A happy, healthy, and thriving bearded dragon brings joy to you and your home.
But it can be heart-wrenching when your pet starts showing troubling behaviors — whether it is aggression, hiding for days, or refusing to eat even insects like hornworms for sale that you purchased from a trusted supplier.
You start to ask questions like:
- What did you do wrong?
- Is your beardie unhappy?
It is actually a tough place to be. Even when you just want your pet to feel loved, safe, and cared for.
The good news is that you are not alone in this journey. You can also help your pet.
Here, we will help you learn the causes and how to address the problems that beardies face.
Agression Towards Humans
Bearded dragons are generally calm and friendly, but sometimes they may display aggressive behavior towards their parents. This can include:
- Biting.
- Hissing.
- Even trying to escape the enclosure when approached.
Causes
- Fear or stress from handling or due to a new environment.
- Territorial behavior, especially during breeding season.
- Pain or illness.
- Mating season.
How To Address
- Give them space and time to calm down.
- Avoid handling them when they show signs of stress or illness.
- Make sure your beardie’s tank is set up correctly with the proper temperature., humidity, UVB lighting, and temperature.
Hiding Very Often
Beardies love to bask in the sun and explore their surroundings. But sometimes, they may try to hide when they feel stressed or unwell.
If your pet hides too much, it may indicate a health issue or discomfort.
Causes
- Illness or pain.
- Incorrect lighting, temperature, or humidity.
- Too much interaction or loud environments can stress your beardie.
How To Address
- Consult a veterinarian if hiding is accompanied by a lack of appetite, lethargy, or unusual behavior.
- Ensure that the tank’s temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions are optimal. Bearded dragons prefer basking spots between 95-100°F and a cooler area of around 75-85°F.
- Avoid excessive handling and give your pet time to adjust to the new environment.
Arm Waving or Tail Wagging
Tail wagging or arm waving might seem cute, but they can sometimes be a sign of stress or communication issues.
Tail Wagging
Cause:
It indicates stress or aggression in bearded dragons. It signals that beardies are feeling threatened or trying to assert dominance.
Arm Waving
Cause:
It is a common behavior seen in younger dragons or during the mating season. It is often a sign of submission or a form of communication when a bearded dragons feel threatened by a more dominant one.
How To Address
- If you have multiple dragons, make sure they are not fighting with each other.
- If your beardie shows signs of aggression, then it means they need a comfortable, private space to calm down.
- Ensure the environment is not too small or overcrowded.
Refusing to Eat
Lack of appetite is the most concerning behavioral issue in bearded dragons.
Causes
- Health problems such as digestive issues or metabolic bone disease (MBD).
- Stress from environmental changes or new additions to the home.
- Improper lighting or temperature could affect their digestive system.
- Old or inappropriate food that does not appeal to your dragon.
How To Address
- Visit a veterinarian if abnormal stools, weight loss, or lethargy accompany the loss of appetite.
- Offer nutritious foods such as insects like hornworms, fruits, or vegetables like collard and turnip greens, etc.
- Improve the tank conditions by providing UVB lighting.
Glass Surfing
Many bearded dragons try to escape the enclosure, often repeatedly. This behavior seems amusing, but it is usually a sign of stress or discomfort.
Causes
- Stress from improper lighting, temperature, and overcrowding.
- Boredom in smaller tanks.
- Lack of hiding spots in the tank.
How To Address
- Ensure that the tank is large enough for your dragon.
- Provide rocks, branches, and hiding spots for your pet to climb and explore.
- Double-check the temperature, humidity, and lighting.
The Bottom Line
It is important to address the behavioral issues in bearded dragons. First, you need to understand the reason behind their actions. The key to solving the issues starts with providing a comfortable and stimulating environment. Give your pet nutritious food options like hornworms, Dubia roaches, collard greens, and many more. If you notice any persistent or severe behavioral changes, it is always best to consult a veterinarian to help treat the behavioral issue in your pet.
