Many new and upcoming bearded dragon owners are concerned about a bearded dragon bite. We completely comprehend why. This is often the first lizard (or reptile) that people consider buying, and they want to know what they’re getting into. Unlike other pets, bearded dragons are a species that many people are unfamiliar with. Surprisingly, “Do bearded dragons bite?” is a commonly asked question.
This is most likely due to their prehistoric appearance and distinct temperament. So that’s what this guide will cover. You’ll discover whether they bite (spoiler alert: they do), why they bite, and whether a nip from these lizards is cause for concern.
Do Bearded Dragons Bite?
The simple answer is that yes, bearded dragons do bite. Even so, it is unlikely to occur frequently (and if it does, it indicates that something is wrong). Many bearded dragon owners are never bitten at all (yet another reason they make excellent pets). You’re far more likely to be rubbed on intent by a cat (because cats are demons) than bitten by a bearded dragon.
What Creates Beard Dragon Bite?
Understanding the cause of a bearded dragon bite is a crucial skill that all owners should learn. It’s another signal or piece of information you can use to better care for them. In many ways, your pet bearded dragon’s acts are easier to read than human actions.
There is no trickery or deception. They’ll make their feelings known! A bearded dragon bite, due to its friendly nature, usually indicates that there is something wrong (unless it is an accident). It is then up to you to use your experience and common sense to decide what needs to change.
Now you can listen to the podcast “Do Bearded Dragons Bite?”
The following are the most common reasons why a bearded dragon might bite you. These are all things you can impact as a business owner and ought to be pretty apparent.
They’re Starving
.jpg)
Bearded dragons enjoy eating. When it’s time for a meal, they are just as enthusiastic as any other pet. While all of this is going on, you may get pinched in the process.
This can happen in a variety of ways. The first and most obvious is if you’re hand-feeding them and they bite your finger in the process.
If you continue to feed your beardie by hand (which is more common for snacks and treats than full meals), you and your beard dragon will get better at it over time. It’s also feasible that your hand will smell delicious after you’ve touched their food.
If this is the case (and you hang down your fingertips in their casing for an extended period), they may become confused and nip your finger by accident. They’ll surely know their error and abandon the attempt, but by then they’ve already bitten you.
The best way to avoid this is to practice consistent handwashing before handling them. This is something you ought to do anyway, but it will help reduce the possibility of making a mistake.
They Are Concerned About Their Safety
This is where we get into the purposes of why we need to take this more seriously. A bearded dragon bite, as you might expect, is far more likely if they feel the need to protect themselves.
It’s a fairly universal animal response that works flawlessly.
A variety of situations can make bearded dragons feel unsafe or attacked. Perhaps you have other pets who are sniffing around their enclosure and making your beardie feel intimidated.
Many new owners overlook this, which is why a safe enclosure placed away from other pets is critical.
When the bearded dragon is exposed to new surroundings, they are more likely to become frightened and threatened. It could be the first time you bring them home from the pet store, or it could be the first time you upgrade them to a new enclosure.
Anything that takes them out of their comfort zone can raise their stress levels and result in a bite. That is why you should always try to keep a relaxed, calm, and stable environment for them.
You’re Doing Something Beard Dragon Truly Hate
.jpg)
There are a variety of things that can cause a bearded dragon to bite you, and the majority of the time it is due to poor handling techniques. If you hold these reptiles in an uncomfortable position, they will most likely try to squirm out first.
They may also blacken their beard or puff themselves up. If you continue to treat them incorrectly, they may bite you in the hope that you will get the message.
Here are some methods for dealing with a bearded dragon that will cause it to bite you:
- Holding them too tightly
- Needling or poking them
- Trying to steal them (even accidentally)
- Refusing to put them down if they want the area
This is why it is crucial to continually raise your handling skills. This will not only make your bearded dragon more at ease with you (more on that later), but it will also enhance your handling skills.
You’ll learn how to pick them up in a way that feels natural to them over time. You’ll also be able to recognize the signs that they want to be put down.
FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)
Do bearded dragons have feelings for their owners?
Bearded dragons, like all reptiles, lack the ability to experience complex emotions such as love or attachment. They are unable to form emotional attachments with their owners. They can, however, become accustomed to and docile in the presence of their owners through consistent handling and interaction.
Is it okay if I kiss my bearded dragon?
While bearded dragons are not capable of returning affection in the same way that dogs or cats do, kissing your bearded dragon is not recommended. Salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious illness in humans, can be found in reptiles. It is crucial to practice good hygiene when handling your bearded dragon and to thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling your pet. Kissing your bearded dragon is not appropriate, especially if you have other pets or young children in the house, or if you are pregnant.