There’s no doubt that bearded dragons are probably one of the best pets. They’re easy to care for, they don’t need much space, and they’re super cute.
But what if you want to do more than just sit around and watch your dragon eat bugs? What if you want to play games with them? What games can you play with a bearded dragon?
My guess is you don’t know many.
Fortunately for you, we’ve done all the hard work and compiled a list of the best games you can play with your bearded dragon.
And we didn’t just stop at one or two; we’ve got eight different games for you to check out so that you can pick one that’s right for your little guy.
Can You Play With a Pet Bearded Dragon?
Yes, you can play with your bearded pet dragon. Just remember that they are very different from other reptiles and don’t have many of the same needs as a dog or cat.
Bearded dragons are very active, and they love to play. If you want to keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy, you must provide them with plenty of toys to play with.
According to the University of Lincoln, reptiles, including bearded dragons, can learn through imitation, which means you can efficiently train your beardie to play with you.
However, they need heat and light to thrive, so it’s essential to ensure your bearded dragon has its full needs met before you get too intense with your playtime.
Moreover, make sure to keep your beardie safe at all times while playing. It is possible for them to get injured if they are not handled properly.
So, What Games Can Play With Your Bearded Dragon?
Here 8 fun games that you can play with your bearded dragon:
Hide and Seek
This is one of the most popular games among bearded dragon owners.
The goal of this game is to find a hiding spot that your bearded dragon can’t see from its vantage point. This could be behind a piece of furniture or in an area that they can’t reach.
You have to encourage them to move into position so they’ll be able to see where you are hiding, but as soon as they do, they need to dash back into hiding before they get caught.
Bearded dragons love this game because it gives them a chance to practice using their senses (especially their eyes), which is something young lizards will start doing around six months old.
Buy your pet a Penn-Plax Reptology Shale Step Ledge and provide them with more space to hide and enjoy.
Follow the Leader
In the game “Follow the Leader,” the owner holds a treat in front of the dragon’s nose and then moves it around in different directions.
And the dragon will follow the treat with its eyes and, eventually, body. This game helps stimulate the dragon’s natural foraging instincts and can be a fun way to bond with your pet.
Chase the Light
This game works best with young bearded dragons. You’ll need a flashlight, a dark room, and some treats.
For starters, turn off all the lights in the room except for the one you’re using as your “lure”. Next, hold the flashlight at one end of the tank while your dragon chases its reflection around the glass.
Once they’re happily chasing their reflection, place some treats in front of them and let them eat them while they continue chasing themselves around the glass.
This is a great way to get your dragon comfortable with his new environment before bedtime or when you’re leaving for work in the morning.
Tapped Ball with Insects Inside
This game requires some preparation, but it will be worth the effort once you see how much fun your pet will have playing with it.
Find a ball or other object with small holes, such as a ping pong ball or golf ball. Fill this object with crickets or mealworms through the holes in it.
Next, hold the object over your pet’s head and let him chase after it as he tries to catch an insect inside each hole on the object as it rolls across his back or head.
Race Through the Tunnel
Racing through the tunnel is a great game to play when your bearded dragon is bored.
You will need a cardboard tube or roll of paper towels and some markers or stickers. Draw a starting point at one end of the tunnel, and draw another ending point at the other end of the tunnel.
You can make it as long or as short as you want, depending on how fast you want your beardie to run through it.
Once you have drawn out your tunnel, place it in front of your bearded dragon so they see it right away and realize that there is something new in front of them to play with.
Playing with a Mirror
Bearded dragons love watching themselves in the mirror. If you have a mirror in the cage, place it behind the door so that only one side of the mirror is visible to your bearded dragon.
When he walks up to it, he will see himself on the other side and may try to interact with his reflection.
Try Digital Games
Did you know that studies show beardies can easily play ant smashers and similar digital games?
If you have an iPad or an Android tablet, there are several apps available that allow you to play games together with your bearded dragon.
Once you see them playing these games, you can give them treats as a reward.
Get Cat Toys
Giving your bearded dragon a few cat toys to play with can be fun for both of you.
Some recommended toys include a cloth toy with a rattle or crackle inside, a small animal-shaped toy that can be hung from the ceiling, and a softball.
Be vigilant and supervise your dragon when playing with toys, especially if they are new to him, to help avoid any accidents.
Why Should You Play with Your Bearded Dragon?
There are several benefits to playing with your bearded dragon. Not only does it help keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy, but it also helps to build a bond between you and your pet.
Here are some reasons why you should play with your bearded dragon:
It’s Good For Their Health
These solitary creatures don’t need to interact with other animals unless they want to breed.
But just like humans, bearded dragons get bored when they don’t have anything fun to do. It’s essential to keep them active and stimulated by giving them toys that encourage exercise and exploration.
It’s Fun
Playing with your bearded dragon can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re new to owning a reptile.
It helps that reptiles are such docile animals. So even if you’re not an expert at handling them, they’ll still enjoy themselves when you try interacting with them.
It Helps Strengthen Bond
The best way to strengthen your bond is to play with your bearded dragon. It’s recommended that you spend 1-2 hours per day playing with them.
This will help ensure that they have plenty of exercise, which is essential for their physical health and mental well-being.
Wrapping It Up
It’s time to get out there and play these 8 games with your bearded dragon. There are so many fun ways to interact with them, and we hope this article gives you some ideas on how to take your game up a notch.
Bearded dragons are the perfect pets for anyone who wants a little bit of responsibility but not too much. They’re easy to care for, and they’ll be happy to chill out with you all day long!
