We can all agree that bearded dragons are some of the cutest reptiles around. But there’s a lot you might not know about the tender side of these amazing reptiles.
So, questions like “Are bearded dragons really affectionate creatures?” or “Do bearded dragons like to be cuddled?” are totally normal.
Bearded dragons are reptiles, so they don’t have the exact needs of other pets. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a little cuddle from time to time.
In this article, we’ll break down how to tell if your beardie is comfortable and happy with your cuddle attempts.
We’ll also give some tips on how to make sure the cuddle session goes smoothly, so you don’t get accidentally bitten or scratched.
Do Bearded Dragons Like to Be Cuddled?
The short answer is yes. Bearded dragons do like to be cuddled, but only for a short time.
Bearded dragons are known for being social lizards and enjoy the company of humans and other reptiles. They are very friendly and will respond to their owners’ touch, making them great pets for kids who want to get in on the responsibility of keeping a pet reptile.
According to this study, reptiles, including bearded dragons, are assumed to be capable of feeling several types of emotions.
However, they do not like being held or handled by their owners all day long. If you want to hold your bearded dragon, do so for a few minutes at a time, and put him back into his enclosure after he has had enough time with you.
Bearded dragons need to feel secure to be happy, so try not to handle them too much if they seem stressed out by it or if they don’t seem interested in being touched at all (this could be because they’re too young).
7 Signs Your Bearded Dragon is Enjoying Cuddles
Bearded dragons are generally friendly and docile creatures that enjoy human attention.
Here are seven signs that your bearded dragon is enjoying cuddles.
1. Relaxed With You
Bearded dragons are known for being friendly, calm, and cuddly creatures. Bearded dragons enjoy being held. If your bearded dragon is enjoying cuddles, he will be relaxed with you and may even fall asleep.
2. Stretch Out As Much As Possible
Bearded dragons love to stretch as much as possible. Their bodies will become longer, and their legs will start splaying outwards from either side to stretch as much as possible.
This might be a noticeable sign that your little guy is very relaxed and enjoying his time with you.
3. Relaxed Eyes
Beardies have eyes that can look dull or bright, depending on the mood they are in. When a bearded dragon is enjoying being held, his eyes will have a relaxed look about them. They will not be wide open and staring at you when they are stressed or frightened by something.
You can tell if your bearded dragon is relaxed by looking into his eyes. If they appear dull and there is no movement behind them, he is likely content in your arms.
4. Stay Still
Bearded dragons are typically very active, and they love to move around. If your pet lizard is enjoying the cuddle, it will stay still without moving around too much.
This is what we call a “still cuddle” because it’s when your lizard seems calm and relaxed while sitting on your hand or shoulder.
If they start moving around too much during the cuddle session, it could mean that they are uncomfortable with being touched at this moment in time. This is when it’s best to stop and try again later when they are more relaxed.
5. Snuggling Close To You
If your bearded dragon is snuggling close to you, it’s a good sign that he’s enjoying cuddles. Snuggling is the first step in the bonding process for bearded dragons, and it shows that they are comfortable with their owner.
This can be a great way to bond with your bearded dragon, and it will make him feel more secure when you’re not around.
6. Licks You
Beardies love to lick their owners. They will lick your face, hands, arms, legs, and even feet if they are in the mood for a good cuddle. This is a sure sign that they are content and comfortable around you.
If you ever see your bearded dragon licking you, it is best not to pull away or pull your hand away from them because this could hurt their feelings pretty severely. If they want to lick you, let them lick you.
7. Rub Its Head Against You
A bearded dragon will rub its head against you as a sign of affection or when it wants something from you, like attention or food.
This is one way you can tell if your bearded dragon wants cuddles from you.
Conclusion
All in all, bearded dragons are not the cuddly little pets that many people think they are—well, not as cuddly as your dog. ‘
However, they do have a lot of personalities and can be very affectionate. They just need a little time to warm up to your touch and sometimes for you to warm up to them. Happy cuddling!
