Bearded Dragon Cuddles [& 5 signs of enjoyment] (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean when your bearded dragon cuddles you? ›

If a person becomes part of a bearded dragon's daily routine, the lizard might start looking forward to her presence. They occasionally go up to their owners of their own volition, seeking a little attention. It isn't unheard of for bearded dragons to behave affectionately and sweetly around their closest people.

While not effusive and certainly not as emotional as dogs, cats, and other mammals, bearded dragons are known to show signs of affection to their owners. For example, they will remain calm when handled or sit still on their owner's lap. Bearded dragons are not social creatures by nature. In the wild, they live alone.

In the wild, Bearded Dragons mainly eat animals, they make up about 75% of their diet and can include crickets, co*ckroaches, worms and even small creatures such as mice however mice aren't fed to bearded dragons kept as pets. Greens, vegetables and limited fruit make up the other 20% to 25% of their diet.

Bearded dragons have an underdeveloped hypothalamus and doesn't give the same range of emotions as we humans have. They have three basic emotions which are fear, aggression, and pleasure. These three emotions are all triggered by their natural instincts depending on the environment around them.

Bearded Dragons, or “Beardies” as some like to call them, aren't lazy pets. It's just that they are known to enjoy cuddling up with their owners while they watch TV. Another reason that Beardies have become an increasingly popular pet is because of the common (mis)conception that they are easy to take care of.

Beardies recognize and respond to their owners' voices and touch and are usually even-tempered. They can be great pets for someone who wants a reptile who likes to be held and taken out of his cage.

Play safely: Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it.

They can lay on you for a long time

Once they get comfortable with their new owner, laying with or on their person is a big sign of being happy and content. To take it a step further, another great sign of trust and comfort is when a Bearded Dragon falls asleep on you when you stroke their head and lay with them.

While bearded dragons offer a much different relationship from dogs and cats, owners can still develop close bonds and enjoy many similar types of interactions as other pets. The more attention you pay to your bearded dragon, the more you and your pet will get out of your relationship.

Bearded dragons are diurnal, visually oriented lizards. They spend the hottest time of the day in underground burrows. They do see colors and are attracted to green food. They also use their sense of smell, both to detect danger and to “sample” potential food items.

Do bearded dragons like to be held a lot? ›

Bearded dragons usually tolerate handling better than other lizards. Regular handling helps bearded dragons get used to people, so you should handle your beardie daily. Doing so also minimizes stress during regular care, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are generally gentle and easy to hold.

When a bearded dragon reaches its thermal maximum, it will often sit with its mouth open. This behavior, called gaping, shows that the lizard is at its optimal temperature for basking. This gaping will allow a bearded dragon to dissipate extra body heat.

Loud noise, such as outside traffic, dogs, yelling, TV, music, or a crying baby. Vibrations and rumbling from loud noises can bother your dragon almost as much as the noise itself. A new pet (even a new dragon or reptile in another tank can upset your dragon).

The only way your bearded dragon is going to get comfortable around you is if you make your presence known regularly. Before handling your dragon (see below), try coming into the room and singing or talking sweetly to them.

Commonly, bearded dragons like being petted in a few places. One such spot is directly between the eyes and on top of the head. Another is scratching their beards, or rubbing the spikes behind their eyes.

Bearded dragons are able to imitate other bearded dragons to open doors. “The ability to learn through imitation is thought to be the pinnacle of social learning and long considered a distinctive characteristic of humans.

Bearded dragons can learn to recognize their owners, and do so primarily as a food source. While they are generally docile, they do develop preferences for certain people and are more comfortable and trusting when handled and cared for properly.

So do bearded dragons miss their owners? Not exactly. Bearded dragons don't experience the feeling of missing their owner when they're gone. However, bearded dragons can absolutely feel happy whenever they see their owner!

Do bearded dragons recognize your face? Bearded dragons can learn to recognize their owners, and do so primarily as a food source. While they are generally docile, they do develop preferences for certain people and are more comfortable and trusting when handled and cared for properly.

Many recent scientific studies have shown that reptiles have all of the necessary neurotransmitters and anatomy to feel pain.

Do bearded dragons like their chin rubbed? ›

Aside from the head-to-tail petting, bearded dragons also enjoy having their cheeks and chin rubbed, their beards scratched, or their spikes stroked. Some dragons like their feet and tails to be petted too although this is less common.

The best nighttime heat source for a Bearded dragon is a ceramic heat emitter, as this emits no light and can be thermostatically controlled to maintain a set temperature that should still be lower than during the day.

Many beardies don't like drinking from bowls, but will happily slurp up their bathwater. Baths are of course also important for hygiene. Plus, they help with shedding and constipation. Last but not least, many lizards simply enjoy a good soak!

Bearded Dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.

Many new owner reports suggest it takes up to three or four months for the bearded dragon to get comfortable. With time, the beardie will trust you and look forward to your petting. They can go for several days or even weeks alone. We recommend paying close attention every day.

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.

Bearded dragons usually tolerate handling better than other lizards. Regular handling helps bearded dragons get used to people, so you should handle your beardie daily. Doing so also minimizes stress during regular care, such as bathing or tank cleaning.

When it comes to interactions with humans, some reptiles do seem to enjoy their company. A tortoise that enjoys being petted might stick its neck out or close it eyes and become still and calm during the interaction. The same is true of lizards. “Some reptiles do appear to enjoy human contact,” adds Dr.

Always remember that interaction is for you—reptiles will tolerate it at best and hate it at worst. They aren't affectionate. They do have individual personalities and may appreciate you (or at least your treats), but they don't form emotional bonds and won't enjoy being petted.

Do bearded dragons like kisses? ›

Play safely: Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it.