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.
But at the same time, they can still exhibit defensive behaviors when they feel anxious, threatened, and stressed. Your bearded dragon may also hiss, puff up, and raise its beard along with keeping its mouth open. It does this to appear intimidating towards the thing that is causing them stress.
Color Changes. Overall body color changes and beard color changes may occur slowly as your bearded dragon grows, but if a sudden or temporary color change is noted, it could be due to stress, illness, or an emotion. Beardies will often darken or turn black if threatened or upset.
Play safely: Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it.
Many bearded dragons are especially drawn to slotted balls like hamster balls or cat toys. Never let them play with marbles, small rubber balls, or anything else they could choke on. Mirrors. Some bearded dragons really enjoy mirrors, but others get stressed at the sight of their reflection.
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.
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).
Yes, Bearded Dragons Feel!
Bearded dragons can become attached to their owners and perhaps other animals. Many pet owners tell stories of their bearded dragon's affection from seeking attention to cuddling up (article on bearded dragon cuddles).
When you own a bearded dragon, it is natural to want to love your pet. Your dragon also can have affection for you if you take care of him. Learn how to hold him appropriately, bathe, and house him. By providing a good and safe home for your pet, you show your love.
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.
Bearded dragon head bobbing is usually a reaction to something in its environment that is making it feel uncomfortable or uneasy. It may be feeling stressed, trying to defend its territory, or maybe it's looking to find that perfect love connection.
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.
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! Another reason that bearded dragons are an increasingly popular pet is because of the common (mis)conception that they are easy to take care of.
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.
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.
Although bearded dragons are not generally aggressive by nature, they may become mad and show signs of aggressive behavior if they feel threatened, they may feel threatened should you mishandle them or if they interpret something as an act of aggression even when it isn't.
Bearded dragons love being handled (once they're comfortable with you). Cuddling is just an extension of that. The more you do it, the better off your pet will be. Not only will they be happier, but most will mellow out and become more time when they spend time with you regularly.
Handling times
Bearded dragons are quite docile reptiles and make great pets, you can reinforce this behaviour early on with a baby Bearded dragon by having regular handling sessions 2-4 times a day for 5-15 minutes at a time until they become comfortable.
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.
Beardies show anger in a number of ways, including trying to escape their enclosures, twitchy tails, fluffing their beards, and even biting. Obviously, no one wants to be bitten by their pet, so realizing your bearded dragon is angry is the first step in determining how to fix the problem.