Bearded dragons stare at their owners because they want to be held or let out of the enclosure. They also have staring spells as they are curious about their surroundings and assess for threats. Staring can also happen when they are bored or hungry.
Often when a bearded dragon holds its mouth open they're doing it to regulate their body temperature. In fact, this behavior is so common that it has its own name, gaping.
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. If you don't, their behavior could progress to more aggressive actions.
Once you reach your hand into the habitat, your bearded dragon may initiate the act of petting themselves. It's common for these lizards to rub against their owner's fingers whenever they expect and enjoy pets. Seeing these signs indicates that your bearded dragon is fine with petting.
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.
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.
Baby beardies are more skittish and can panic when they are picked up. Try to keep the baby calm and keep one finger under its chin while holding it. Never grab or hold a bearded dragon by its legs or tail.
Yes, Bearded Dragons (or “Beardies”) do enjoy human attention, as long as it is respectful and gentle. Beardies, like any pet, can be nervous around loud noises and sudden movements, so when you approach them it's important to speak softly and make sure that you have their trust before you touch them.
Even the calmest bearded dragon will eventually become stressed out if you handle him for too long. What is this? In fact, it is important to understand that bearded dragons probably do not “like” being handled – they simply “tolerate” it.
You can hold a bearded dragon for as long as it will tolerate being held. Start with 15 minutes once a day and as it gets used to being handled, you can hold it longer. Some dragons enjoy being held several times a day for several hours. When the beardie becomes restless, it is time to put him back.
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.
If their terrarium is too cold, bearded dragons may attempt to regulate their body temperature by flattening out in order to absorb as much heat as possible. If you notice your dragon pancaking a lot in his tank, this is likely the cause.
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.
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. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
Bearded dragons sleep on their stomachs or in various weird positions at night. Wild bearded dragons nap in trees and often sleep vertically. They prefer to sleep in trees, which are usually out of reach of predators like snakes. In captivity, these reptiles doze almost anywhere.
Since bearded dragons are naturally solitary creatures, they do not get lonely if placed alone in a cage or left for some time away from their keeper. They much prefer having their food and heat to themselves rather than sharing it with another bearded dragon.
Bearded dragons are able to imitate other bearded dragons to open doors. “The ability to learn through imitation is thought to be the pinnacle of social learning and long considered a distinctive characteristic of humans.
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!
Many new owner reports suggest it takes up to three or four months for the bearded dragon to get comfortable. With time, the beardie will trust you and look forward to your petting. They can go for several days or even weeks alone. We recommend paying close attention every day.
Bearded dragons get a lot of water from veggies and greens. Adults should be misted from once a day to 2-3 times weekly. The frequency may increase or decrease depending on their diet, whether they use their water dish, and if they drink during baths. Juveniles need to be misted more frequently.