Relaxation, temperature, and stress can all cause a bearded dragon to poop in the bath. If they poop in the bath on a regular basis, it may even be a learned behavior. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to put an end to this habit.
What You'll Learn
Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Poop in the Bath
Stress
One of the most common reasons bearded dragons poop in the bath is because of stress. If your dragon is overly stressed, they will most likely express themselves in a variety of ways, including pooping.
Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration or feeling threatened. Make sure your bearded dragon has a stress-free environment and that the temperature of their bath water is not too hot.
Temperature
A bearded dragon may struggle to have a normal bowel movement if the environment is too cold and they are unable to keep warm.
When you put them in the bath, their body temperature will rise and they’ll be able to have a bowel movement.
Being Relaxed
A stress-free environment and a warm temperature can cause your bearded dragon to relax to the point of having a bowel movement.
It Became a Learned Behavior
Aside from stress, being too cold, and being relaxed, your bearded dragon may have learned that pooping in the bath is an acceptable behavior.
Bearded dragons are intelligent creatures with the ability to form habits. If you regularly allow your dragon to poop in the bath, it may become a habit for them.
How to Handle Bearded Dragons Pooping in the Bath
It is critical to handle bearded dragon poop in the bath correctly. Expect it to happen and make sure the water temperature is comfortable. Maintain a stress-free environment and immediately wash out the bath after use. TAvoid offering food in the bath, provide a separate poop area, and provide regular soaking sessions. You can train them not to poop in the bath with time and patience.
Here are a few steps to take in the training process.
Expect It
It is important to remember that pooping in the bath is an expected behavior for bearded dragons. While it can be annoying, it’s important to stay calm and remember that this is normal. It is best to take precautions to ensure that your beardie does not poop in the bath, but it is also important to recognize that this behavior may not always be avoidable.
Make Sure the Temperature Is Right
When giving your bearded dragon a bath, the water temperature should be warm, but not hot. The temperature should be between 85 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too cold or too hot, it may cause stress and discomfort.
A 10-20-minute soak at the right correct temperature may prevent them from pooping in the bath. Check the temperature on a regular basis, as even a few degrees can make a difference.
Provide a Stress-Free Environment
As previously stated, stress can cause a bearded dragon to poop. When giving them a bath, take a look at the environment. Is there something that would cause stress? Are they too hot or too cold? Is the tub too deep? Many things can cause stress for a bearded dragon. Your goal should be to minimize the stress as much as possible.
How to Train Bearded Dragons Not to Poop in the Bath
There are some steps you can take to help your bearded dragon learn not to poop in the bath.
Wash Out the Bath Immediately
To reduce the risk of salmonella, it is critical to immediately wash out the bath once your bearded dragon has finished pooping. This will keep your beardie safe and healthy, as well as prevent them from becoming conditioned to waiting for a bath to use the restroom. Use warm water and soap, and thoroughly rinse the bath before refilling it for another session.
Avoid Offering Food in the Bath
If you want your bearded dragon to refrain from pooping in the bath, you must never give them food while soaking. Bearded dragons tend to associate food with baths, so if you offer food while they’re bathing, they might think it’s a good place to poop. To prevent your pet from connecting the two, only offer food outside of the bath and never in it.
Offer a Separate Poop Area
Make a designated bathroom area for them in the enclosure, such as a shallow dish lined with paper towels. This will teach your beardie that pooping in the bath is unacceptable and that there is a designated area for them to do their business. Make this area more comfortable by providing plenty of fresh substrate and rewarding them with treats if they use it.
Give Regular Soaking Sessions
The more soaks you can give to your bearded dragon without them pooping, the more they will learn that pooping in the bath is unacceptable. If you only soak your beardie once or twice every few weeks, they won’t be able to learn correct pooping habits.
Provide a Comfortable Environment
It is critical to provide a comfortable environment for your bearded dragon in order to keep them stress-free.
You can create this environment by keeping the temperature appropriate, providing a stress-free environment, and ensuring that the bath is thoroughly cleaned after use.
Following these tips will assist in creating an environment in which your dragon will feel safe and secure, ultimately assisting in training them not to poop in the bath.
Key Points
- Bearded dragons may poop in the bath due to stress, temperature, or a learned behavior.
- Stress is a common cause, and providing a stress-free environment as well as the proper water temperature can help to prevent this behavior.
- Being too cold can make pooping difficult, and regular baths can help them relax and feel more comfortable.
- If your bearded dragon has learned to poop in the bath, it is critical that you train them not to do so and provide a separate area for them to relieve themselves.
- To deal with bearded dragons pooping in the bath, prepare for it, make sure the temperature is appropriate, wash out the bath immediately after use, and train them not to do so in the future.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
