Introduction
Bearded Dragons have sharp teeth and can bite if challenged. Bearded Dragons are docile creatures who have become shared with humans from birth. Do Bearded Dragons Bite? Thus, the likelihood of one biting is low. Bearded dragons, known for their charming personalities and friendly disposition, have earned their place as beloved reptile pets in the homes of many enthusiasts. These small, gentle creatures are known for their curious nature and docile behavior, making them ideal companions for novice and experienced reptile keepers.
Do Bearded Dragons Bite?
Bearded dragons can and do bite. Nonetheless, this is an unusual occurrence that rarely happens with pets. A bearded dragon will usually only bite if it feels threatened. Attempting to flee, hissing, and puffing out their black beards are more common warning actions and cues.
Bearded dragons can bite like any other lizard, and while many live their entire lives without ever biting their owner, it is crucial to keep that in mind. It can bite for various reasons, each with its telltale symptoms and strategies for avoiding an attack. Bearded dragons rarely chew their owners seriously.
A bearded dragon’s bite can be rather powerful, depending on the dragon’s age, gender, and the size of its teeth. Each of these lizards has a big, triangular mouth containing up to 80 small, cone-shaped teeth. Most of the time, their teeth are dull and masked by their gums. Rather than striking or ripping, their primary function is to grip and chew food.
Does It Hurt When They Bite You?
Bearded dragon bites feel very different from one beardie to the next and from one circumstance to the next. It is reasonable to assume that a bite from a newborn dragon will not draw blood and may not even affect the victim. The edges of juveniles are also not particularly dangerous. Even though their teeth are often more pointed than those of adults, their jaws are typically not strong enough to allow them to break the skin of most individuals.
Tips For Future Bite Prevention
Handle with care, always keeping the creature’s safety and serenity in mind. Because of its innate sensitivity to danger, exotic animals react defensively to even the slightest environmental change. It would help if you never approached a wild bird from above, as doing so makes you look like a predator. Approach your bearded dragon cautiously and quietly to avoid frightening it. When taking it up from the top of its enclosure, try to do so from the front, back, or side. Be patient with the bearded dragon; it has to become accustomed to you before you can do anything else with it.
When handling your bearded dragon, it’s best to do it while seated on the floor or in a place where it won’t fall from a great height if it wiggles or tries to escape. If it bites you while you’re handling it, it will prevent you from letting it out of shock. Once your bearded dragon trusts you, you can pick it up by supporting its belly and tail and carrying it carefully.
Frequency Of Biting
Bearded dragons have been proven to have the ability to bite; now, we can discuss the likelihood of this happening. In general, bearded dragons do not have a reputation for being hostile. The only time they might bite is if they feel threatened, anxious, or confused about what they are eating.
Bearded dragon temperament, habitat, and previous experiences all have a role in whether or not the dragon bites. A bearded dragon with a history of mistreatment may exhibit increased aggression. If your bearded dragon is exposed to excessive noise, drafts, or darkness, he or she may become more hostile.
Keep in mind that biting is not typical behavior for a bearded dragon and will not usually come from proper care and familiarity with the dragon’s needs. Paying attention to your bearded dragon’s body language and its environment can help prevent it from biting you.
The Body Language Of Bearded Dragons
Understanding the body language of your bearded dragon is essential if you want to avoid getting bitten. You can learn a lot about a bearded dragon’s mental and emotional state from the signals it sends with its body. Here are some of the most telling symptoms:
Bearded dragons show tension or fear by puffing out their “beard” (the area beneath their chin). If you continue to harass your bearded dragon and it displays this behavior along with hissing or a gaping mouth, it may bite. A twitching or whipping tail may indicate anxiety or nervousness. Give your bearded dragon some room and wait to handle it until it calms down if it displays this behavior.
Bobbing one’s head is a type of communication that can convey various messages, from dominance to sexual curiosity. Your bearded dragon may not be more likely to bite now, but you should treat them carefully and cautiously. Learn your bearded dragon’s body language and use it to your advantage to avoid misunderstandings and bites.
5 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Bite
Bearded dragons are generally gentle and docile reptiles but may bite in certain situations. Understanding the reasons behind their biting behavior can help you prevent it and ensure your pet’s well-being. Here are five common reasons why bearded dragons may bite:
Fear or Stress: Bearded dragons may bite when they feel threatened, scared, or stressed. Sudden or aggressive movements, loud noises, or handling them too roughly can trigger fear-based biting. To avoid this, approach your bearded dragon calmly and take them gently. Allow them some time to adjust to your being there.
Hunger or Confusion: Hungry bearded dragons may mistake your fingers for food, especially if you have food residue on your hands. They may bite in an attempt to grab a meal. Always wash your hands before handling your bearded dragon, and avoid hand-feeding them during regular interactions to prevent this confusion.
Territorial Behavior: Bearded dragons can exhibit territorial aggression, especially when encountering other dragons or perceiving their own reflection as rivals. This behavior is more common in males during the breeding season. Separate bearded dragons during the breeding season and remove reflective surfaces or stimuli that may trigger territorial aggression.
Illness or Discomfort: Bearded dragons have a reputation for biting when they are anxious or ill. Keep a watchful eye on your bearded dragon’s well-being, and if you see any signs of disease or pain, talk to your vet.
Mating Aggression: During the breeding season, male bearded dragons can become aggressive towards other males, including their owners. It is part of their natural mating behavior. If you have a male bearded dragon, exercise caution during the breeding season and consider avoiding handling to prevent aggression.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons usually only bite if they feel threatened. Their protective behaviors include running away, hissing, puffing, and dyeing their beards black when they feel threatened. Bearded dragons can become aggressive when hungry, stressed, or not socialized. The bite of a bearded dragon rarely causes serious injury to a human. They can’t keep an edge since they don’t have strong jaws or exceptionally sharp teeth.
