Bearded dragons are some of the most personable reptiles you can own as pets. If you’ve ever interacted with a bearded dragon, you probably noticed how docile and friendly they tend to be, especially compared to other lizard species.
But why exactly are bearded dragons so friendly and calm around humans? Keep reading to find out.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Bearded dragons are friendly because they have been domesticated for decades to thrive in captivity and their calm demeanor makes them easier to handle and care for as pets.
Bearded Dragons Are Naturally Docile Animals
They Don’t Perceive Humans as Threats
One of the main reasons bearded dragons are so friendly is that they simply don’t view humans as predators or threats. In the wild, bearded dragons are preyed upon by larger reptiles, birds of prey, and dingoes.
However, humans don’t resemble any of their natural predators, so bearded dragons have no innate fear or mistrust of people. Additionally, bearded dragons rely heavily on body language and scent to determine if something is a threat.
Since humans move slowly and have a very different scent than predatory animals, bearded dragons aren’t alarmed by human presence.
Minimal Aggression Towards Other Bearded Dragons
Even when housed together with other bearded dragons, these reptiles show very little aggression towards each other. Males may spar a bit during breeding season, but serious fighting is rare. Their slow movements and minimal territorial instincts mean multiple bearded dragons can share an enclosure with few conflicts if it is large enough.
This chill demeanor extends to their interactions with their human keepers as well. In fact, bearded dragons are one of the most docile reptiles in the pet trade.
Slow Movements and Actions
Bearded dragons also appear friendly due to their incredibly slow, deliberate movements. Unlike other lizards that may scurry away rapidly, bearded dragons often sit very still or creep along at a relaxed pace. When approached by a human hand, they rarely react defensively by hissing or biting.
A bearded dragon is more likely to simply watch the hand warily or close its eyes and be still. Their motto seems to be “why panic when you can just chill?” This calm energy makes them seem very trusting and tame to human interaction.
Selective Breeding Has Made Them Friendlier Pets
Bred for Captivity
Over the last few decades, bearded dragons have been selectively bred to thrive in captivity. Reputable breeders choose breeding pairs with calm, docile temperaments that can tolerate frequent human handling.
This allows them to produce babies that are well-suited to life in a vivarium and interacting with human caretakers.
In their native Australia, wild bearded dragons can be quite territorial and skittish. But captive-bred beardies have been genetically predisposed through selective breeding to better tolerate proximity to humans. Their instincts to run and hide have been gradually diminished across generations.
Less Aggressive Bloodlines
Ethical bearded dragon breeders specifically avoid using aggressive animals in their breeding programs. They selectively cultivate genetic lines displaying more relaxed dispositions and friendlier behavior.
By methodically eliminating bloodlines prone to defensiveness and hostility, each new generation becomes progressively more even-tempered. This has directly contributed to the unusually mild manner and chill vibe bearded dragons are known for today.
More Tolerant of Handling
In addition to targeted reproduction of congenial temperaments, breeders socialize baby dragons to become comfortable with human interaction. By frequently handling hatchlings from a young age, they build trust and teach them not to fear people.
This early socialization combined with genetic predispositions for tolerance leads to adult beardies that genuinely enjoy and seek out human touch. Instead of scrambling away, they will often climb right into a caregiver’s hand.
| 1992 | Only 2% of captive bred |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Over 95% of captive bred |
According to the Bearded Dragon Care Guide, over the past 30 years the percentage of pet trade bearded dragons that are captive-bred has risen from about 2% to over 95% today. This shift has allowed breeders to accelerate improvements through careful selection.
They Enjoy Human Interaction
Cuddling and Petting
Bearded dragons are very social reptiles that love spending time with their owners. Many bearded dragons enjoy being petted and will even lift their beards and close their eyes in contentment when you pet them, similar to a cat purring. Gentle strokes down their backs and heads are soothing for them.
Some bearded dragons even enjoy cuddling with their owners and will snuggle up against your warm body. This shows they feel safe and comfortable with you.
Hand Feeding
Hand feeding is another great way to bond with your bearded dragon. Offering them favorite treats like hornworms, dubia roaches or greens by hand helps establish trust between a dragon and its owner. Bearded dragons love to eat and will look forward to these hand feeding sessions.
Just be sure to go slowly and avoid putting your fingers near their mouth so they don’t mistake them for food!
Mental Stimulation
Bearded dragons are intelligent reptiles that benefit from mental stimulation. Simple activities like allowing them to roam supervised outside their enclosure provides excitement. You can also provide puzzles in their habitat like a food dish attached to a movable rock that forces them to think and work for their food.
Even rearranging their furnishings and decor helps keep their minds active. Interacting with their owners through handling and play is also cognitively stimulating for bearded dragons. A mentally engaged, happy dragon will be more likely to enjoy spending time with you.
Proper Care and Handling is Key
Daily Handling When Young
Bearded dragons, especially when young, benefit greatly from daily handling and interaction with their owners. This regular contact helps them become comfortable around humans and see their owners as trusted companions rather than potential threats.
Gentle handling sessions of 10-15 minutes one or two times per day allows bearded dragons to acclimate to human contact. As they mature, bearded dragons that are frequently handled often become quite docile and may even enjoy sitting with or crawling on their owners.
Positive Associations With Humans
It’s important that a bearded dragon’s handling experiences are always positive. Owners should move slowly and avoid fast, jerky motions that may startle the reptile. Speaking softly and petting the dragon gently helps create positive associations.
Rewarding the bearded dragon’s calm behavior with a favorite treat enhances trust. And limiting handling to periods when the bearded dragon is alert and content prevents negative interactions. With regular, positive handling sessions, bearded dragons become remarkably friendly and personable reptiles.
Proper Husbandry
Caring for a bearded dragon’s basic needs is also key to their sociability. A habitat with proper lighting, heating, and furnishings reduces stress. Feeding a nutritious diet with vegetables and live prey provides energy and nutrients bearded dragons need to thrive.
Keeping the habitat clean and performing soaks or baths helps satisfy natural behavior like basking. Healthy, well-cared for bearded dragons are more likely to tolerate and enjoy handling compared to dragons kept in substandard conditions.
Following best practices for bearded dragon husbandry promotes trust and friendliness with owners.
Individual Personality Differences
Some Are More Outgoing Than Others
Just like people, bearded dragons have unique personalities. Some are more outgoing and active, while others are more reserved and laidback. The more outgoing beardies often eagerly explore new environments, readily accept handling, and may even seem to crave interaction with their owners.
On the other hand, shy beardies tend to be warier of new experiences, move more slowly, and may take longer to warm up to handling. However, with time and patience, even reserved beardies usually become comfortable being held.
Bad Experiences Can Make Them Wary
Bearded dragons are intelligent creatures that can learn from negative past experiences. Sometimes, beardies that have been mishandled, dropped, or otherwise frightened may become more nervous, defensive, or aggressive than typical.
Rehabilitating an abused or neglected beardie takes time, care, and building trust through positive reinforcement. But the good news is that most beardies bounce back well, especially when given a safe and enriching home environment.
Illness or Stress May Cause Unusual Aggression
On rare occasions, bearded dragons exhibit uncharacteristic aggression or skittishness due to an underlying health issue or stress. For example, metabolic bone disease from poor nutrition can cause pain that puts beardies on edge.
Intestinal parasites, respiratory infections, and neurological issues may also contribute to atypical behavior. Too much handling, a tank that is too small, improper temperatures, and other husbandry issues can also negatively impact temperament.
Consulting an exotic vet and addressing any environmental stressors usually helps docile temperaments return.
Conclusion
In summary, bearded dragons are so friendly and calm compared to other reptiles due to a combination of their naturally docile temperament and decades of selective breeding. Their enjoyable interactions with humans and proper care as pets further promotes their mellow and outgoing personalities.
However, individual dragons may still vary in how sociable they are. Understanding the reasons behind their friendly nature can help reptile lovers better care for and appreciate these charming lizards.
