UK Bearded Dragons Handling & Behaviour

Handling is a big reason why bearded dragons are so popular. Dragons, for the most part, are docile reptiles that will tolerate being held fairly well. Some even seem to enjoy it. Their docility and great personality make the bearded dragon a pet that ranks up there with the cat and dog. Even so, there are some things that you need to know about bearded dragon handling. There can also be bearded dragons that don't follow the norm. Some dragons can be aggressive and resist handling. In cases like there there are a couple things you try to tame down your dragon.

Different Personalities

Just like people, or any other animal, bearded dragons have different personalities. Not all "rule of thumb" guidelines may apply to your situation. Bearded Dragons for the most part are docile and friendly, but there are some exceptions. Some dragons can be aggressive and resist hand taming. If you happen to have one of these dragons, don't worry there are some things that you can do to try and tame them down. Even so, there are some dragons that just won't be tamed.

Bearded Dragon Handling

Bearded dragon handling is one the best parts of owning a dragon. Bearded dragons are amazing animals. For the most part, they are friendly, docile and very personable. The fact that you can interact with them, is one of the main reasons why they are so popular. With a little bit of practice you'll be able to perform bearded dragon handling with no problems at all. After awhile your dragon will become fairly tame, especially as they get older. Being able to hold your dragon is one of the biggest reasons why weI love owning one. Lets hope that you have fun and success in this area, it will help make you fall in love with bearded dragons if you haven't already.

Bearded Dragon Behaviour

The most endearing aspect of owning a Bearded Dragon is it's interactive nature. Some of the displays you will see are almost comical and can certainly be akin to making viewing and interacting with your bearded dragon enthralling and captivating.

Beard Display:
This is often seen being done by male Beardies when determining a hierarchy or during the breeding season. The Dragon will 'puff out' its beard by extending a bone-like structure covering flap of skin therefore giving the appearance of a beard. The color of the skin there will also change color to look almost black. It has also been noticed that this colour change can extend down to cover the Dragons chest area. This has and can also be used as a defensive gesture when a Dragon feels it is threatened or startled. Beards are not limited to the males; the females will show off their beards as well for various reasons.

Arm Waving:
This is often seen being done by the females in the cage and the less 'dominant' males in response to a 'beard display' or 'bobbing of the head'. This is the submissive gesture in recognition and deference to the dominant male. Along with arm waving, it has been found that some Dragons will bow down slowly to the Dominant one. This looks like a bobbing scene in slow motion. The arm waving gestures are more commonly seen with the baby and juvenile dragons.

Head Bobbing:
This is a dominance display. The Dragon seems to be saying " Who is the boss here?" It is performed quite frequently during the breeding season to gain the attention and / or submission of a female Dragon, and always when your Dragons are given new territory to conquer. If a female is re-introduced to a vivarium after a short break from the male he will usually approach the female with such a gesture almost as a welcome back and says I am the boss here and also as a check to see that she is ok.

Raised Tail:
This is most often seen during the breeding season. It seems to signify a certain level of alertness and acceptance. Juvenile Dragons will also do this when stalking its prey and watchful of its food. The raised tail seems to show the dragon is so intensely concentrating on the job in hand.