Bonding and love is the ultimate goal of owning a bearded dragon. Most people get a bearded dragon because they are generally sociable, tolerant of handling and even enjoy human interactions. So how to tell if a bearded dragon is happy? And does my bearded dragon like me? In this post, you will find signs of a happy bearded dragon and how to tell whether it loves and trusts you.
1: Not running away from you
If your beaded dragon is not running away from you, then it’s a big sign that it’s happy and comfortable with you.
Most new bearded dragons that are new to their environment will run away and hide a lot. With time, your beaded dragon will get used to you and your presence, and won’t run away or hide.
When you come to pick it up, place your fingers under your bearded dragon’s chest, and it will climb on you. That’s a sign that your dragon likes you and doesn’t mind handling.
2: Can lay on you or sit on your shoulder for a long time
If your bearded dragon is fine laying on your chest, or even enjoys sitting on your shoulder or legs for long time, this means that it’s happy and likes you.
Once a bearded dragon gets comfortable with its owner, it’s very likely to enjoy being around this person (or few) for extended periods of time. Laying with or on their person is a big sign of being happy and content.
Another great sign of trust and comfort is when a bearded dragon falls asleep on you when you stroke its head and lay with it.
3: Doesn’t mind when you pick it up
If your bearded dragon lets you pick it up and is fine with you holding it, it’s a very good sign. This mean that your bearded dragon is indeed happy and likes you. If bearded dragon is unhappy for any reason, it won’t allow you to pick it up, and will act skittish.
But there can also be days when your bearded dragon doesn’t want to be picked up, and it’s normal. This wouldn’t mean that your bearded dragon isn’t happy, though. Bearded dragons also have their own personalities, and might want to be left alone sometimes during breeding season, when shedding or so on.
4: When your dragon doesn’t show any aggression and is calm
You can definitely say that your bearded dragon is happy and likes you when it shows no signs of aggression, just affection.
If your bearded dragon isn’t biting, bobbing its head, puffing up its beard when you approach or hissing at you, then it’s good. A bearded dragon that is happy will be calm and won’t try to defend itself.
5: Your bearded dragon is eating, basking, pooping and sleeping normally
If your bearded dragon does all the tasks that it should do, then it is happy. Sleeping, eating normally, basking and pooping are all important functions that make your bearded dragon healthy and happy.
Most of a bearded dragon’s happiness comes from fulfilling its daily needs and having all comforts of living. As well being physically able to do all of them.
6: When a bearded dragon asks you to come out
Many bearded dragons that settle in their home and get used to owners will actually enjoy sitting on them and spending time outside the tank. So in this case, a bearded dragon will stand on its back legs and even scratch the glass to get out.
Some bearded dragons get used to and enjoy this time outside the tank daily, that it becomes a routine. Most bearded dragons are like small dogs! If your bearded dragon starts trusting you and is happy, it will enjoy its time outside the tank and will even wait for you every day to spend time like this.
7: Looks healthy and is alert
If your bearded dragon is healthy – it is happy. Healthy bearded dragons look alert, move around, eat and poop properly and seem interested in their surroundings. Also, a healthy bearded dragon’s eyes will look alert and they love looking around and being curious.
If a bearded dragon is sick or unhappy, its eyes will give it away. What is more, a sick bearded dragon will be listless and lethargic, and won’t be curious about its surroundings.
And if your bearded dragon is stressed, it will be hiding, breathing heavily, acting aggressive and its beard or belly might be black.
You can read about stress in bearded dragons in this post (new tab).
8: Positive body language
Bearded dragons do truly communicate with various body language signs. There are both negative and positive body language signs. With time, you will learn which ones are positive and negative, some can even have a mixed meaning.
For example, if your bearded dragon has its eyes wide open with the pupils dilated, it means that it’s interested and relaxed with you. Sometimes, bearded dragons wave – which would mean submission and friendliness.
If your bearded dragon’s mouth is curved (as in a smile) and closed, then it’s a sign of happiness and interest. However, if your dragon’s mouth is curved but open, it would mean that it’s frightened and aggressive.
Summary:
Thank you for reading this post and doing everything to keep your bearded dragon happy! Please remember, that a bearded dragon living in good conditions equals a happy bearded dragon. Make sure to have a big enough tank, accessories such as branches, thermometers, lights and other necessities for an optimal setup.
Try to handle your bearded dragon at least few times a week, as it will help with bonding. With time, you will learn more about your bearded dragon’s behaviors and preferences.
For some bearded dragons, spraying with water or bathing makes them happy. And for some others, it is eating specific foods, watching TV or going on car rides with you. Of course, this is on top of general care.
You can read more on bearded dragon care on this resource page.