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.
Now, this situation is extremely common when you're petting or holding your little pet beardie. Most bearded dragons don't enjoy being petted or held – they just tolerate it. However, some of them may even express genuine unwillingness or dislike towards it by closing their eyes.
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.
When a beardie thinks he's in danger, he will instinctively flatten out his stomach and display it. This posture makes him appear larger and stronger than he actually is. Stomach flattening is done in order to avoid conflict rather than to invite it.
It's A Sign of Aggression. Bearded dragons are generally calm and docile lizards. However, if they feel threatened, angry, or afraid, they may open their mouths as part of an aggressive stance. When an animal feels threatened or afraid, it will go into a fight or flight response.
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! Let us know if you have questions about any of the information above.
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. Unlike people, the bearded dragon cannot sweat and so expels excess heat through its open mouth.
Bearded dragons will curl their tails up when excited, chasing prey or running around for other reasons. They will also exhibit the tail curl as a reaction to warmth – when put in hot surroundings or in warm water.
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.
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.
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.
Well, the visual communication can be a way to establish dominance and assert territory. Male lizards do pushups to display strength and send messages to potential rivals or threats.
We found that reptiles were assumed to be capable of the following emotions and states; anxiety, distress, excitement, fear, frustration, pain, stress, and suffering, in 37 articles. We also found four articles that explored and found evidence for the capacity of reptiles to feel pleasure, emotion, and anxiety.
What is this? Beardies use head bobbing to communicate how they're feeling. Your reptile (especially if it is new to your household) may be trying to show you that it's not afraid of you and that it considers itself to be a more dominant creature than you are.
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.
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.
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.
Darker Coloration
A bearded dragon can sometimes appear to be a bit darker in color. This could be a typical sign of some stress, but it could also signify that it is getting ready to shed. Wait a few days and see if it is starting to shed.
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.
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.