Holding a bearded dragon can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is important to know how to do it correctly in order to avoid injuring the lizard. In this guide, you will learn the proper way to hold a bearded dragon so that both you and your pet can enjoy each other’s company.
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What is a bearded dragon?
A bearded dragon is a type of lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards are popular pets because they are relatively easy to care for and can be very friendly. Bearded dragons get their name from the spines that protrude from their necks, which resemble a beard.
Here in the US, beardies became popular in the 1990s and their popularity has only grown in recent years. In fact, they are now one of the most popular reptiles to keep as pets.
Why do people hold their bearded dragons?
There are several reasons why people might want to hold their bearded dragon. For some, it is simply a way to Bond with their pet. Holding and interacting with your bearded dragon can help to create a trusting and close relationship between the two of you.
Others might hold their beardie in order to give it some exercise. Unlike many other reptiles, bearded dragons are relatively active and enjoy moving around. If your beardie is cooped up in its enclosure all the time, it might appreciate the chance to stretch its legs (or arms, in this case).
Still, others might hold their bearded dragon in order to aid in the molting process. Bearded dragons will periodically shed their skin as they grow. If your beardie is having trouble shedding its skin, you may be able to help by gently rubbing its body while it is being held.
Of course, some people simply enjoy holding and interacting with their bearded dragon and find the experience to be enjoyable in and of itself. If this is the case for you, then by all means go ahead and hold your beardie as often as you like!
How to hold a bearded dragon
Now that we’ve answered the question “do bearded dragons like to be held?,” it’s time to learn how to do it correctly. Here are a few tips on how to hold your bearded dragon so that both of you can enjoy the experience:
1. Make sure your hands are clean
Before handling your beardie, it is important to make sure that your hands are clean. Bearded dragons are very sensitive to bacteria and other contaminants, so you will want to avoid transferring anything from your hands to their skin.
2. Approach your bearded dragon from the front
When you are ready to pick up your beardie, approach it from the front so that it can see you coming. This will help to prevent your lizard from feeling scared or threatened.
3. Gently scoop them up
Once you are in front of your beardie, gently scoop them up into your hands. Place one hand under their belly and the other behind their back legs. You can then lift them up and hold them close to your body.
4. Support their body and legs
When you are holding your bearded dragon, be sure to support their entire body. Their belly should be resting on one of your hands and their back legs should be supported by the other. Avoid holding them only by their tail, as this can injure them.
5. Let them explore
Once you have your beardie safely in your hands, you can let them explore their new surroundings. Allow them to climb onto your shoulder or arm if they want to. They may also try to lick you, which is perfectly normal behavior.
6. Put them back when they’re ready
When your bearded dragon is done exploring, simply put them back in their enclosure. Be sure to place them down gently so as not to injure them.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to safely and effectively hold your bearded dragon. Just remember to take things slowly at first and always let your lizard decide when it’s time to go back into its enclosure.
Do bearded dragons like to be held or pet?
Bearded dragons that have been with their owner for a while usually enjoy and look forward to being touched. This is particularly true for adult beardies; while younger ones may be more scared, older bearded dragons typically don’t mind being handled. The human touch is warm – as we are warm-blooded animals and beardies are cold-blooded – and that can be soothing for them. In the wild, however, they would not want to be picked up by a predator! So it’s important to remember that you need to gain your beardie’s trust before picking him or her up.
Where do bearded dragons like to be pet:
Bearded dragons like being stroked on the head and shoulders by their owners. Directly between the eyes and on top of the head is one such location. They may also enjoy having their bellies rubbed, but this should be done cautiously since they are delicate in this area. Avoid touching or rubbing their tail, as this can be uncomfortable for them. When in doubt, just let your beardie decide what feels good and go with that!
Below are brief description of each part you can pet your beardie;
Between their eyes:
Many beardies enjoy having their head and face rubbed. This is a great way to show your affection for your pet and bond with them. Just be sure to avoid their eyes, as this can irritate them.
On top of their head:
Bearded dragons have a third eye on the top of their head, which is actually a light-sensitive scale. This scale is called the parietal eye, and it helps them to sense predators that may be approaching from above. It’s perfectly safe to pet this area, and your beardie will likely enjoy the attention.
Their shoulders:
Bearded dragons have large scales on their shoulders that are called osteoderms. These scales are actually modified bones that help to protect the lizard’s soft underbelly. Many beardies enjoy having their osteoderms rubbed, as it feels good and helps them to relax.
Between their legs:
This is another sensitive area for bearded dragons, so be sure to approach with caution. Some lizards enjoy having this area petted, while others do not. If your beardie seems to enjoy it, then go ahead and give them a little scratch. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid this area altogether.
Holding your pet as a way to bond:
One way of getting your beardie comfortable with you when you are cleaning the tank or just hanging out is to sit near the enclosure and let your dragon come to you.
When your bearded dragon starts to climb on you or gets close enough that you can touch him or her, slowly and gently pet the beardie’s back. If your bearded dragon seems receptive to this, then you can try picking him or her up for short periods of time. Doing this regularly will help your dragon become more comfortable with you and the idea of being held.
When you first start picking up your bearded dragon, it is best to do so in short spurts – no more than a minute or two at first. As your dragon gets used to being handled, you can gradually increase the length of time. If at any point your bearded dragon seems uncomfortable or wants to get down, let him or her go immediately.
The best way to hold a bearded dragon:
There are different ways to hold a bearded dragon, but the most important thing is to support the lizard’s entire body so that he or she feels secure. For smaller beardies, you can cup your hands around the dragon’s body; for larger ones, you can place one hand under the belly and the other behind the back legs. Avoid holding your bearded dragon by the tail, as this can injure him or her.
Letting your bearded dragon explore:
Once you have picked up your beardie, you can let him or her explore their new surroundings. Allow them to climb onto your shoulder or arm if they want to. They may also try to lick you, which is perfectly normal behavior. When your bearded dragon is done exploring, simply put him or her back in their enclosure. Be sure to place them down gently so as not to injure them.
How often should I hold my bearded dragon?
If you’re thinking of getting a bearded dragon as a pet, you should know that they require some daily handling. According to most experts, 30 minutes to an hour is ideal, but even 15-20 minutes will suffice. Bearded dragons usually tolerate handling better than other lizards, so regular handling will help them get used to people and minimize stress during care routines like bathing or cleaning their tank.
How to hold a bearded dragon for the first time:
For the first time, you need to understand that your bearded dragon will generally be scared of you. They will have no idea who you are and what your intentions are. So, it is best to take things slow at first.
Let your dragon come to you and get used to your scent. Once your bearded dragon starts to climb on you or gets close enough that you can touch him or her, slowly and gently pet the beardie’s back. If your bearded dragon seems receptive to this, then you can try picking him or her up for short periods of time. Doing this regularly will help your dragon become more comfortable with you and the idea of being held.
If the beardie doesn’t come to you, you can gently get it from the tank by slowly cupping your hands around its body, making sure not to grip it too tight so as to not scare the animal. Try and avoid picking it up by the tail as this can injure the lizard.
Once you have picked up your bearded dragon for the first time, try and hold him or her close to your body so they feel secure. You can also let them explore their new surroundings by letting them climb onto your shoulder or arm. Bearded dragons may also try to lick you, which is perfectly normal behavior. When your bearded dragon is done exploring, simply put him or her back in their enclosure. Be sure to place them down gently so as not to injure them.
It is critical to start out by picking up your bearded dragon for no longer than a minute or two at first. No more than a minute at first is ideal. If your dragon appears agitated or wishes to get down, let him go right away.
FAQs
Q: Can you hold a bearded dragon?
A: Yes, you can hold a bearded dragon. In fact, regular handling is necessary for them to get used to people and minimize stress during care routines like bathing or cleaning their tank.
Q: How often should you handle a bearded dragon?
A: Most experts agree that 30 minutes to an hour is ideal, but even 15-20 minutes will suffice.
Q: Will I get hurt with a bearded dragon bite?
A: No, bearded dragon bites are not harmful to humans. However, they can certainly startle you! If your bearded dragon feels threatened, he or she may bite as a way to defend themselves. Bearded dragons also like to explore their surroundings with their mouths, so it’s not uncommon for them to lick or gently nibble on you as well.
Q: What should I do if I get bitten by a bearded dragon?
A: If you get bitten by a bearded dragon, simply wash the area with soap and water. Bearded dragon bites are not poisonous or harmful to humans. However, if the bite breaks the skin, you may want to see a doctor just to be safe.
Q: What should I do if my bearded dragon won’t let go?
A: If your bearded dragon won’t let go, it is likely because he or she is scared. Try to remain calm and slow down your movements. Gently pry the lizard’s mouth open with your fingers and slowly remove him or her from your body. Once you have done this, try to hold the lizard close to your body so they feel secure. You can also let them explore their new surroundings by letting them climb onto your shoulder or arm. Bearded dragons may also try to lick you, which is perfectly normal behavior. When your bearded dragon is done exploring, simply put him or her back in their enclosure. Be sure to place them down gently so as not to injure them.
Q: What should I do if my bearded dragon seems stressed?
A: If your bearded dragon seems stressed, it is best to stop handling him or her and let the lizard calm down. Bearded dragons can become stressed easily, so it is important to take things slowly at first. Let your dragon come to you and get used to being handled before picking him or her up. If your dragon seems receptive to this, then you can try picking him or her up for short periods of time. Doing this regularly will help your dragon become more comfortable with you and the idea of being held.