It's A Sign Of Affection Or Comfort It does seem to be true that a bearded dragon is more likely to lick you if it trusts you and feels comfortable with you. However, this licking is not necessarily a sign of affection. It could be that it likes the way you smell or feels a sense of safety to have you around.
Bearded dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.
The short answer is that bearded dragons lick to better understand the world around them, including you. Usually, when a bearded dragon licks something, they're trying to get a better feel for their environment. When it comes to you, a lick is a sign that your beardie is interested in you and comfortable around you!
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.
Continue to love your dragons as if they are loving you back. They do not recognize love but they recognize you and feel the pleasure that you give them when you're giving them that fat hornworm!
WHY DO BEARDED DRAGONS SMILE? The bearded dragon often sits with a gaping mouth, which makes it appear as if it is smiling. But the lizard actually opens its mouth to help it regulate its body temperature.
As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.
Bearded dragons usually tolerate handling better than other lizards. Regular handling helps bearded dragons get used to people, so you should handle your beardie daily. Doing so also minimizes stress during regular care, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are generally gentle and easy to hold.
If you observe your lizard under their basking light and they have their mouth open, this is most likely normal behavior, and there is no reason to be concerned. Bearded dragons open their mouths to cool themselves down the way humans sweat to regulate body temperature.
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.
Things like tunnels, climbing rocks, and diggable substrate material can make all the difference. Even having a bowl of water to investigate goes a long way. Keep your beardie active, and they can stay happy for years to come. Don't forget to pay attention to routine health factors, too.
Things You Should Know
Pick up your bearded dragon often and pet it whenever it seems agitated or stressed. Try feeding your bearded dragon by hand occasionally to build a stronger bond.
Accordingly, it is important to avoid handling your bearded dragon (particularly if it is a young or small animal) around any of your other pets. This can also include other reptiles, who may also act aggressively or cause anxiety for your dragon.
Bearded dragons are diurnal and sleep up to 12 hours daily. People often ask if bearded dragons are nocturnal or diurnal. These reptiles are diurnal, so they are active during the day and sleep at night, similar to humans. If you have a bearded pet dragon, it will be awake during the day and rest when you do.
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.
Use lukewarm water that's between 85 and 100 F (29.4 and 37.7 C). Water that's too hot could burn your dragon, but because he is cold blooded and relies on his surroundings for warmth, a bath that's too cold could also cause your dragon's body to shut down.
Bearded dragons can drink tap water; however, it is a good idea to use one of the commercially available dechlorinating products to treat the water. There are chloramines and chlorine in the water that you want to remove as well as unwanted minerals present in the water.
It's not to express contentment or happiness. It's usually to show discomfort! 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.
Anyone who owns a bearded dragon knows that they are fairly smart reptiles. But did you know that they are smarter than you may have previously thought?
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.