Also known as “Beardies” they are not particularly lazy pets. It's just that they are known to enjoy cuddling up with their owners while they watch TV. Yes, they're cuddly!
Try holding your reptile 15 minutes a day. As it gets used to being handled, you can extend these periods for as long as your pet looks comfortable. Some dragons don't enjoy being held for a long time while others love it and will allow you to hold them several times a day.
You may also be wondering where do bearded dragons like to be pet. Commonly, bearded dragons like being petted in a few places. One such spot is directly between the eyes and on top of the head. Another is scratching their beards, or rubbing the spikes behind their eyes.
Give your dragon a nice warm bath, followed by cuddles in a soft towel. Simply pause as much noise as possible to give your dragon some quiet time. Try turning off the lights until your dragon is more calm (of course you wouldn't want to leave the tank like this for too long so your dragon doesn't get too cold).
Bearded dragons do like to be pet, as long as they've been socialized and are in the right mood. As long as you pay attention to the body language and behavior of your beardie, you'll be able to enjoy some fun petting sessions!
While not effusive and certainly not as emotional as dogs, cats, and other mammals, bearded dragons are known to show signs of affection to their owners. For example, they will remain calm when handled or sit still on their owner's lap. Bearded dragons are not social creatures by nature. In the wild, they live alone.
Bearded Dragon Bites
Dragons rarely bite. When they do, it's rarely serious. A dragon bite may be painful because their teeth are sharp. If you are bitten, the site may swell and bleed.
You may even find your bearded dragon scratching at the glass from time to time. This behavior is generally associated with restlessness and boredom. As a bearded dragon owner you want to keep your reptile friend entertained and have fun with him as well.
Bearded dragons, or “beardies,” are diurnal, which means that, like most of us, they are up during the day and asleep at night. They tend to be very docile and easy to handle, which makes them fun and personable pets. They are active, inquisitive and hardy and enjoy lounging with and/or on their people.
When your bearded dragon starts to feel more comfortable being outside, you can try walking with him. Again, walk slowly and gently, so you do not frighten your lizard. Walk right next to him and when he turns to a direction where he should not go block him or turn him the other way if needed.
Beardies love their owners. They'll recognize you, look in your eyes, beg for food, and sometimes want to be held. Unlike furry friends, beardies don't need constant attention or handling. They need alone time but will miss you if you're gone for too long.
There are some safety concerns to keep in mind. Try to avoid areas where you may run into dogs or even stray cats. Your beardie may prefer a quiet, sunny area, or even just a stroll in your backyard. Watch the ground, and steer away from potential hazards, such as broken glass.
A happy bearded dragon with a lot of trust in its owner will often walk over to them. They might run up to the glass when you near their enclosure or saunter over to your hand when you're doing tank maintenance. If they have free roam of a safe room, they may even run to you when you place them on the floor!
Believe it or not, bearded dragons typically close their eyes when you pet or hold them because they're scared and want to get out of the situation. It's a coping mechanism and often acts as a warning to back off. If you don't, their behavior could progress to more aggressive actions.
Play safely: Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it. This can spread salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
Do bearded dragons prefer to be alone? Bearded dragons are territorial creatures, so prefer to be kept on their own in their enclosure. They enjoy having the warmth of their light and the whole food bowl to themselves. Essentially, they like not having to compete for resources.
They don't need to form bonds because they are so well adapted for survival alone. So the answer to this question, in short, is “absolutely not.” Your bearded dragon isn't lonely, and totally loves being the center of your attention, and his heat lamp.