What is the Odd Behavior of a Bearded Dragon?
If you have a bearded dragon or are thinking about getting one, you might have seen or heard about some strange actions that can be confusing. Bearded dragons are usually calm and friendly, but they can do some unusual things that might make you wonder. In this article, we’ll explore what is the odd behavior of a bearded dragon, why it happens, and how you can respond to it as a pet owner.
Having a bearded dragon can be a fun and satisfying experience, but knowing about their unique habits can make living with them even better. As a pet owner, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your bearded dragon content and healthy, so understanding their behaviors is so important.
Head Bobbing
One of the most common unusual behaviors you might notice in your bearded dragon is head bobbing. This sudden, jerky movement might seem random, but it serves a purpose.
Male bearded dragons often bob their heads to show dominance, especially during mating season. If you have more than one bearded dragon, the head bobbing could be a way for them to show who’s in charge and establish a pecking order.
Females can also bob their heads, but their movements are usually slower and less forceful. In their case, it might be a sign of submission. If you see head bobbing when your dragon is alone, don’t be concerned — it’s a normal part of their behavior.
However, if the head bobbing is excessive or frantic, it could be a sign of stress, especially if it happens when they’re around other animals or their reflection in a mirror.
Arm Waving
Another surprising behavior you might see is arm waving. Yes, bearded dragons wave their arms! This slow-wave looks like your pet is trying to greet you. But actually, this action shows that the dragon is being polite or giving respect to another dragon. When a bearded dragon waves its arm, it usually means it sees the other dragon as more important.
If you see your bearded dragon waving its arm, don’t worry too much. But if it also shows other signs of being upset (like a dark beard or hiding a lot), it might be a good idea to check their surroundings to make sure they feel safe.
Glass Surfing
Glass surfing happens when your bearded dragon keeps running into the sides of its tank, almost like it’s trying to get out. This might seem odd and worrying, but it usually means a few things. Glass surfing can show that your bearded dragon is feeling stressed or upset.
Some common reasons for this behavior are a tank that’s too small, a new or strange environment, or just being bored. Make sure the tank is big enough, add things like hiding places and climbing areas, and check the temperature inside to keep your dragon happy.
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Black Beard
The black beard is one of the most noticeable behaviors in bearded dragons. When your dragon’s throat turns black, it usually means it’s feeling upset. Bearded dragons use this to show how they feel. A black beard can mean they feel scared, stressed, or not well.
On the other hand, male bearded dragons will also darken their beard to attract females during mating season. So, if it’s mating season and your male bearded dragon has a black beard, he might be trying to impress a female.
If you see your bearded dragon’s beard turning black often and it doesn’t seem to be about mating or changes in its environment, it’s a good idea to talk to a vet to make sure it’s not a health problem.
Digging
Digging is a peculiar behavior that bearded dragons often exhibit, especially females. It might look like your dragon is trying to make a hole or just moving around the material in its tank. This action usually comes from their instincts.
Female dragons dig when they are getting ready to lay eggs, even if the eggs aren’t fertilized. But digging can also mean that your bearded dragon is too hot or trying to make a cooler spot in its home. Make sure the temperature in their area is right so they can easily control their body temperature.
Eye Bulging
Eye bulging is one of the most unusual behaviors of bearded dragons. Seeing your dragon’s eyes suddenly pop out can be scary, but don’t worry. This usually happens when they are shedding skin around their eyes. By bulging their eyes, bearded dragons help stretch the skin around that area, making it easier to remove the old skin.
While it may seem unusual, bulging eyes are a normal part of their shedding process. However, if you see this happening outside of shedding, or if it’s combined with other worrying signs like tiredness or not eating, it’s a good idea to see a vet.
Tail Twitching
Tail twitching might seem strange, but it’s usually normal. This can happen when your bearded dragon is hunting, excited, or even nervous. If you’ve recently added a new pet or changed your dragon’s surroundings, you might notice more tail twitching.
Twitching can also mean they’re concentrating on something, like catching an insect in their habitat. If this behavior gets too frequent or is paired with other signs of stress, check if there’s something in their environment that’s making them uncomfortable.
Lethargy or Staying in One Spot
If your bearded dragon spends a lot of time being inactive or staying in one spot for long periods, it could be a cause for concern. While some inactivity is normal, especially if your dragon is basking, extended lethargy might indicate health problems or issues with its environment.
Make sure your bearded dragon’s habitat is set up properly, with the right temperatures and UV lighting. If everything seems fine but your dragon is still unusually inactive, it’s a good idea to consult a vet to check for any hidden health issues.
In conclusion, the unusual behaviors of a bearded dragon can range from head bobbing to glass surfing, black bearding, and arm waving. These actions are part of their instincts and ways of communicating, but they can also indicate stress or discomfort. As a caring pet owner, it’s crucial to watch for these behaviors and react accordingly.
If you’re ever uncertain about your bearded dragon’s behavior or concerned about your care methods, there’s a great resource available. The Bearded Dragon Secret Manual is a guide written by a top expert that helps owners avoid 37 common mistakes that can unintentionally harm their pets.
Nearly 93.7% of bearded dragon owners make one of these mistakes without knowing it. By using the advice in the manual, you can help your pet live a long and healthy life.
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This article contains affiliate links, where you will get your products. This means I will get a small commission when you make a purchase, which I greatly appreciate. However, your purchase cost will still be added. I wish you good luck as you chase your goal.
