These little reptiles are more than just pets, they are complex creatures that exhibit a range of behaviors that provide insights into their emotions and well-being. Understanding these behaviors can help us provide the best care for our scaly friends.
This article will be covering the most common behaviors that bearded dragons exhibit, and what they mean, so that you know. We’ll explore everything from arm-waving to head nodding, and everything in between. So if you’re a bearded dragon owner or just a reptile enthusiast, get ready to expand your knowledge and experience, and gain a deeper appreciation for these amazing animals!
How Bearded Dragons developed these behaviors
Bearded dragons are native to Australia, and they belong to the family of reptiles known as Agamidae. They have been around for millions of years, and their unique behaviors have evolved over time to help them survive in their natural environment. In the wild, bearded dragons face a range of threats, from predators to environmental changes, and their behaviors have developed as a way to deal with these challenges.
The behaviors of bearded dragons are deeply rooted in their evolutionary history, and they play a critical role in their survival and well-being. Whether in the wild or in captive environments, understanding what they experience in a new domestic habitat and how they experience these behaviors (as a human) is key to providing the best care for these amazing reptiles.
13 Behaviors Of Bearded Dragons to Know
Arm Waving
Arm waving is a friendly behavior that bearded dragons use to communicate with each other. When a bearded dragon waves its arm, it’s basically saying “hey there, I’m not a threat.” This behavior is most commonly seen in males who are trying to show dominance or solicit attention from a female. So, if you see your bearded dragon waving its arm, it’s probably feeling pretty chill and just saying hello!
Bearding
Bearding is when the skin under a bearded dragon’s chin puffs up to look like a beard. This behavior is typically a sign that the bearded dragon is feeling stressed or aggressive. If you notice your bearded dragon bearding, it’s a good idea to remove any potential triggers, like too much noise or a change in temperature, to help it feel more relaxed.
Head Bobbing
Head bobbing is a unique behavior in bearded dragons that serves several purposes. For males, it’s a way to show dominance and attract a female for mating. For both males and females, it can also be a sign of aggression or territorial behavior. If you see your bearded dragon head bobbing, it’s important to keep an eye on its body language to determine what it’s trying to communicate.
Tail Wagging
Tail wagging in bearded dragons can indicate a few different things. It could be a sign that your bearded dragon is feeling excited or agitated, especially if it’s wagging its tail rapidly back and forth. On the other hand, a slow, steady tail wag can also be a sign that the bearded dragon is trying to balance itself. Overall, tail wagging is just another way for bearded dragons to communicate and convey their emotions.
Basking
Basking is when a bearded dragon lounges in a warm area, like under a heat lamp, to regulate its body temperature. This behavior is important for their overall health, as it helps them stay warm and absorb heat-sensitive vitamins. If you notice your bearded dragon basking a lot, it could be a sign that its enclosure is too cool, so it’s a good idea to check your heating setup and make sure it’s providing enough warmth.
Digging
Digging is a natural behavior for bearded dragons, especially when they’re looking for a place to hide or lay eggs. If you provide your bearded dragon with a substrate, like sand or soil, it will likely start digging and burrowing. The reason is that this behavior helps them feel secure and regulate their body temperature. Just be sure to monitor your bearded dragon’s digging habits, as it can also be a sign of stress or illness if they’re digging excessively.
Hissing
Hissing is a defensive behavior that bearded dragons use to scare off potential predators. When they hiss, they exhale rapidly to create a loud, warning sound. If you hear your bearded dragon hissing, it’s a sign that it feels threatened and is trying to protect itself. In these situations, it’s best to give your bearded dragon some space and remove any potential stressors.
Barking
Barking is a rare, but not unheard of, behavior in bearded dragons. This behavior is similar to hissing and is used as a warning or defensive mechanism. If you hear your bearded dragon barking, it’s likely feeling threatened and trying to protect itself. It’s important to assess the situation and remove any potential stressors to help your bearded dragon feel more secure.
Bobbing
Bobbing is when a bearded dragon moves its head up and down in a repetitive motion. This behavior is often seen when a bearded dragon is trying to solicit food or attention from its human owner. It’s a good sign that your bearded dragon is feeling comfortable and happy in its environment. Just be sure to respond appropriately to its bobbing by offering it food or attention if that’s what it’s seeking.
Slow Blinking
Slow blinking is a sign of contentment and relaxation in bearded dragons. When a bearded dragon is feeling relaxed and comfortable, it will close its eyes slowly and open them again just as slowly. This behavior is often seen when a bearded dragon is basking or sunning itself. If you notice your bearded dragon slow blinking, it’s a good sign that it’s feeling happy and stress-free in its environment.
Erecting Spines
When your bearded dragon starts puffing up its spines (Inflorescence), it’s basically trying to say “back off!” This is their way of saying they’re feeling threatened or aggressive. Think of it like a cat puffing up its fur when it’s feeling defensive. If you see your bearded dragon doing this, it’s important to figure out what’s bothering them and remove the stressor, otherwise they might start feeling pretty unhappy.
Rubbing Against Objects
Rubbing against things like the walls of their cage or their perches is your bearded dragon’s way of marking their territory. This is especially common in male dragons and is a way for them to show the other bearded dragons in the area who’s boss. If you see your bearded dragon rubbing against things, it’s a good sign that they feel at home and are communicating with the other dragons.
Feeding Response
When your bearded dragon opens its mouth or lunges towards food, it’s saying “feed me!” loud and clear. This is their way of telling you they’re hungry and ready to chow down. If you see your bearded dragon doing this, it’s important to give them a meal to keep them healthy and happy.
Summing Up
So as a human in the life of this little beaut, learning and understanding the behaviors of your bearded dragon is an important aspect of being a responsible pet owner. Whether it’s displaying aggression, marking its territory, or signaling hunger, being able to identify and interpret these behaviors will help you provide the best possible care for your scaly friend. With a little bit of knowledge and observation, you can deepen your bond with your bearded dragon and create a happy and healthy environment for them. So, go ahead and get to know your bearded dragon’s unique personality and quirks!
Common Questions
How does a bearded dragon’s habitat and diet affect its behavior?
A bearded dragon’s behavior is heavily influenced by its habitat and diet. A comfortable and appropriate environment, including proper lighting, temperature, and humidity, can promote natural behaviors. A balanced and nutritious diet can also help maintain a healthy and active bearded dragon.
How can I create a comfortable and safe environment for my bearded dragon to display natural behaviors?
To create a comfortable and safe environment for your bearded dragon, provide proper lighting, temperature, and humidity control, as well as a balanced diet and suitable hiding places. Regular monitoring and maintenance of its enclosure can ensure your bearded dragon feels secure and can display natural behaviors.
Can I train my bearded dragon to display certain behaviors or respond to specific cues?
While it is possible to train your bearded dragon to display certain behaviors or respond to specific cues, it is important to understand that reptiles are not as trainable as other pets, such as dogs or cats. Consistent and positive reinforcement can help encourage desired behaviors in bearded dragons.
Are there any health issues that can impact a bearded dragon’s behavior?
Yes, various health issues can affect a bearded dragon’s behavior, such as parasitic infections, malnutrition, and other underlying health problems. Regular vet check-ups and monitoring of its behavior can help detect and address any health issues that may impact its behavior.
Are there any other species of reptiles that exhibit similar behaviors to bearded dragons?
Yes, many species of reptiles display similar behaviors to bearded dragons, such as arm waving, head bobbing, and spiny displays. These behaviors are common among reptiles as ways to communicate and defend themselves. Similar behavior can be seen in:
- Leopard Geckos
- iguanas
- Chameleons
- Uromastyx
- Monitors
- Skinks
