Do bearded dragons like to be held? [Tips for Doing it Right]

Are you thinking about getting a bearded dragon as a pet, but wondering if they enjoy being held? It’s a common question, as many people want to be able to interact with their pets and build a strong bond with them. In this blog, we’ll explore the question of whether bearded dragons like to be held, and what you can do to ensure that your bearded dragon feels comfortable and secure when being handled.

It is possible for bearded dragons to enjoy being held, but it is not a universal trait among all individuals. Some bearded dragons may enjoy being held and seek out interaction with their caretakers, while others may not.

It is important to pay attention to your bearded dragon’s body language and behavior when handling it to determine if it is comfortable or not, and to handle it gently and with respect for its boundaries.

It may be necessary to gradually introduce your bearded dragon to being held and offer it a choice of where to be held in order to determine its preferences.

How can I tell if my bearded dragon enjoys being held?

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your bearded dragon enjoys being held:

1. Relaxed body posture: If your bearded dragon is relaxed and not trying to escape when being held, it may be enjoying the experience.
2. Lack of stress behaviors: Bearded dragons may exhibit stress behaviors such as puffing up their beard, hissing, or trying to escape when they are not comfortable being held. If your bearded dragon is not exhibiting these behaviors, it may be more at ease being held.
3. Interest in exploring: If your bearded dragon is curious and actively exploring its surroundings while being held, it may be enjoying the experience.
4. Lack of aggression: Bearded dragons may become aggressive or try to bite when they are not comfortable being handled. If your bearded dragon is not displaying aggressive behaviors, it may be more comfortable being held.

It’s important to remember that every bearded dragon is an individual and may have its own preferences and personality.

It may take some time and experimentation to determine if your bearded dragon enjoys being held and what type of handling it prefers.

It’s also important to handle your bearded dragon gently and with respect for its boundaries and to never force it to be held if it does not want to be.

How often should I hold my bearded dragon?

It’s generally recommended to handle bearded dragons for about 15-30 minutes a day, although this can vary depending on the individual preferences and behavior of your specific bearded dragon.

Some bearded dragons may enjoy longer periods of handling, while others may prefer shorter sessions.

It’s important to pay attention to your bearded dragon’s body language and behavior during handling and to stop handling them if they become stressed or agitated.

In general, it’s a good idea to handle your bearded dragon at least a few times a week to help them stay accustomed to human interaction and to maintain its socialization skills.

Handling your bearded dragon on a regular basis can also help you bond with your pet and monitor their health.

However, it’s important to be gentle and respectful of your bearded dragon’s boundaries and never handle them roughly or force them to do something they’re uncomfortable with.

Is it normal for a bearded dragon to resist being held or try to escape when being held?

It is not uncommon for bearded dragons to resist being held or try to escape when being handled, especially if they are not used to being handled or if they are feeling stressed or threatened.

Bearded dragons are prey animals and may naturally try to escape from perceived threats, even if they are being handled by someone they trust.

If your bearded dragon resists being held or tries to escape, it’s important to be patient and gentle with them.

You can try offering them treats or using a soft, soothing voice to help them feel more comfortable. You can also try gradually increasing the amount of time you spend handling them, starting with shorter periods of time and gradually increasing the duration as your bearded dragon becomes more accustomed to being handled.

It’s also important to make sure that your bearded dragon has a comfortable and secure place to rest when they are not being handled.

Providing your bearded dragon with a spacious enclosure, with plenty of hiding places and basking spots, can help them feel more secure and at ease.

If your bearded dragon continues to resist being held or tries to escape, it may be a sign that they are feeling stressed or uncomfortable. In this case, it’s important to pay attention to your bearded dragon’s body language and behavior and to stop handling them if they seem distressed.

It’s also a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or reptile specialist to rule out any underlying health issues that may be causing your bearded dragon to behave in this way.

What are some good ways to hold a bearded dragon so that it feels comfortable and secure?

Here are a few tips for holding a bearded dragon in a way that will help them feel comfortable and secure:

1. Support their entire body: When holding a bearded dragon, it’s important to support its entire body, including its head, tail, and legs. You can do this by gently placing one hand under their chest and the other hand under their hind legs. This will help them feel more secure and prevent them from falling.
2. Keep them close to your body: Your bearded dragon may feel safer and more protected if you hold them close to your body. Holding them too far away from you can make them feel uneasy and vulnerable.
3. Avoid gripping them too tightly: Bearded dragons are delicate animals, and it’s important to handle them gently and with care. Avoid gripping your bearded dragon too tightly, as this can cause them stress and may even lead to injury.
4. Pay attention to their body language: Bearded dragons can express their mood and feelings through their body language and behavior. Pay attention to your bearded dragon’s behavior while handling them, and stop handling them if they seem distressed or agitated.
5. Keep them away from harmful objects or surfaces: When handling your bearded dragon, it’s important to keep them away from any potentially harmful objects or surfaces. This includes sharp objects, open flames, and toxic chemicals.

How can I bond with my bearded dragon if it doesn’t seem to like being held?

If your bearded dragon doesn’t seem to enjoy being held, there are still many ways you can bond with them and build a positive relationship. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spend time near them: Even if your bearded dragon doesn’t enjoy being handled, it may still appreciate your presence. Try sitting near their enclosure and talking to them in a soft, soothing voice. This can help them become more accustomed to your presence and may help them feel more comfortable around you.
2. Offer them treats: Bearded dragons may be more willing to interact with you if you offer them treats. Try offering your bearded dragon a few of its favorite foods, such as worms, crickets, or vegetables, as a way to bond with them and show them that you care about its well-being.
3. Try gentle petting: Some bearded dragons may enjoy being gently petted or scratched, especially around the head and neck area. You can try offering your bearded dragon a gentle scratch or pet while they are in their enclosure, being careful not to handle them too roughly or force them to do something they’re not comfortable with.
4. Provide a comfortable and secure environment: Making sure that your bearded dragon has a comfortable and secure environment can help them feel more at ease and may encourage them to interact with you more. This includes providing them with a spacious enclosure, with plenty of hiding places and basking spots, as well as maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and lighting levels.

Overall, it’s important to be patient and respectful of your bearded dragon’s boundaries when bonding with them and never force them to do something they’re uncomfortable with. If you have any concerns about your bearded dragon’s behavior or well-being, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or reptile specialist.