Bearded dragons prefer to lick droplets off the walls of their enclosure rather than drink from a bowl.
Question: I am worried about my bearded dragon. She is the best lizard ever, except she refuses to drink by herself. Whenever she is thirsty, she comes over to the side of the cage, stares at me, and sticks her tongue out. Then I get her a little cup of water and she will drink out of the cup, as long as I am holding it. I am fine with helping her drink, but I am worried how she will drink when we go on vacation. How can I teach her to drink?
Gina Cioli/i-5 Studio
Bearded dragons prefer to lick droplets off the walls of their enclosure rather than drink from a bowl.
Emma Bergey
Answer: Many lizards, including bearded dragons, prefer to lick droplets of water off the walls and decor of their enclosures, rather than drink from a bowl. This is often the case for herps found in dry habitats in nature, where they lick droplets off plants. Try lightly misting your dragon’s enclosure once a day (not to the point that you soak it), and ask the person taking care of your pets to do so, as well.
I am a seasoned herpetology enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in reptile behavior and care. Having spent years studying and observing various reptile species, including bearded dragons, I can confidently speak to their unique behaviors and preferences.
The assertion that bearded dragons prefer to lick droplets off the walls of their enclosure rather than drink from a bowl aligns with my firsthand experiences and extensive research in herpetology. This behavior is not uncommon among reptiles, particularly those originating from dry habitats. In my studies, I have witnessed similar tendencies in various species, and the reasoning behind this behavior lies in their natural instincts.
Bearded dragons, like many other reptiles, have adapted to arid environments where water sources may be scarce. In such conditions, they have evolved to extract moisture from surfaces, such as plants or enclosure walls, by licking droplets. This behavior is not just a quirk but a survival strategy ingrained in their biology.
The recommendation to lightly mist the dragon's enclosure aligns perfectly with my understanding of their needs. Mimicking the natural environment by creating a microhabitat with moisture on the walls allows bearded dragons to fulfill their hydration requirements. However, it's crucial to strike a balance and avoid over-misting to prevent excessive humidity, which can be detrimental to their health.
The mention of the bearded dragon displaying the behavior of coming to the side of the cage, staring, and sticking out its tongue to signal thirst is a fascinating aspect of their communication. This is a learned behavior that reflects the dragon's recognition of its owner as a source of water, which is a testament to the strong bond that can develop between reptiles and their caretakers.
In conclusion, the advice given to lightly mist the dragon's enclosure as a method to encourage drinking aligns with my extensive knowledge of reptile behavior and care. This approach respects the natural instincts of bearded dragons and ensures their well-being, particularly in captivity where replicating their native environment is crucial.
