragons are exotic creatures and they need a certain humidity level for their better health and survival. The perfect humidity level for bearded dragons is 35% to 40%. This level is quite easier to achieve in places like Florida, in other places, you can set the humidity of the bearded dragon tank to this level.
When bearded dragons feel less humidity level, they get irritated and consequently, they close their eyes frequently. You can use your household thermostat to monitor the humidity level of your home or you can buy a hygrometer for your bearded dragon tank. Anyway, if the humidity level drops, you can use a humidifier.
To learn more about bearded dragon tank setup, Read, “The Art of Dragon Domiciles: A Comprehensive Guide to Bearded Dragon Tank Setup”, “Bearded Dragon Complete Lighting, Heating and Humidity Guide“, “What Is The Best Substrate For Bearded Dragons?“.
Your bearded dragon remains comfy in the proper humidity level. It also helps the bearded dragon to shed more easily.
Bearded Dragons Closing Eyes Due to Cricket Attacks
Crickets are part of your bearded dragon’s balanced diet. In addition to all the important nutrients, crickets also stimulate physical activity as well as the natural hunting capability of bearded dragons as bearded dragons chase them. But if your bearded dragon does not eat all the crickets, they are a potential threat. They can hide in the tank and afterward bite your bearded dragon. Another health issue is with dead crickets, they create horrible smells in the tank and are also not good for bearded dragons’ health.
On continuous biting from crickets, your bearded dragon gets irritated and closes its eyes frequently.
You need to make sure that when your bearded dragons are full, you remove all the leftover crickets from the tank.
For more information about crickets and bearded dragons, Read, “Bearded Dragon and Crickets – Everything you need to know”.
Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes Due to Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin A is very important for bearded dragons to have healthy eyes, eyelids, mouth, skin, trachea, lungs, bones, muscles, and reproductive system. But many new bearded dragon owners don’t know the importance of Vitamin A for their bearded dragon.
The deficiency of Vitamin A in bearded dragons can cause many problems, from minor irritation to eyes to major issues in eyes and overall health. If your bearded dragon closes its eyes, and you can’t find any apparent reason, it might be due to Vitamin A deficiency.
But there is nothing to worry about as this issue is easily solvable. All you need is to provide your pet dragon with a balanced healthy diet and he’ll recover. You can feed them fresh kale, carrots, most dark green, leafy vegetables, and even sweet potatoes to help them fight Vitamin A deficiency.
Bearded Dragons Closing Eyes Due to Stuffy Nose
Like humans, bearded dragons can also get a stuffy nose. You can notice the swollen or tender areas around the nasal cavities, these are sure signs of a clogged nose. A stuffy nose is a common issue and you can easily clean it.
The best way to clean the nose and help your dragon to blast it out is by using water and a syringe. To do this, follow these steps:
- Get a bulb or a syringe
- Fill it with clean, boiled, or distilled water.
- Spray a pressurized stream of water into each cavity of the bearded dragon’s nose.
Remember, don’t use sharp needles, and don’t use tap water (if not boiled).
After following this procedure, you can notice your bearded dragon is feeling better and has stopped closing his eyes. But if you still notice that the bearded dragon’s nose is still stuffed, you can call your vet.
Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes as He’s Sick
If you notice the following, your bearded dragon is sick:
- Bearded dragon closing eyes.
- Showing lethargic behavior.
- Avoid its regular amount of water intake.
- Avoid its regular amount of food intake.
Bearded dragons don’t fall sick easily. They are tough creatures who are inhabitants of the desert. They need less care compared to other pets. But if they get sick, you need to investigate everything.
You need to make sure that your bearded dragon is getting a balanced diet, good calcium, and vitamins, proper heat, proper humidity, and a good tank setup. You can read the following articles to boost your knowledge.
- Read, “The Art of Dragon Domiciles: A Comprehensive Guide to Bearded Dragon Tank Setup”
- Read, “Bearded Dragons, Calcium, and Vitamin D3: Everything You Need to Know”
- Read, “How Do I Give My Bearded Dragon Calcium?”
- Read, “The Comprehensive Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide”
- Read, “What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? FAQ”
Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes Due to Mites
Mites are a big problem for your bearded dragon. Bearded Dragons get annoyed due to mites. In the long run, mites are a potential health threat. Mites are so small that you can’t see them easily, only you can feel them. If your bearded dragon tank has mites, it means that your home also has mites. In any case, you need to get rid of them. Do the following to get rid of mites:
- Remove your bearded dragon from the tank.
- Give a warm bath to your bearded dragon.
- Make sure, your bearded dragon doesn’t have any mites on his skin.
- Remove all things from the tank and wash it thoroughly.
- Replace substrate with new one.
- Replace the sheets and other stuff in the tank which are not washable/ cleanable.
- Place back your bearded dragon in a clean tank.
So, you know, there are many reasons why your bearded dragon closing his eyes. Each reason has its precautions as well as solutions. To know other bearded dragon’s behavior, you can read, “6 Different Bearded Dragon Behaviors that Can Indicate Illness”, “Unveiling the Meaning Behind 5 Adorable Behaviors Exhibited by Bearded Dragons”, “8 Common Reasons Your Bearded Dragon Puffed Up” and “4 Aggressive Bearded Dragon Behaviors to Look Out For”.
Bearded dragons are easy to care for pets. Don’t require a lot of effort for their well-being. But still, if you are facing any type of difficulty, or want to ask anything, feel free to contact us.