Bearded dragons are popular pets for many reasons. They are fascinating creatures that are relatively easy to care for, and they can be quite friendly and interactive with their owners. If you are a bearded dragon owner, you may wonder how to tell if your pet trusts you. While it can be difficult to know for sure what a reptile is thinking or feeling, there are some signs that can indicate whether your bearded dragon is comfortable and relaxed around you.
- Relaxed body language
One of the most obvious signs that your bearded dragon trusts you is relaxed body language. A comfortable bearded dragon will have a relaxed posture, with its limbs and tail stretched out and its head held high. If your bearded dragon seems tense or hunched over, it may be feeling stressed or anxious.
- Willingness to be handled
Another sign that your bearded dragon trusts you is its willingness to be handled. Most bearded dragons enjoy being picked up and held, especially if they are used to being handled from a young age. If your bearded dragon is comfortable with you, it will likely climb onto your hand or arm willingly and remain calm while you hold it.
- Recognition of you
Bearded dragons have excellent memories and can quickly learn to recognize their owners. If your bearded dragon seems to recognize you and becomes more active or excited when you approach, it is a sign that it trusts you and enjoys your company.
- Sleeping in your presence
If your bearded dragon feels comfortable and safe around you, it may be more likely to fall asleep in your presence. Bearded dragons are diurnal creatures and are most active during the day, so if your pet is dozing off while you are sitting nearby, it is a sign that it trusts you enough to let its guard down.
- Eating from your hand
Feeding your bearded dragon by hand can be a great way to build trust and bonding. If your bearded dragon is comfortable with you, it will likely take food from your hand without hesitation. However, if your bearded dragon is feeling stressed or anxious, it may refuse to eat or snap at your fingers.
- Puffing up and black bearding
While puffing up and black bearding are typically signs of aggression or stress, they can also indicate trust in some cases. If your bearded dragon puffs up and displays its beard while in your presence, it may be trying to show off and impress you rather than intimidate you.
- Following you around
If your bearded dragon follows you around the room or comes running when you enter the room, it is a sign that it trusts you and enjoys your company. Bearded dragons are curious creatures that love to explore, so if your pet is interested in what you are doing, it is a good sign that it trusts you.
In conclusion, building trust with your bearded dragon takes time and patience, but it is well worth the effort. By observing your pet’s body language and behavior, you can get a good idea of whether it trusts you or not. If your bearded dragon seems relaxed, willing to be handled, and comfortable in your presence, it is a sign that it trusts you and enjoys your company. Keep in mind that every bearded dragon is different, and some may take longer to build trust than others. With time and patience, however, you can build a strong bond with your bearded dragon that will last a lifetime.
