Before you find a bearded dragon for sale, you should understand how they behave, how to lift them, and petting needs. A beardie is a lizard, and they aren’t known for wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Unlike dogs and cats, bearded dragons are more than comfortable spending their lives in solace. If you’re looking forward to owning one, learn how to treat and handle them.
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Can You Pet a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons don’t mind being held. You can pick it up, let it lounge on your lap, or give it a little rub on the underbelly. With time, your bearded dragon will begin to look forward to your petting and attention. They can also go for several days without being held. If you plan to pet a beardie, do it correctly. Avoid lifting it by the tail or making sudden movements that make it jittery.
Older beardies are much more relaxed around their owners than younger dragons, so treat the young ones cautiously. Routine is key when petting a bearded dragon.
The more you hold and cuddle it, the faster it’ll become accustomed to your attention. Some bearded dragons develop affection and behave sweetly around their owners. The beardie may occasionally come up to you for a bit of attention.
How to Hold a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons can enjoy being held, lifted, and cuddled if you do it correctly. The key is to make it feel comfortable and trust you. Holding a beardie is simple enough, and sometimes all you need to do is place your finger close by and let it climb. If you want to lift it, gently place your hand under its body or lift its front shoulder using your thumb or index finger. Next, slide your hand under and lift it slowly. Here are more tips for holding your bearded dragon:
- Support all its four legs using your palm and fingers
- Use both hands to hold if the dragon is longer
- Support the dragon’s tail to protect its back from injury
- Let the dragon move around on your body
- Pet the dragon once it looks comfortable on your hand
- Don’t hold or squeeze too tightly
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before and after holding the beardie
How Long Should You Hold a Beardie?
You can hold a bearded dragon for as long as it wants and release it when it shows discomfort. Once your beardie trusts you, it can move freely from your palm to your hand, shoulder, neck, and head. You can also let it sit on your lap or between gaps created when relaxing. Make sure you know exactly where your beardie is at all times.
Some dragons love to be held for several hours, and you can pet them as much as you need. Remember to check its body temperature if the room is cold. If the belly area is cold to the touch, return your pet to its temperature-controlled enclosure to rest. Beardies are cold-blooded, and a drop in temperature can halt digestion.
When to Avoid Holding Your Beardie
You shouldn’t take your beardie out of its enclosure in the middle of a meal or if the room temperature is low. Other situations that call for leaving the dragon alone include signs of fear, stress, or aggression. If your dragon seems afraid and moving away from your hand when you reach inside its enclosure, let it be.
You should also leave it alone if the skin color darkens, as that’s a sign of stress. A hissing sound, an attacking poise, puffing up the beard, and attempting to bite your finger are other signs of aggression. If your beardie wants to be left alone, don’t force it. You can talk to it while inside the terrarium. The goal is to let the dragon get used to you before holding it.
Bearded Dragon for Sale
Finding a bearded dragon for sale shouldn’t be a problem. Reputable pet stores breed healthy bearded dragons, chameleons, and other petted reptiles. You can also find nutritious food and supplies to give your beardie the best life. Make sure you learn how to handle the dragon and hold it only when it’s comfortable.
