Bearded dragons, also known as pogona vitticeps, are one of the most popular reptile species kept as pets for adults and families alike. With their exotic appearance and curious nature, these creatures by nature can make a great addition to any household.
In this article, we will discuss whether bearded dragons are friendly and what signs of affection they show, in addition to the proper care that they require, including a balanced and healthy diet consisting of leafy greens and animal-based foods, as well as veterinary care.
So, if you are contemplating adding a bearded dragon to your family, read on to find out if they make a good long-term companion and what to expect from them as pets.
Bearded Dragon Behaviour
Bearded dragons have a gentle and easygoing nature that makes them great pets. With proper socialization, it is easy to train them to become familiar with their owners and new surroundings. Similar to dogs, they can recognize their owners and may even greet them by coming to the front of their tank and showing signs of excitement.
Although each bearded dragon has its own personality, they are generally curious and active creatures that enjoy exploring their surroundings. They also have the unique behavior of arm waving, which they use to communicate with other bearded dragons. This behavior can also be displayed towards their owners, as a friendly gesture or a sign of excitement.
In some cases, more feisty bearded dragons may hiss if they feel uncomfortable or threatened, especially if improperly handled. However, this behavior can be avoided through proper care and handling, and is not generally a common issue. Overall, if given proper care and attention, bearded dragons can make friendly and rewarding pets.
Are Bearded Dragons Friendly with Other Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are solitary creatures in the wild, and they usually only come together to mate. Due to their individualistic nature, it’s not recommended to house more than one bearded dragon in an enclosure, unless it’s a spacious environment of at least 70 to 80 gallons. It’s crucial to mimic their natural surroundings closely to make them feel comfortable and at ease in captivity.
If you do decide to house multiple bearded dragons together, you must ensure that there is only one male or that all of them are female. Males can be territorial and force weaker males to waste away due to competition over food, water, basking spots, and shelter. Additionally, bearded dragons in the same enclosure should be of a similar size or weight to prevent dominance issues.
It’s not uncommon for bearded dragons to exhibit aggressive behavior towards each other, which can cause injury and stress. Therefore, it’s essential to observe their interactions closely. Signs of aggression include head-bobbing, arm-waving, feet-stamping, hissing, opening of their mouths, beard puffing, body bloating, and skin darkening. If these behaviors continue, it’s best to separate them into their own enclosures.
Are Bearded Dragons Friendly with Other Pets
Bearded dragons are unique creatures, and their friendly nature is limited to their human companions only. They are territorial and do not get along with other pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. Even if your other pets stare at your bearded dragon through the window, it can cause extreme stress for your reptile friend.
While your pets may be well-trained, you can never predict when their primal instincts may kick in and put your bearded dragon in danger. Cute and unlikely animal friendships featuring bearded dragons may circulate on the internet, but these are rare exceptions to their unique nature of not getting along with other pets.
Exposing your bearded dragon to other animals could result in severe injury or even death. It’s best to keep your scaly friend in a separate enclosure away from other pets to avoid any unwanted harm or stress.
Are Bearded Dragons Friendly Towards Humans
Bearded dragons are social animals by nature and can build a positive relationship with their human companion over time. Consistent handling, bathing, and interaction are key components to build a bond with your bearded dragon. Additionally, maintaining their enclosure’s ideal temperature, lighting, and space is crucial to prevent sudden changes in their temperament. A healthy and comfortable environment can prevent even the gentlest beardies from becoming stressed and irritable.
With regular interaction, bearded dragons can grow to become loving and friendly companion. They are enjoyable to have around, and they make for very quiet roommates. However, it’s essential to understand that this bond is personal, and other people may not receive the same treatment as their owners.
Because beardies have a personal bond with their owners, it is best to take extra precautions when allowing others to handle them. When friends or family members hold your bearded dragon, it is crucial to show them the proper handling techniques. It is necessary to handle bearded dragons with care to ensure a comfortable and friendly encounter.
Are Bearded Dragons Friendly with Children
Bearded dragons can indeed be wonderful pets for children, thanks to their friendly demeanor and low-maintenance care. However, it is crucial to ensure that children always handle and respect them appropriately. Loud noises or sudden movements can easily stress out these sensitive animals, making it essential for kids to remain calm and collected while interacting with them.
While children can certainly care for and bond with bearded dragons, it is important to remember that these pets require ongoing, consistent attention. Help may be needed to ensure they are fed, their habitat is clean, or their temperature is comfortable.
When interacting with bearded dragons, children must be closely supervised to prevent any mistakes that could cause harm. It is crucial to teach them how to handle these reptiles gently and lovingly, avoiding squeezing, pulling on tails, or accidentally dropping them.
If cared for correctly, bearded dragons and children can form a beautiful bond filled with love, cuddles, and playtime. However, it is essential to ensure that children approach these pets with care and sensitivity to ensure a positive and friendly experience for both parties.
Bearded Dragons And Strangers
Bearded dragon owners often rave about how their pets display friendly behavior towards certain individuals. These gentle creatures will eagerly perch on their owners’ laps, shoulders, chest, or arms for extended periods. However, some beardies may act skittish or wary of strangers in their territory.
Despite appearing tough on the outside, bearded dragons can communicate whether they are feeling scared or agitated. Before picking up your pet, it is vital to closely observe its body language first. Pay attention to warnings, such as puffing up their throat or flattening their body against the ground, as it could be a sign that your pet is feeling uncomfortable or threatened.
If you plan on having guests over, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your bearded dragon feels safe. Introduce new individuals one at a time, and advise them to approach your pet slowly and calmly. Bear in mind that not all beardies are social creatures, so it is essential to know your pet’s character.
Leashes and harnesses can be an excellent tool to help supervise your bearded dragon when encountering strangers or exploring new places. While it may not be necessary in all cases, they can make a huge difference in keeping your pet safe and calm in unfamiliar environments.
Why Bearded Dragons Are Friendly
Bearded dragons have earned a reputation as “The Dog of Reptiles” because of their friendly and social nature. They love to spend time with their human companions and can form strong bonds with them. This is because bearded dragons are social creatures with a docile temperament, making them perfect pets for those seeking a rewarding experience with a reptile.
Their inquisitive nature and adaptability make them even more lovable. As solitary animals in the wild, they have learned to adapt to their surroundings and be curious about their environment. This translates to bearded dragons being interested in their human companions, giving them the opportunity to form a positive relationship.
While they can display friendly behavior towards their owners, it is important to note that not all bearded dragons enjoy handling all the time. When a bearded dragon is not in the mood for handling or cuddling, they will show signs that they want to be left alone. It is essential to respect those signs and avoid disturbing them as this will help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
How Friendly Are Bearded Dragons
So, are bearded dragons friendly? In general, yes! Known for their friendly temperament and curious nature, they are social creatures that enjoy interacting with their owners. However, like all animals, personality can vary from one individual to another. While some may be more outgoing and show signs of affection towards their owners, others may be more reserved and require more time and patience to warm up to people.
Proper socialization and handling from an early age are key in building a positive relationship with your bearded dragon. This will help you build trust with them and make them comfortable with interacting with people. However, as with any pet, potential challenges can arise.
Improper diet is a major concern with bearded dragons, as this can lead to health complications that can affect their temperament and overall well-being. It’s important to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet to help maintain their friendly and docile temperament.
Male vs Female Bearded Dragon: Which One Is Friendlier
When it comes to male vs female bearded dragons, there are some differences in behavior and temperament. Female bearded dragons tend to be more friendly towards other animals and show a generally friendlier demeanor. In contrast, male bearded dragons can be more territorial and aggressive, especially during the breeding season. So, if you’re looking for a friendlier pet, a female bearded dragon may be the better choice.
However, when it comes to interacting with humans, both male and female bearded dragons show similar levels of friendliness. This means that regardless of gender, your bearded dragon can make a great long-term companion if properly cared for and socialized.
What Makes Bearded Dragons Friendly
Bearded dragons have a well-earned reputation for being some of the friendliest reptiles around, providing pet owners with a rewarding experience. Their friendly temperament is one of the key reasons why they make such wonderful pets. Not only are they docile by nature, but they also enjoy spending time with their human companions, building strong bonds of trust and affection.
One of the main reasons why bearded dragons are so friendly is their curious nature. They are sociable creatures by nature and enjoy exploring their environment. They also tend to be quite docile, which means that they are unlikely to become aggressive or bite. Instead, they are more likely to communicate through their body language, showing signs of submission and affection towards their owners.
Proper care is also essential for ensuring a happy and healthy bearded dragon. By providing your pet with a balanced and healthy diet, you can help to keep them in good physical shape and reduce the risk of health complications. A diet rich in leafy greens and other plant-based foods is ideal, while animal-based foods should be offered sparingly. In addition, you should ensure that your bearded dragon’s habitat is properly set up and maintained, with the correct lighting and temperature.
How Can I Make My Bearded Dragon Friendly
Building a bond with your bearded dragon takes time and effort. Here are some effective methods to make your bearded dragon friendly:
1. Gentle Handling
Start with gentle handling to allow your bearded dragon to feel safe and secure with you. Hold your beardie for at least 20 minutes a day, taking care not to harm it with rough handling or sharp nails. You could pat or rub its belly or head gently to show that you are a friend.
Increase the duration and frequency of handling gradually, depending on your beardie’s comfort level. If your bearded dragon seems restless, leave it alone and try again later.
2. Persistence
Your bearded dragon may not respond positively immediately, and it takes patience and persistence to make it friendly with you. Keep handling your beardie regularly, and don’t give up.
3. Frequent Baths
Bathing your bearded dragons often keeps them hydrated and healthy, and also forms a bond. You can also scrub your bearded dragon gently during bathing time.
As your beardie adjusts to this, it will start craving for more bathing time, solidifying the bond with you.
4. Hand Feeding
Hand feeding is another lucarative method for bonding with your bearded dragon. Begin by placing small pieces of food nearby, then offer the food with a tong or tweezer.
Feeding your beardie should be balanced and have a wide variety to keep it happy. Attachments between you and your bearded dragon will grow fast.
5. Reward Your Beardie
Offer rewards by calling your bearded dragon a name — beardies can recognize familiar tones. Reward your beardie when it responds to its name or moves forward to allow you to touch it.
Bonding with your bearded dragon takes time, effort, and patience, but it’s a rewarding experience that forms a positive relationship between you and your long-term companion.
FAQs
How To Handle A Bearded Dragon So That It Stays Friendly?
When handling a bearded dragon, it is important to approach them with caution and care to avoid causing them unnecessary stress or anxiety. This is important for anyone that may interact with the beardie, including their owner, strangers, or children. Before attempting to hold a bearded dragon, it is essential to thoroughly understand the instructions for handling them to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal.
Can You Stroke or Cuddle a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragon owners may wonder if it’s possible to stroke or cuddle their pets. The answer is yes, but it depends on the dragon’s temperament and preferences. Some bearded dragons enjoy physical affection and may even seek it out from their owners. However, it’s important to be gentle and avoid squeezing or holding them too tightly. Be mindful that these creatures are solitary by nature and may prefer to be handled at their own pace.
Are Bearded Dragons Kid-Friendly?
Bearded dragons make great pets for kids as they have a peaceful and docile temperament and enjoy human interaction. It’s important to be cautious, however, as bearded dragons can carry salmonella. Ensure that your children do not touch or ingest any feces from the dragon.
What Does It Mean If A Bearded Dragon Licks You?
When a bearded dragon licks you, it is a sign of their natural tendency to show affection towards their owners. Licking is a behavior commonly used by bearded dragons to express their love and draw attention to themselves. It is not a dangerous indicator or a sign of aggression, but rather a friendly gesture. If your beardie licks you, it means they feel comfortable and happy being around you. So, enjoy this form of communication and bond with your pet reptile!
Are Bearded Dragons Friendly With Dogs?
While Bearded dragons typically aren’t known for being sociable with other animals, some owners have reported success with introducing them to dogs or cats. However, it’s important to note that the same may not be true for the larger animals as they can easily cause harm to the small dragon. To ensure the safety of your Bearded dragon, it’s best to closely supervise interactions and avoid allowing the dragon to roam freely with larger pets in the house.
Which Bearded Dragon Is The Friendliest?
According to my experience, the personalities of bearded dragons are not fully determined by their breed or species. Rather, their friendliness depends on the environment they’re raised in. However, the Pogona Vitticeps, also known as the Central or Inland bearded dragon, is commonly considered the friendliest species. These lizards are native to the dry to semi-arid areas of Eastern and Central Australia, and can grow up to 24 inches in length when fully matured.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bearded dragons can make great pets due to their friendly nature. It is important to provide them with a balanced and healthy diet, proper care, and veterinary care when needed to ensure they live long and happy lives. It is also crucial for pet owners to recognize the signs of affection and discomfort displayed by these curious and social creatures.
This article serves as a helpful guide for potential bearded dragon owners, providing information on their docile temperament, body language, and how to develop a strong bond with these exotic lizards. By following the tips and advice in this article, owning a bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience.
