1. A guide to some of the strange
behaviors seen in bearded
dragons
2. Bearded dragons commonly display
behaviors that may seem strange. To see
your bearded dragon perform these
behaviors without knowing about them
could be startling or worrisome. This
presentation will explain why beardies act
in these ways and show examples.
3. Basking open mouth
Beard darkening
Inflated beard
Arm waving
Head bobbing
Eye bulging
4.
5. Beardieswill sometimes hold their mouth
open while basking. Since they don’t have
sweat glands, it is a way of cooling off
when they get a little too hot, similar to a
dog panting. This is normal and nothing to
worry about.
6. Beardies will sometimes
darken their beard so it
looks black or nearly
black
It is usually a way of
“showing off” or
displaying a threat.
Can be a sign of stress
or disease when it
covers more of the body
or lasts unusually long.
7. Puffing out the beard
is a common behavior
indicating an
aggressive display.
It is often seen in
conjunction with beard
darkening and
sometimes opening of
the mouth.
8. Bearded dragons will
sometimes wave one
of their front arms in a
slow circular motion
as if waving goodbye.
This behavior is
thought to be an act of
subordinance to more
dominant beardies.
See a Video
9. See a Video
Mostly seen in males, this behavior is a
territorial display showing dominance. It is
also seen in mating displays and courtship
rituals.
10.
11. One of the more disconcerting
behaviors, the reason behind eye bulging
is uncertain.
The prevailing belief is that they do it to
stretch the skin around their eyes during
times of shedding.
If it lasts more than an hour or so, see your
vet, as it could be a sign of high blood
pressure.
12. Grenard,Steve. Your Happy Healthy
Pet, Bearded Dragon. Hoboken, New
Jersey: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2008.
13. Title slide: www.reptiles.swelluk.com
Basking Open Mouth: www.flickriver.com
Inflated beard:
www.beardeddragoncarehq.com
Beard darkening, Eye Bulging and Arm
Waving: www.beardeddragon.org
