Do bearded dragons have feelings?
One question that reptile owners struggle with is whether bearded dragons have feelings or not. I am pretty sure that you have a dog or cat whom you have managed to create a bond. Well, the truth is, in as much as it is not pronounced in reptiles, the consensus is that these bearded pets have feelings.
The only difference between bearded dragons and other pets is that the level of showing their feelings is less pronounced. Also, the way they react differs from individual to individual. Bearded dragons mostly express anger, fear, boredom, intimidation or restlessness.
Does this mean that my bearded dragon can show emotions?
Well, bearded dragons have an underdeveloped hypothalamus and, therefore, lack strong emotions. This is a common characteristic in several reptiles. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for feelings.
Another reason why these animals hardly get attached is that they mostly live alone. If you doubt this, try introducing another bearded dragon into your reptile’s cage. What will ensue will discourage you.
However, this does not mean that bearded dragons cannot respond to their environment. Bearded dragons differ in personality. Whereas others may prefer to be left alone and act all hostile., some don’t mind having humans around.
Depending on the owner and relative environmental factors, bearded dragons are likely to display stress, hunger, boredom, fear, curiosity, pleasure, comfort and other noticeable emotions.
Can bearded dragon show affection?
You are probably wondering whether your bearded dragon can return the affection you show him or her, which is normal. Pet owners also need to feel loved and appreciated by their pets. Affection is relative, though one would agree that these animals show love.
However, do not expect your bearded dragon to run to you and lie prostrate like your dog does. Remember, we said that their part of the brain that is responsible for processing feelings is mostly underdeveloped.
Bearded dragons bond with their owners over time. Depending on your definition of affection, your bearded dragon is capable of:
- Curling up on your neck.
- Sleeping next to you
- Giving you company as you watch TV.
- Reacting to strokes.
- Sitting on your lap.
- Coming to you for comfort.
- Scratching at the glass when you come back.
- Getting defensive when approached by somebody apart from the owner.
Can I bond with my bearded dragon?
Yes. It is possible to bond with your bearded dragon. The simplest way of creating a bond and lastly an affectionate relationship is by participating in the activities your pet likes. Here are some of the means of creating a long-lasting bond with your pet:
- Feeding- Now, food-based bonding is one of the purest ways of creating a connection to your pet. Bearded dragons are used to hunting and fending for themselves and, therefore, quickly recognize those who feed them.
You will realize that with time, your reptile joyfully acts when it spots you, either carrying food or walking around. If you want bonding sessions to happen faster during meal times, feed your dragon by hand the first few weeks.
- Get yourself a hatchling- Now, you are going to develop a stronger bond with a young bearded dragon as opposed to an already-developed one. The only problem with hatchlings is the fact that they are vulnerable to fear.
However, if you treat your pet well and give it all the time and place, it will get used to you faster. You should also allow your hatchling all the hiding places and take it out regularly. There is no way that your bearded friend will fail to love you back.
- Swimming- Bearded dragons are excellent swimmers. These animals bond well when engaging in their favourite activities. So apart from bathing your reptile, allow it to swim for a while.
Do not force your pet to swim. Pets differ in personality, and therefore, in as much as others love to swim, yours may not. Make sure that your bearded dragon is attended to as it swims. The last thing you want is to find your bearded friend floating lifeless on the water.
- Sleep- Bedtime can be an excellent time to bond with your pet. Even though most people are against sharing the same bed with your pet, others find it helpful. The truth is, it is a risky venture that might suffocate your pet.
To ensure that that your dragon is not all over, try having a heating pad on one of the pillows. You will be shocked at how fast your fiend ill fall asleep.
- Attention- We will discuss some of the emotional cues bearded dragons show, but first, have in mind that one of the best ways of bonding with these pets is looking out for their emotional cues.
Make sure that you respond to what your pet wants; therefore. However, do not force yourself on your pet. Bearded dragons value their space, and thus trying to suffocate them with attention can age badly.
Also, do not allow other pets around your dragon. Most of them become hostile when they spot new pets.
Do bearded dragons leave emotional cues?
Yes. In as much as these animals do not show a range of emotions, there are specific cues that you will not miss. If you are looking forward to bonding with your bearded friend, you have to understand these range of emotions.
Individual personality and quality of interaction influences a bearded dragon’s emotional cues and state. Do not get shocked when your reptile acts withdrawn and uninterested. That’s how some of them are.
What are some of the emotional cues that I should expect from my bearded dragon?
Your bearded dragon will try to communicate its feelings through the following ways:
- Scratching at the tank- When your bearded friend scratches at the tank’s wall, it is either bored, restless, excited or curious. Your best response, therefore, should be removing it from the container and allowing him or her some time off. Let it lie on you.
- Closing the eyes during stroking- This can only mean pleasure. When your bearded dragon closes its eyes during stroking, you are probably hitting the right nerves. The best response to this cue is to continue stroking its back and chin gently.
- Reaching the head towards you- Bearded dragons also crave attention. Anytime you see your bearded dragon arching towards you, it is clearly demanding attention. You should, therefore, stroke your bearded friend and allow them to rest on your laps at will. You’ll be amazed at how fast they will close their eyes in pleasure.
- A calm, still posture- Now, it is not uncommon for these reptiles to assume a relaxed, peaceful posture. However, when it stays this way for long, it is probably at peace. This is also common during petting or handling. A calm, still posture shows bonding.
- A puffed-out beard- Though this does not happen regularly, whenever your reptile flattens its body and puffs out its beard, it is time to leave it alone. This behaviour normally shows and hostility, and trust me; it will lash out if you insist.
- Colour change- Now, bearded dragon’s experience colour change, from light to dark once in a while. Just like flattening of the body and puffing of the beard, this is not a good sign. The colour change can be a sign of fear, anger and hostility.
The best way to deal with this cue is to leave your reptile alone. Most people think that stroking your pet during such moments may calm them down, which is not true. Move your pet from the source of stress, and do not try to pet it.
- Hissing- Hissing is not a good sign. Bearded dragons only hiss when angry. The best response to this cue is to keep distance. Bearded dragons bite, which is the last thing you want.
- Head bobs- Most reptiles bob their heads to signify different things. Fast bobbing in bearded dragons is, therefore, a sign of dominance. This is normal when these reptiles spot another bearded dragon. It is a sign of marking territory.
Slow bobbing is, however, regular in female bearded dragons. This is usually a show of submission.
- Arm waving-This may look weird, but once in a while, your pet will wave its arms, preferably in a circular motion. Just like the slow head bob, this is a sign of submission. The bearded dragon can either be submitting to another dragon or you.
- Open mouth, a stiff posture, hissing and forward leaps- This behaviour is usually the ultimate show of aggression. Do not try getting close to your bearded dragons during such times. These three behaviours are generally a sign of readiness to attack.
- Conclusion
- Even though the hypothalamus of a bearded dragon is underdeveloped, these animals can still show a range of feelings. Look out for such if you want to bond with your pet quickly. So, to wrap up our discussion, do bearded dragons have feelings? To some extent.