Bearded dragons display a wide variety of interesting behaviors and body language As their owner, observing and interpreting these behaviors is key to understanding your pet’s needs, moods, and overall wellbeing In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 15 of the most common bearded dragon behaviors so you can better bond with your scaly friend.
1. Arm Waving
One of the cutest behaviors you’ll see, especially in young beardies, is arm waving. This is when your bearded dragon extends one arm and moves it in a circular waving motion. While it may look like a friendly hello, arm waving actually indicates submission, particularly when approached by a human or another bearded dragon. It’s their way of saying “I’m not a threat!”
2. Head Bobbing
Head bobbing is trademark bearded dragon behavior, particularly seen in males. It involves rhythmic up and down movements of the head. There are several potential meanings
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Rapid head bobbing signals dominance or aggression often seen between two territorial males.
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Slower head bobbing can indicate submission.
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Frenzied bobbing may occur during breeding as a male initiates mating.
3. Beard Puffing
As their name implies, bearded dragons can flare out the skin around their throat to appear more intimidating. This “beard” may also darken when puffed up. It’s primarily a defense mechanism to ward off perceived threats.
4. Body Flattening
Flattening the body against the ground serves a couple purposes. First, it can be used defensively to appear larger to predators. It also maximizes surface area when sunbathing to absorb heat efficiently.
5. Glass Surfing
You may see your bearded dragon frantically running or scratching along the glass walls of their terrarium. This repetitive “glass surfing” typically indicates stress – a sign your pet’s habitat needs adjustment or enrichment.
6. Digging
Natural digging behaviors include:
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Females creating nests to lay eggs
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Creating burrows for brumation
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Uncovering cooler spots in the terrarium
Excessive, frantic digging may signify stress. Ensure your habitat meets all their needs.
7. Basking
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, so basking under heat lamps or warm sunlight is essential for thermoregulation. Expect to see plenty of basking! An open mouth can indicate they’re nearing their optimal temp.
8. Tail Twitching
Subtle tail movements may reflect excitement, stress, or agitation similar to a cat’s tail. It can also occur during breeding. Get to know your beardie’s unique body language!
9. Hissing
An aggressive hiss accompanies beard puffing to ward off threats. Listen for this distinct vocalization if your bearded dragon is feeling fearful or defensive.
10. Gaping
If you notice your bearded dragon sitting with its mouth agape, it’s likely regulating its body temperature and preventing overheating. This is normal while basking. Prolonged gaping may indicate a respiratory issue, however.
11. Shedding
Reptiles routinely shed their skin as they grow. Shedding may make your beardie more irritable and reclusive. Ensure their habitat has rough surfaces to rub against to help loosen skin.
12. Brumation
Brumation is a reptile version of hibernation. Your bearded dragon may sleep more, eat less, and be overall lethargic. This is normal seasonal behavior, but monitor their weight and hydration.
13. Stacking
When housed together, some beardies will climb and sleep stacked atop one another. While cute, the lizard on bottom can get compressed, limiting UV exposure and air flow. Avoid overcrowding.
14. Licking and Tongue Flicking
Like snakes, bearded dragons rely heavily on their tongues to explore surroundings. The Jacobson’s organ in the mouth detects chemicals as they lick objects and air.
15. Yawning
Not just for tiredness! Bearded dragon yawns involve opening the mouth wide and expanding the throat. This may help regulate temperature or re-align their jaws after eating.
Tips for a Happy, Healthy Bearded Dragon
Now that you know common bearded dragon behaviors, let’s quickly review how to set them up for success:
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Habitat: Provide an adequately sized tank, proper heating and lighting, and plenty of hides, branches, and roaming space.
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Diet: Feed a balanced diet of leafy greens, veggies, and live insects like crickets, worms, and roaches.
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Hydration: Mist food, provide a water dish, and occasionally give baths.
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Handling: Frequent, gentle handling when young promotes bonding. Respect signs of stress.
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Vet visits: Schedule annual exams to monitor for parasites, infections, and other health issues.
Understanding your bearded dragon’s behaviors takes time and attention. But putting in the effort helps build an incredible bond with these personable reptiles! Let their behaviors guide you in providing top-notch care.
List of Bearded Dragon Behaviors
Below is the full list of different behaviors that bearded dragons have and what they mean.
This is when the bearded dragon will stand high on three legs and will raise the remaining leg in the air and wave it in a circular motion.
There are a couple of possible meanings when a bearded dragon waves its arms. One meaning is species recognition. If a bearded dragon waves at another bearded dragon, it signals the other dragon that he/she is aware of their presence.
Another meaning is submission. A bearded dragon may wave his or her arm whenever they are approached by a larger dragon or whenever a larger animal approaches them.
Head bobbing is more common in males and is when the dragon repeatedly raises and lowers their head.
Head bobbing is generally used as a sign of dominance between two dragons. Males will head bob at females to show their dominance during breeding. Other times two bearded dragons will head bob at each other as a sign of territorial aggression.
Generally the faster the head bob the more threatening. If a bearded dragon is head bobbing towards another dragon very quickly, its generally for territorial reasons. However, if a bearded dragon slowly head bobs another dragon, it can be a sign of submission.
Both male and female bearded dragons expand their beards. Generally they will do this as a defensive behavior to make themselves seem larger. However, it is not unusual for a bearded dragon to stretch their beards from time to time without being provoked.
Digging is whenever a dragon beings making a hole in the substrate inside their tank.
One reason bearded dragons dig is to create a smaller basking area that is more comfortable. Bearded dragons can sometimes do strange things, but this can sometimes be the reason.
If your bearded dragon is a female, she will begin digging and moving items around in her tank to create a place for her to lay her eggs.
If your bearded dragon is old enough, he or she will dig to go into brumation (semi-hibernation). This makes it easier for them to regulate their temperature while they are resting. Many bearded dragon owners suggest placing a small towel in the tank that your bearded dragon can go beneath to help aid with their sleeping.
This may look like your bearded dragons are getting along and are great companions, but its actually a sign of dominance. In the animal kingdom it is the survival of the fittest and bearded dragons need UV rays to remain healthy. So the dominate bearded dragon will always try to get as many UV rays as possible.
An open mouth is just what it sounds like. Its basically when your bearded dragon is sitting with his/her mouth open instead of closed.
The most common reason for an open mouth is that your bearded dragon is regulating his/her temperature. Unlike people, bearded dragons cannot sweat. To control their body temperature they will open their mouth whenever they reach their ideal body temperature and dont want to get any hotter. Normally bearded dragons will do this while basking beneath a heat lamp.
Bearded dragons will also have their mouth open if they are experiencing respiratory issues. However, this is rare so if your beardie has an open mouth it is most likely for regulating their body temperature.
This is when your bearded dragons tail will twitch (similar to the way a cat will quickly flick their tail). Not every bearded dragon will do this, but if yours does it can be an indicator of your bearded dragons mood.
Many owners report their dragons tail will twitch when they are hunting prey (e.g. crickets) or if they are stressed with your presence (e.g. youre petting them and they dont want to be disturbed). Sometimes two bearded dragons will twitch their tails during breeding.
Reasons for Certain Behavior
Bearded dragons will not mimic other reptiles, so their behavior is always genuine. Most bearded dragons will display different behavior when a female bearded dragon is around, another dragon comes towards them, or if they are approached by a larger animal or something unknown.
Bearded Dragon Behaviors Explained
FAQ
How do you know if your bearded dragon is happy?
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A happy beardie will generally be calm and relaxed, not exhibiting signs of stress or fear.
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Active Exploration:They should be actively exploring their enclosure, climbing, and moving around.
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Good Appetite:A happy beardie will eat a variety of food, including insects and vegetables, and will show interest in mealtime.
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Trust and Comfort:They may show signs of trust, such as allowing you to hold them, relaxing on your lap, or even falling asleep while being handled.
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- Relaxed Posture: A relaxed beardie will have a relaxed posture, with their body flattened against surfaces and their tail relaxed.
- Climbing and Hiding: Bearded dragons are natural climbers and hiders, so they should be seen exploring their enclosure and using their hides.
- Basking: They should be seen basking under their heat lamp, which is important for their digestion and overall health.
- Licking or Touching: Some beardies may show affection by licking or gently touching your hands.
- Relaxed Posture: A relaxed beardie will have a relaxed posture, with their body flattened against surfaces and their tail relaxed.
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Healthy Appearance:A happy beardie will have bright, clear eyes, a healthy-looking skin, and a good coat of fur.
What is the normal behavior of a bearded dragon?
Natural behavior for bearded dragons includes climbing, hiding, digging, drinking, eating, basking, and sleeping. Providing an environment for your dragon to carry out these activities is vital for their mental and physical well-being.
How to tell if your beardie is stressed?
A better indicator of stress in your lizard than stress marks is a dark beard (skin under their chin). You may also see changes in their behavior, feeding habits, shedding or elimination practices.
What are signs of boredom in bearded dragons?
Yes, bearded dragons can get bored.
Glass surfing is a common sign of boredom. If your bearded dragon seems restless and frequently pulls himself up on his hind legs, pawing against the glass, he may be bored.
How do bearded dragons behave?
Bearded dragons exhibit a variety of behaviors. Recognizing what behavior your beardie is exhibiting and why it is showing this kind of behavior is important to truly understand your pet. It is also helpful to know what behaviors are normal and which ones are signs of stress or illness. Arm waving is used by both sexes to show submission.
How do bearded dragons show aggression?
To show aggression bearded dragons will head bob, hiss, stamp and puff their beards. Beardies in the wild hiss, stamp and fluff their beards to make themselves look bigger and more menacing. These behaviors help to ward off predators and keep them safe. If they feel very threatened it is possible they will show all these behaviors.
How do bearded dragons communicate?
When threatened, bearded dragons open their mouth, raise their chin and puff out their beard to make themselves appear bigger. They sometimes combine this move with a hiss to make themselves seem extra scary. Other forms of communication that bearded dragons can use include changing the colour of their beards and bobbing their heads.