With the name ‘dragon’, you may think that bearded dragons have seriously scary temperaments, but bearded dragons are actually one of the most calm and friendly reptiles you can have as a pet.  If you’re thinking of owning a bearded dragon, read on to find out about how your bearded dragon will behave around you, your friends and other bearded dragons.

 

 

Bearded dragon behaviour

 

Bearded dragons are gentle-natured and easygoing pets, and are quickly tamed, even by owners who aren’t familiar with the pet. Once your bearded dragon becomes familiar with you and its new surroundings, it’ll soon enjoy your company. Like dogs, they are able to recognise their owners, and will come to the front of their tank to greet you when you arrive.

Like other species, each bearded dragon is unique and has its own personality. However, more feisty bearded dragons may hiss if improperly handled. You can read more about proper handling here.

 

Behaviour in pairs/ groups

 

Owning more than one bearded dragon may interest you, to share amongst your family or simply so they have some company. Generally, male bearded dragons should not be kept together, as they are territorial and will fight. If you are set on having more than one, females will often live peacefully together. This is because females have more submissive natures. However, all bearded dragons are slightly different, and you should always be prepared to have a spare tank to separate them if they don’t get along.

Bearded dragons with children

 

Bearded dragons are naturally calm, and get along well with humans, so are great for a family pet. Children simply must be reminded to be gentle when handling a bearded dragon. They rarely scratch or bite people, but it is always helpful to monitor children’s contact.

 

Unusual bearded dragon behaviour

 

If bearded dragons encounter someone they don’t like, they will raise their heads and puff out their beard in order to look larger and protect themselves. Being around people will make the pet more relaxed. When handling the dragon, extra care must be taken. This will make the pet more used to and feel less threatened by you.

Sometimes your bearded dragon’s beard may turn black. In baby bearded dragons, this usually means it is stressed from its new environment. This goes away after a few weeks. Adult male bearded dragons can have their beards turn black when they want to appear dominant. This may be if they are mistaking objects in the room or their own reflection in the glass for another bearded dragon in their territory. Once the ‘threat’ is removed, the bearded dragon will return to being its friendly self.

If a bearded dragon is about to shed, it can become quiet and stop eating. Wait a few days before you become worried, in most cases it’ll simply begin shedding. It will be cheerful and relaxed once more.

A bearded dragon about to shed

Bearded dragon skin goes white or opaque just before shedding.

More information

 

In order for your bearded dragon to show its chilled-out, friendly personality, it’s important you are keeping it happy. Bearded dragons like large enclosures with rocks, branches and hiding places. They feel safest when living in the same enclosure all throughout their lives. They also like to explore new indoor or outdoor areas. Make sure you are caring for your bearded dragon properly here.

 

Animal-Club provides animal parties or animal handling workshop where your will be able to see, learn and interact with the reptiles and other wonderful animals with the help of our presenters. We can visit to your school for an animal school visit or arrange for an animal workshop with us. Our mobile zoo has many friendly animals such as rabbits, tarantulas, geckos, vinegaroons and more that will be perfect for an animal party. The children can learn about animal behaviours and have fun too.