Bearded dragons, or Pogona Vitticeps, are a species of semi-aquatic lizards native to Australia who are popular pets. Bearded dragons have distinct personalities and can form strong bonds with their owners, but when it comes to snuggling, many don’t show a strong preference for it.
In general, bearded dragons aren’t known for being particularly cuddly and prefer to conserve their energy for more active activities, such as exploring or chasing other reptiles or insects. However, some individual bearded dragons may decide that they enjoy being close their owners, and will lie on them or even seek them out for comfort.
If a bearded dragon does show an inclination to cuddle, owners can encourage it by offering a safe, warm lap to rest on. Much like with other animals, when snuggling with a bearded dragon it’s important to be gentle and provide a calm, stress-free environment to prevent startling the animal.
What does it mean when a bearded dragon snuggles into you?
When a bearded dragon snuggles into you, it usually means that they feel comfortable and safe around you. It could also mean that they feel secure and are trying to show you affection. It is likely that they are responding positively to your presence and want to be close to you.
It is also possible that they are trying to find a safe place to rest or just exploring their environment. It is important to remain gentle and patient when a bearded dragon shows affection in this way so that they continue to feel safe and secure.
Do bearded dragons form bonds with humans?
Yes, bearded dragons can form emotional bonds with humans. These gentle and curious reptiles are often kept as pets and they can become very attached to their human owners. They usually show strong recognition when their human companion walks in the room and some even have individual personalities, preferences and habits.
Bearded dragons can become attached to their owners through regular socialization and gentle handling. Positive interactions such as establishing eye contact, carefully petting, and cuddling can help to build trust between your bearded dragon and you.
Treats such as insects and vegetables can also be given to encourage your pet’s trust and form a closer bond. Over time, with the right care and affection, bearded dragons can form a strong and lasting bond with their human owners.
Can bearded dragons recognize their owners?
Yes, bearded dragons can recognize their owners. Over time and with regular interaction, bearded dragons can form attachments to their owners and remember them. Research suggests that they are even able to respond differently to their owners compared to strangers.
In particular, bearded dragons have been known to demonstrate more activity and movement when their owners are present. They also tend to pay closer attention to their owners and are more likely to come to them than to a stranger.
Additionally, some owners have actually reported that their bearded dragons purr or vocalize when they enter the room, indicating recognition and pleasurable response to their presence.
Can you hold a bearded dragon after eating?
No, you should not handle your bearded dragon after they have eaten. It is best to avoid handling them while they are digesting to reduce their stress levels. You also risk them regurgitating their meal, which can be harmful and even fatal.
If you do need to handle your bearded dragon, it is best to do so at least 2 hours after they have finished eating. Make sure your hands are clean so you don’t transfer any bacteria onto them. Additionally, be gentle when handling your bearded dragon, as they can be fragile and get easily stressed.
How intelligent are bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are incredibly intelligent animals, which is one of the great things about them as pets. They are known to make complex reactions to situations, and can even respond differently to the same stimuli multiple times.
They can also recognize their caretaker and will usually request attention or food when they need it.
Bearded dragons are also very adept learners, and with consistent and proper training, they can become comfortable with simple commands or tasks. They are capable of performing basic tricks like pushing a ball, pushing an object with its nose, or even recognizing colors.
Overall, bearded dragons are highly intelligent animals. They’re able to recognize humans, their environment, and even different objects or foods. With good training and consistent care, these unique animals can be a delight for any pet owner.
Should I hold my bearded dragon a lot?
Yes, you should hold your bearded dragon a lot. Bearded dragons love to be handled and held, as long as it is done in a gentle and calm fashion. Holding can help to create a bond between you and your dragon, leading to a healthier and happier pet.
Additionally, getting used to being held can make it easier for your dragon to be taken to the vet, or to be comfortable with other people in the household. When first starting out, try to hold your dragon for around 10 minutes a day.
As your dragon gets used to being held, you can gradually increase the time until it feels comfortable being held for longer periods. When handling your dragon, it is important to ensure that you support its entire body and ensure that your grips are not too tight.
It is also important to be aware of where you are holding your dragon, particularly avoiding any potential hazards such as heat sources, scratching surfaces, or drafts. Be sure to also wash your hands before and after holding your beardie to help maintain its health.
Is it OK to kiss your bearded dragon?
No, it is not OK to kiss your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons need time to get used to your presence and interaction with them. Frequent direct skin contact, including kissing, can stress the dragon out and can even cause health issues such as GI tract problems if you have not thoroughly washed your hands beforehand.
Petting their head lightly is a better option than an actual kiss. Additionally, bearded dragons can carry bacteria in their mouths, so it is important to avoid contact with their mouths.
How do you sleep with a bearded dragon?
Sleeping with your bearded dragon may sound like a strange suggestion, but it can be a great way to bond with your pet! To create a safe sleeping environment for your bearded dragon, begin by constructing a suitably sized enclosure.
You may wish to use a large terrarium or aquarium, or if you’re feeling creative you can construct a custom enclosure yourself. You’ll need to supply lighting, heating and substrates such as sand or newspaper for your bearded dragon to sleep on.
Once the sleeping environment is in place, you can place your dragon inside and provide a separate sleeping spot near to yourself. This could be a bed, chair or even a small area of carpet. Make sure to keep the environment within the enclosure warm and comfortable, and allow the dragon to adjust to its new sleeping companion.
Finally, make sure not to disturb your pet while it sleeps, as this can affect its productivity and wellbeing. With a comfortable and secure sleeping environment, your beardie should have an enjoyable and safe sleep every night.
What should you not do to your bearded dragon?
You should never handle your bearded dragon too much. Bearded dragons are quite sensitive to handling and can be prone to stress and other health problems related to excessive handling. Additionally, it is important to avoid placing your bearded dragon on furniture, near electrical cords, or any other location where they can be injured or scared.
You should also avoid letting young children handle the bearded dragon since they may not understand how to properly handle the delicate reptile. In addition, you should never feed your bearded dragon anything other than what its diet should consist of, such as properly sized insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Overfeeding can lead to significant health problems, such as obesity and digestive problems. Finally, it is important to maintain the proper temperature, humidity and lighting for your bearded dragon’s enclosure, as failure to do so can lead to an unhealthy environment for the animal.
Can I kiss my bearded dragon on the head?
No, it is not recommended to kiss your bearded dragon on the head. Although pet owners may have the best intentions when trying to show affection to their pet, it poses the risk of unintentionally transferring bacteria or other organisms from their mouth that find the reptile’s skin to be an ideal host.
Additionally, captive-bred bearded dragons may feel threatened when approached too closely and may bite if touched. Therefore, it is best to avoid kissing them on the head, or any other part of their body.
Do bearded dragons need the light off at night?
Yes, bearded dragons do need to have their lights off at night in order to get the proper amount of sleep. Natural sunlight creates the amount of energy and rest a bearded dragon needs throughout the day, but getting them to rest during the night is important for their overall health and wellbeing.
Without this, their sleeping patterns can become disrupted and can lead to a host of health issues.
To simulate the natural environment for a bearded dragon, lights should be turned off for a 12-hour period during the night. This helps them to return to their natural day/night cycle and get adequate rest.
However, this also means that temperatures may need to be adjusted throughout the entire day as well, to ensure the environment is warm enough for them to be comfortable and healthy. Ideally, both the light and temperatures should be set up in a way that creates the closest possible replication to a natural desert habitat.
Should bearded dragons be covered at night?
Yes, bearded dragons should be covered at night. Covering bearded dragons is important to keep the enclosure dark and comfortable. This will give the bearded dragon the sensation of nightfall, which is when they are most active and should be sleeping.
A cover can also help keep the tank’s temperature stable by creating a “blanket” effect and create a sense of security for your pet, much like how a blanket would help a human sleep better. A variety of products can be used to cover the tank such as a towel, fleece, or specially made cloth covers.
If using any material to cover the tank, make sure that it is made of a breathable fabric so that the dragon can still get fresh air. Dragons can also benefit from a night-light that is dimly lit so they do not struggle with trying to adjust their eyes when their day is over.
This is especially helpful for newly hatched dragons or for those that struggle with daytime sleeping.
How do I know my bearded dragon is happy?
There are a variety of signs that you can look for to tell if your bearded dragon is happy. First, observe its behavior — if your bearded dragon is actively moving around, checking out its environment, and eating regularly, this is a sign of a healthy and content reptile.
Additionally, healthy bearded dragons will have bright eyes, alert postures, and smooth skin with no signs of infection. If your bearded dragon is interacting with you in a positive way, basking in the warm spots, bobbing its head, or responding to its name — this is another sign of contentment.
Finally, make sure to monitor your bearded dragon’s cage setup and captive environment. If the temperature, humidity, and lighting requirements are being met, this can help to ensure that their living space is conducive to a happy and healthy lifestyle.