What To Do If My Bearded Dragon Turns Grey?

Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Miranda

Some bearded dragon owners may experience their beardie turning grey. This can be a concerning change in colour, but it is not always indicative of a health problem. 

In this article, we will explore some potential reasons for a bearded dragon colour change and what you can do to help your pet feel better if this occurs. 

Table of Contents

• Why is my bearded dragon turning grey?
• Proper Humidity Levels
• Importance of Regular Vet Check-ups
• How can you prevent your bearded dragon from turning grey?
• Nutrition and Supplementation
• Conclusion 
• FAQs

Why is my bearded dragon turning grey?

There can be several reasons why your bearded dragon is turning grey, but it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible. Let’s take a look!

Ageing 

One of the first signs that your bearded dragon is getting old is that it will start to turn a light shade of grey. As they age, their skin will lose its colour and pigment, and their scales will become brittle. This is completely normal and is nothing to worry about.

During the shedding process, it’s normal for your bearded dragon’s colour to dull before the old skin comes off. This temporary change will resolve once the shedding is complete, revealing fresh skin with restored colours. Ensure your dragon is well-hydrated as this can aid a smooth and complete shedding process.

Bearded dragons typically live for around 10-12 years, so if your dragon is starting to show signs of ageing, they are likely still in their twilight years. There is not much you can do to slow down the ageing process, but you can make sure that your dragon is comfortable and has everything they need.

Frightened 

One potential reason for this could be that your bearded dragon is feeling scared or threatened. If your bearded dragon feels like it’s in danger, it may start to turn pale as a way of trying to blend in with its surroundings. Other signs of stress might include changes in behaviour or appetite.

New surrounding 

If you’ve recently changed your bearded dragon’s habitat or if there have been any other major changes in its life, this could also be causing it to feel stressed out. Be sure to provide your bearded dragon with a safe and comfortable environment where it feels secure.

Temperature Regulation 

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles, which means they need to regulate their body temperature. If your bearded dragon is starting to turn grey, it may be a sign that they’re too cold. One way to help keep your bearded dragon’s temperature regulated is to make sure their environment is warm enough. 

You can do this by using a heating pad or a heat lamp. If the weather is too hot or too cold for your bearded dragon outside, you can also bring them inside. Another thing to keep in mind is that bearded dragons like to bask in the sun, so make sure they have access to some direct sunlight every day.

Proper Humidity Levels

Maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for your bearded dragon’s health. Humidity in their enclosure should ideally range between 20% and 40%. High humidity can lead to respiratory issues, while low humidity might cause dehydration and skin problems. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity and make adjustments if necessary. If the environment is too dry, misting the enclosure lightly can help, but avoid making the habitat overly moist.

Poor Lighting 

One of the most common reasons for a bearded dragon to start turning grey is poor lighting. Without enough light, their skin can start to pale and they may even start to turn grey. If you’re seeing your bearded dragon start to change colour, make sure to check the light levels in their enclosure and increase them if necessary. 

Dehydration 

Another common issue that can cause a bearded dragon to turn grey is dehydration. Make sure your dragon is getting enough water and if you notice they’re looking a bit more pale than usual, try giving them a little bit more water to drink. 

Feeling annoyed 

Bearded dragons are known to turn grey when they feel aggressive or annoyed. This is a way for them to intimidate other animals or people.  Be sure to provide your dragon with a safe and comfortable environment where he or she feels secure. This will help to reduce the likelihood of your dragon feeling aggressive or annoyed.

Sickness 

The most common reason for a bearded dragon turning grey is that they are injured or sick. This can be due to several factors, such as infection, malnutrition or even cancer. If your dragon has started to go grey, it’s important to take them for a diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as possible. 

In some cases, the greying may only be a temporary condition that will improve with treatment. If neither of these issues seems to be the cause of your dragon’s colour change, it’s best to take them to a veterinarian for further examination.

Importance of Regular Vet Check-ups

Regular veterinary check-ups are key to ensuring your bearded dragon stays healthy. These visits can help identify potential health issues before they become serious. A vet familiar with reptiles can provide guidance on proper nutrition, lighting, and general care. Early detection of illnesses or stress indicators can prevent more significant problems, and regular health assessments give peace of mind about your dragon’s well-being.

Read also: Why does my bearded dragon poop on me?

How can you prevent your bearded dragon from turning grey?

Bearded dragons that are kept in optimal conditions typically have a healthy and vibrant colour. However, if your bearded dragon is not kept in ideal conditions, it may start to turn grey. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent your bearded dragon from turning grey. 

Good temperature: Bearded dragons need a thermal gradient in their enclosure so they can choose the temperature that best suits them.   the warm side of the enclosure should be around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit while the cool side should be around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sufficient ultraviolet (UV) light: Make sure your bearded dragon gets plenty of natural sunlight. UVB radiation is essential for healthy skin pigment and helps keep bearded dragons looking their best. You can do this by placing them in an area where they will get natural sunlight or using a UV light bulb. 

Balanced diet: Feed your bearded dragon a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. Be sure to include plenty of dark leafy greens, which are high in vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy skin pigment. Also, feeding them a diet that is high in calcium can help to prevent their skin from turning grey.

Nutrition and Supplementation

Adequate supplementation is vital for maintaining your bearded dragon’s health. Dusting their food with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements can support strong bones and healthy skin pigmentation. Ensure that the supplements are specifically formulated for reptiles. Regularly reviewing your dragon’s diet with a vet can help you make any necessary adjustments to keep them in peak condition.

Attention: Beardies are intelligent! If a lonely dragon wants your attention or the opportunity to play outdoors, it will turn its neck black. If it does this after being released into its habitat or after being ignored for a while, the poor guy is desperate for your attention. So hug and cuddle them often! This will help keep them happy and healthy.

Reduce stress:  One of the best ways to reduce stress for your bearded dragon is to provide them with a comfortable environment. Be sure to have plenty of hiding spots for them to retreat to, as well as a warm, sunny spot for basking.

With these tips in mind, you can help keep your bearded dragon looking its best!

Conclusion

The most common cause of a bearded dragon turning grey is a lack of UVB exposure. If your bearded dragon isn’t getting at least 12 hours of unfiltered sunlight per week, its skin will likely start to lose colour and turn grey. Other potential causes of your bearded dragon turning grey include stress, malnutrition, or an underlying health condition. 

There are several things you can do to prevent your bearded dragon from turning grey. The most important thing is to make sure your bearded dragon has plenty of access to UVB light. You can also provide your bearded dragon with a varied diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and give it regular baths to keep its skin healthy and hydrated.

By being proactive and watching out for these signs, you can help keep your bearded dragon healthy and looking bright!

FAQs