Temperature Regulation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nOne of the most common reasons why bearded dragons flatten out is to regulate their body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded creatures, which means they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When they flatten themselves against a surface, they can absorb more heat from the surface, which helps them increase their body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you notice your bearded dragon pancaking on a rock or the ground, it may be trying to warm up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That can be both the warm surface it is laying on or it can be the sun\/heat lamp where. The bigger area the more heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Instinctive Behavior<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Bearded dragons have many curious behaviors, and pancaking is one of them. This behavior is usually seen when a bearded dragon is in an environment where it doesn’t feel safe or comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s an instinctive behavior that they have developed over time to protect themselves from predators. So, if your bearded dragon is lying flat on the ground, it may be feeling threatened or uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Submission or Dominance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Bearded dragons are known to flatten out to show submission or dominance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When two bearded dragons meet, they may flatten out their body to show that they are not a threat to each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, a dominant bearded dragon may flatten out to establish its dominance over another bearded dragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Stomach Issues<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, bearded dragons may flatten out due to stomach issues. If your bearded dragon is pancaking and also showing signs of discomfort, such as lethargy or lack of appetite, it may have a stomachache or a calcium imbalance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In such cases, it’s important to take your bearded dragon to a reptile vet for a checkup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Tank Temperature<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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It’s also important to note that if the tank temperature is too low, bearded dragons may flatten out to increase their body temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you notice your dragon flattening out straight away after you turn on the heat lamp, it may be a sign that the tank temperature is too low.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n