Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Lillian Dodd
Why is my bearded dragon turning yellow? If you’ve noticed that your bearded dragon is starting to turn yellow, you’re probably wondering why this is happening and what you can do about it. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This is a common question that many bearded dragon owners have. In this blog post, we will discuss the possible causes of yellowing in bearded dragons and how you can correct it.
Bearded dragons are quite famous for their relatively low maintenance and can be easy to care for. They are usually light brown or greyish color. A yellow bearded dragon is a beautiful sight, but if your beardie is suddenly looking a little bit green, there might be something wrong. Some may turn jet black if they are angry or feel threatened.
Understanding Bearded Dragon Color Changes
Bearded dragons are known for their ability to change colors, which can happen for various reasons. These reptiles might exhibit variations in their coloration based on their mood, health, temperature, or even during social interactions. A bearded dragon can sometimes turn darker to absorb more heat or appear lighter as a response to stress. Understanding these normal color changes can help discern when a yellow hue might indicate a problem.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Turning Yellow?
One common issue that bearded dragon owners face is that their pets may start to turn yellow. There are a few reasons why this may happen. For example, it could be a sign of malnutrition, dehydration, or even part of its shedding process. It could also be a reaction to environmental changes or certain chemicals in the environment, such as chlorine or bleach. Other reasons are:
If your bearded dragon is getting improper UVB exposure, its color may start to fade. Inadequate UVB lighting can contribute significantly to color changes in bearded dragons, including yellowing. These reptiles rely on UVB light to produce vitamin D3, which is important for calcium absorption and bone health. Without sufficient UVB, dragons may develop metabolic bone disease, often presenting as discoloration or yellowing of the skin. Regularly replace UVB bulbs every 6 to 12 months to maintain effective exposure. Additionally, if your bearded dragon’s tank does not have the appropriate accessories, its color may also start to change. In particular, bearded dragons need a basking area where they can soak up some UVB rays. Without this, your little guy’s color will start to fade and they may even develop health problems. So, if you’re wondering why your bearded dragon is turning yellow, it could be due to a lack of UVB exposure or the wrong tank setup.
Ensuring your bearded dragon receives proper UVB lighting is essential for preventing skin discoloration. UVB bulbs should cover about two-thirds of the habitat and be positioned 12-18 inches from the basking spot. Replace bulbs every six to twelve months, as they lose effectiveness over time. Specific brands such as Zoo Med and Exo Terra offer quality UVB solutions recommended by reptile experts.
Your animal is not getting enough hot water. Hot water is important for bearded dragons, as it helps them to stay hydrated and digest their food properly. If your dragon isn’t getting enough, it could start to turn yellow. Hydration plays a key role in a bearded dragon’s health. Without enough water, they may suffer from dehydration, manifesting as lethargy, sunken eyes, and changes in skin coloration, including yellowing. Fresh water should always be available in their enclosure, and offering foods with high water content, such as cucumbers or strawberries, can assist in keeping your dragon hydrated. Another possibility is that the dragon is not getting enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and health, and a deficiency can cause several health problems, including yellowing of the skin.
The yellow color is due to a lack of carotenoids in their diet. Carotenoids are a type of pigment that helps to give many reptiles their coloration. Without enough carotenoids, bearded dragons may start to turn pale yellow. A varied and balanced diet is important to prevent yellowing and support overall health in bearded dragons. They should be fed a mix of gut-loaded insects like crickets and dubia roaches, as well as greens such as collard and mustard greens. Limit foods with low nutritional value, such as iceberg lettuce. A healthy diet ensures they receive the carotenoids needed to maintain their natural skin color.
To maintain their bright colors, a balanced diet plays a substantial role in a bearded dragon’s health. Vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A and E, promote healthy skin. Foods rich in these nutrients, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens, can be particularly beneficial. Lack of these key components in their diet might lead to a faded or yellowish appearance.
In the early stages, yellowing may be caused by a lack of food or water. If your reptile is not getting enough nutrients, it can lead to problems with the internal organs, which can cause the affected area to turn yellow. Yellowing can also be a sign of jaundice, which is a condition that affects the blood and causes the skin to turn yellow.
Stress and Environmental Factors. Environmental changes or stressors, such as a cramped enclosure or loud noises, contribute to color changes. Switching their habitat suddenly or frequent handling without a chance to acclimate can induce stress. Ensure their tank is the right size, with proper heat gradients and hiding spots to help reduce stress-related yellowing.
How To Prevent Yellow Fungus In Bearded Dragons?
Many bearded dragon owners notice their beloved pet turning a strange yellow color and wonder why. In most cases, the culprit is a fungus known as ‘Yellow Fungus’. While not dangerous to humans, this fungus can cause serious health problems for Bearded Dragons. The good news is that it is easy to treat yellow fungus and can be prevented with some simple precautions.
The first step in preventing yellow fungus in bearded dragons is to maintain clean and healthy environmental conditions. This means providing a clean tank or enclosure with fresh water and food. Regular checks for signs of fungal infections are crucial in maintaining your bearded dragon’s health. Symptoms may include flaky or unusually colored skin. Keeping a clean habitat can prevent fungal growth. If any changes are noticed, consult a reptile vet promptly to address and treat potential yellow fungus issues effectively. It’s also important to remove any debris or waste from the tank regularly especially since the yellow fungus is caused by a build-up of moisture on the skin and can be exacerbated by unclean tanks or learning to practice good husbandry. Tank accessories such as plants or hides can also harbor moisture and provide a perfect environment for the growth of yellow fungus. The best way to prevent yellow fungus spread is to maintain a clean and dry tank. Wash and disinfect your bearded dragon’s entire habitat daily with a sanitizer. Bearded dragon’s skin should be washed regularly with warm water and if you suspect your dragon is developing yellow fungus, take them to see a reptile vet as soon as possible. Left untreated, yellow fungus in bearded dragons can cause serious health problems and in severe cases inflammatory of the internal organs and bearded dragon’s kidneys. If you notice any signs of a yellow fungus disease, it’s important to take action immediately.
Identifying Yellow Fungus Early
Spotting yellow fungus early can make treatment more manageable. Look for symptoms like flaky skin, irregular shedding, or scale discoloration. It often starts in small patches, which can spread if left untreated. Monitoring your dragon’s health regularly and knowing these signs will enable you to act quickly, seeking veterinary advice if needed.
Can Poor Hygiene Breed Bearded Dragon’s Yellow Fungus?
If you’ve noticed your bearded dragon turning yellow, it’s important to take a look at its habitat and see if anything has changed recently. One common reason for this color change is due to a lack of basking spots. Stress can cause drastic changes in a bearded dragon’s skin coloration, including turning yellow. Environmental factors like loud noises, frequent handling, or even a new habitat can induce stress. To minimize stress, ensure your dragon’s environment is quiet, stable, and provides adequate hiding spots for them to retreat and feel secure. Bearded dragons rely on basking spots to raise their body temperature, so if there aren’t any available, they may start to turn yellow. Another possibility is that the tank accessories have changed color. If your pet is exposed to too much heat or light, the pigments in its skin may begin to break down, causing a yellow coloration. In addition, some Tank accessories can release toxins into the air that can be harmful to your bearded dragon.
Is Yellow Fungus Contagious?
If you notice your pet turning yellow, it’s important to check the Tank accessories to reduce the risk of reptile pathogen exposure which is dangerous. The most common way your dragon can contract the yellow fungus pathogen is by being around other bearded dragons infected with the yellow fungi. Yellowing and dull-looking scales can also be warning signs, so if you are concerned about your pet’s health, it’s always best to consult a reptile vet asap for a skin biopsy. Puss-like substance, stress marks, discolored scales, yellow fungus, irregular shedding, random troubling wounds are all signs of fungal infections or yellow fungus in bearded dragons.
Can Topical Antifungal Cream Cure The Yellow Skin Disease On My Infected Dragon?
The answer is yes, many bearded dragon owners have had good experiences with topical antifungal creams on their infected dragons, you can also use raw unpasteurized honey. Apply it to the affected area twice daily on the bearded dragon’s affected scales and dry skin. Betadine is a cream that will keep your infected dragon clean and will help eradicate the shedding fungus. Constant bathing will help the fungus spread even more.
Conclusion
If your bearded dragon is turning yellow, it could be a sign of a health problem. If you notice other changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance, make an appointment with your veterinarian. With prompt treatment, most health problems that cause yellowing can be resolved.
