Introduction
Bearded dragons are known for being calm, cool, and collected, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be violent. A person who owns a bearded dragon might worry about a mean bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are usually pretty calm, but there are a few reasons why your once-calm and level-headed bearded dragon could turn into. Are Bearded Dragons Aggressive? Some main reasons bearded dragons might act aggressively out of the blue are stress, illness, hunger, being abused in the past, or things in their surroundings.
What Are Bearded Dragons?
A bearded dragon is a reptile from the genus Pogona, native to Australia. They are popular reptile pets known for their docile nature, unique appearance, and relatively low maintenance requirements. Bearded dragons have become one of the most common lizard species kept as pets worldwide due to their appealing characteristics.
Are Bearded Dragons Aggressive While Shedding?
Bearded dragons typically experience stress and discomfort during their shedding process. Because they don’t shed all their skin at once like most snakes do, they do it in discrete patches over many days. Because of this, owners are left wondering whether or not the act of shedding can make bearded dragons more aggressive.
So, does the shedding process result in aggressive behavior? The process of shedding can sometimes provoke aggressive behavior in bearded dragons. They may exhibit signs of hostility in the days leading up to the shedding process and throughout it. Refraining from handling them during this period is in everyone’s best interest. They kept a schedule of the times when they would be used.
Bearded dragons can also become aggressive as a consequence of their shedding. They will let you know whenever they feel uneasy or uneasy about something. You can assist by ensuring that they always receive their routine baths and by providing opportunities for them to swim. Shedding their scales will go more quickly and easily if their rankings retain moisture.
How To Deal With An Aggressive Bearded Dragon: 5 Steps
Handling an aggressive bearded dragon can be a challenging but manageable task. It’s essential to approach the situation carefully and patiently to ensure your and your pet’s safety. Here are five effective ways to handle an aggressive bearded dragon:
Identify the Root Cause: The first step in addressing the issue is understanding why your bearded dragon displays aggression. Common attack causes include stress, feeling threatened, territorial disputes, or health problems. Observe your dragon’s behavior and try to determine the underlying cause.
Avoid Aggressive Triggers: Once you’ve identified potential triggers for aggression, take steps to avoid or minimize them. This may involve separating your bearded dragon from other dragons if territorial disputes are:
- Removing reflective surfaces that can cause stress.
- Making adjustments to their environment to ensure it’s comfortable and stress-free.
Gradual Socialization: If your bearded dragon’s aggression is related to handling, gradually reintroducing socialization is essential. Start with short and infrequent handling sessions, gradually increasing the duration as your pet becomes more comfortable. Always be gentle and respectful of their boundaries during handling.
Use Protective Gear: When handling an aggressive bearded dragon, especially one that tends to bite or scratch, consider using protective gear to safeguard yourself. You can wear gloves made of a soft, breathable material to minimize the risk of injury. Ensure that the gloves do not have any rough edges that could harm your dragon.
Consult a Reptile Veterinarian or Behaviorist: If your bearded dragon’s aggression persists despite your efforts, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. A reptile veterinarian or a behaviorist can provide expert guidance, conduct a thorough health check, and offer behavioral advice tailored to your dragon’s needs. They can also rule out any underlying health issues contributing to the aggression.
Bearded Dragon Aggression Causes
- Stress
- Health issues
- Breeding season
- New tank or the environment
- Competition
- You scared it
- Small tank
- Shedding
- Hormonal processes or changes
Advice Regarding Ways To Deal With An Angry Bearded Dragon
- Don’t open the tank whenever you want to touch your bearded dragon. Start letting your dragon out and giving it treats. This will help your dragon trust you and know you’re not just there to touch it.
- Start slowly, and don’t rush things.
- Don’t let go. If your bearded dragon starts to act mean, don’t stop handling it. Stop taking it; you won’t ever get used to it or make it calm. If your bearded dragon is not scared of gloves, you can wear them to handle them.
- If a bearded dragon bites or stares at you, don’t stop handling it. Instead, show that you are not scared.
- If your bearded dragon doesn’t like to be held, you can even use tongs to feed it. By giving them food and treats, you can build trust. You won’t scratch your bearded dragon’s mouth with these soft-tipped tongs.
- Cover the tank’s sides and leave your dragon alone to cool down.
- Remember that, from your bearded dragon’s point of view, you are a very big creature.
Are Male Or Female Bearded Dragons More Aggressive?
Hormones take full control of the brain just as dragons begin to entertain thoughts of having offspring. Although it can start as early as one year, it typically becomes noticeable around the age of four. Bearded dragons, both male and female, may exhibit slightly more aggressive behavior as a result of this factor.
Which sex of bearded dragon is more aggressive, male or female? Male bearded dragons, on the whole, are known to be more aggressive than their female counterparts. They will compete with other guys to gain access to females, but once they do, they will try to dominate any females. These aggressive actions are frequently connected not only to sight but also to smell.
If you have a female bearded dragon, you probably already have a calendar marked with her egg-laying habits. Whether or not you keep the lizards in the same tank, if you have two male beardies or two beardies in general, you may notice that the signals described above become more evident. Because it is breeding season, there is a considerable likelihood that your guys are behaving strangely. Males react to the hormonal shifts that are occurring within their bodies.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are generally known for their docile and friendly nature; aggression can be exhibited under certain circumstances. Understanding the factors influencing their behavior, recognizing signs of charge, and implementing strategies to minimize aggressive behavior are crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship with your scaly companion.
