Yes, bearded dragons can bite. However, they are generally not aggressive animals and usually only bite if they feel threatened or scared. Biting can also occur if a bearded dragon mistakes a finger or other object for food. Handling your bearded dragon gently is essential as avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that may startle or frighten them.
Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Bite
Hungry
Bearded dragons may mistake fingers or other objects for food and sometimes bite if hungry or searching for food. This behavior is more common in younger bearded dragons, who are more active and energetic and may be more likely to bite out of curiosity or hunger.
To reduce the risk of being bitten while feeding your bearded dragon, it’s essential to use feeding tongs or other tools to offer food items. This will help prevent your fingers from being mistaken for food and reduce the risk of accidental bites.
Excited
Bearded dragons can get over-excited when there is too much stimulation from playtime, unknown visitors, or commotion around their home. This can lead to biting and bullying behavior. Bearded dragons may show signs of dominance or submission to avoid these conflicts. For instance, they may bite or display threatening body postures to intimidate other bearded dragons.
When overreacting this way, bearded dragons try to protect themselves from potential conflicts. However, excessive biting and bullying behavior is still common in bearded dragon homes. To prevent this, it’s essential to keep bearded dragons in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. That way, they can thrive in their natural habitat without biting and bullying when faced with too much stimulation.
Stress
Bearded dragons may bite due to sudden changes in their environment, such as when they are introduced to a new enclosure. These biting behaviors may be linked to stress, unease, or discomfort. Bearded dragons also bite out of discomfort, unease, or stress. Some dominant dragons may bite to solve conflicts with other bearded dragons. In addition, improper handling of bearded dragons can cause them to feel anxious and bite.
Thus, keepers need to provide proper care and handling of bearded dragons. By providing a safe environment and handling techniques that minimize the risk of biting, bearded dragon owners can help keep their pets healthy and happy.
Uncomfortable or Threatened
Dragons bite when they feel uncomfortable or threatened. If a dragon feels threatened or overstimulated, it may bite out of fear or aggression. Improper handling can lead to biting as a defensive response to discomfort. When handling a dragon, always be gentle and respectful, and provide it with enough space to move. It’s also important to never force the dragon to cuddle; this can be unsafe for you and the dragon. If you are handling a dragon that is biting you, stop what you are doing immediately and safe-handle the dragon.
Improper Handling
According to Pet Care Advisor, bearded dragons can bite as a defensive reaction to improper handling. This may include holding them too tightly, poking them, or pinching them. Children are often not aware of this and may accidentally harm bearded dragons.
When handling bearded dragons, it is essential to be gentle and observant to avoid accidental injury. The best way to ensure that bearded dragons are handled respectfully is to follow standard handling guidelines, such as only handling them gently and letting them explore on their terms.
Poor Socialization
Bearded dragons can bite if they are not used to being handled. Socialization is vital in preventing biting behavior. This can be done from a young age by handling and feeding bearded dragons frequently and consistently. If juvenile bearded dragons bite, it may be due to their discomfort or pain from being handled, or the bite may be a sign of distress, such as when they are mishandled.
In other cases, biting behavior may be a sign of the mating season, in which male bearded dragons may bite females on the head during courtship. Other signs that indicate not to handle bearded dragons include hissing or puffing up their beard.
Tips to Avoid Getting Bitten by Bearded Dragons
Proper Handling
It’s essential to handle bearded dragons with care and patience when handling them. This will ensure the animals get used to being handled at their own pace. Keeping their comfort and calmness in mind when handling bearded dragons is essential. Avoid sudden movements such as touching or feeding the bearded dragon from a height or the side. Instead, approach them from the front, back, or side.
When picking up a bearded dragon from the top of its enclosure, sit on the ground with the child nearby to avoid dropping them if they are surprised or bitten. Guide children when handling bearded dragons and ensure they are gentle when picking them up. And lastly, sit on the ground with the child when handling bearded dragons to avoid dropping them if they bite unexpectedly.
Respect Space
It’s important to respect your dragon’s space when handling them. Remember, they are animals and may bite if threatened or provoked. When handling your dragon, always be gentle and avoid flipping them on their side. Avoid overstimulating your dragon by feeding it too much or playing too roughly.
Handle your dragon gently and avoid playing with it until you know it is comfortable with the interaction. Respect their space during the breeding season, as they may become extra cautious and aggressive.
Provide Safe Environment
To avoid getting bitten in the future, providing a safe and stable environment for your pet is essential. To do this, establish a comfortable and stable environment for your pet. This could include providing a secure enclosure, regular feeding schedules, and providing it with toys and treats to keep it stimulated and happy.
Avoid Sudden Movements
Moving too quickly around a bearded dragon can also be dangerous and cause it to bite in fear. Instead, move slowly to avoid startling them. Always ensure your bearded dragon sees you coming and approaches it from above or behind to prevent it from fleeing. When interacting with your beardie, be patient and wait until it feels comfortable before doing anything else.
