As a bearded dragon owner, one of the most basic activities to do with your pet is picking it up and handling it. Bearded dragons are very docile reptiles are after some time will enjoy being handled.
Although handling your bearded dragon is relatively simple there are some guidelines for properly handling to make sure both you and the bearded dragon are safe.
Properly Handling a Bearded Dragon
To make sure you both are safe, and to reduce any risks of injuring the bearded dragon you should practice proper handling techniques.
When picking it up move your hands slowly towards it. Avoid making any sudden movements towards the bearded dragon as this may spook it and make it feel threatened. Carefully slide your hand under the belly of the bearded dragon. If you are picking up a baby, keep one finger under the chin. It will hold onto the finger.
Carefully lift the bearded dragon up slowly and let the tail rest upon your forearm. If the bearded dragon tries to escape or begins fidgeting do not squeeze or grasp it tightly. Let it run off if it wants to. This is just a sign that it is not ready to be held or picked up at that time. Avoid picking up the bearded dragon, or placing it in high places. If it jumps down it could easily break a limb or its tail.
Try to keep the bearded dragon as close to your body as possible. This can prevent it from falling from your arms, and give it a sense of security.
Don’ts of Handling a Bearded Dragon
- Don’t grab them by the tail or the limbs
- Don’t grab it suddenly
- Don’t squeeze the baby bearded dragon
- Don’t put them in places where they may jump from high places. This could cause the bearded dragon to suffer broken limbs or serious injury
- Don’t ever leave it in a room unattended
- Don’t ever leave a child with a bearded dragon unattended
- Don’t ever allow a child to put a bearded dragon in its mouth.
Do’s of Handling a Bearded Dragon
- Do approach the bearded dragon slowly and without any threatening gestures
- Do support the weight of the bearded dragon, including its tail, using your hands and arms
- Do carry your bearded dragon in a carrying cage for visits to the veterinarian, or other trips. The bearded dragon could end up under a car seat and not want to come out while in the vehicle. This can also help to prevent possible car accidents should the bearded dragon want to jump in the floor by the pedals
- Do allow the bearded dragon to gradually perch on your chest or shoulders, but keep a hand ready in case it slips or falls
- If a baby bearded dragon begins to freak out while holding it, do take your other hand and gently cup over it to provide a “hiding place”. This will give it a feeling of security
- Do coerce your bearded dragon to you with food, or treats. It will soon associate being held with food goodies
Health Concerns of Handling a Bearded Dragon
Although handling bearded dragons is relatively safe, there are some precautions you should take.
- Never eat or put your hands in your mouth while handling a bearded dragon
- Always wash your hands with a bacterial soap after handling a bearded dragon
- Make sure to disinfect any scratches or cuts you may receive from the bearded dragon while handling it. Bearded dragons have long claws at times they may scratch the skin if the get nervous or feel threatened
- In the rare instance that you are bitten by a bearded dragon make sure to thoroughly disinfect the wound. If the wound becomes red and sore after a few days consult a doctor
Julie says
Thank you for this amazing information! Ihave to bearded dragons that are about 4 and 5 months old. They are so much fun and are quickly becoming a very fun addition to the family! They even came on vacation!! This site helped to give me the information that I needed to calm my worries of adopting these hilarious little beardies! I look forward to more information that you put up! Thank you agin! Julie
Shelly :) says
That’s really cool Julia!
Tracy says
Hi. I’m a new owner of a bearded dragon named Allie. I’m learning as I go along and am learning all about how to care for her. She’s a wonderful pet. I never had a bearded dragon before and I’m always looking forward to any insight on how to care for Allie.
Lelia says
why do 2 male bearded dragons go after the other ones tail and try to eat the tail? they have been in one cage for 3 years now and suddenly they start fighting and trying to eat there mates tail? what is the best solution?
Rob says
They are territorial and will try to kill each other
MJ says
If there is a female around in another cage or tank, the males may know it and begin a rivalry towards one another. Another thing is that if they are growing into maturity, they may be fighting due to hormone levels shifting, making them more aggressive towards each other. If their is not enough food given to each of them, or if the housing is too small (a single beardy should have a minimum 40 gal. tank), then they might be needing more space. At three years old, they are full adults and are probably going to fight it out. It’s better to keep them separate. Females are often housed together with other females but males are not generally kept together because they may injure and kill one another.
Lauryn says
Are they different sizes? if so they are probably fighting for dominance
M says
Love this site!
Lauryn says
My dragon has shed everywhere but her body and it looks like it’s about to shed but it’s been nearly 2 months since she started the shed is this okay?
luke says
Never place 2 male bearded dragons in the same enclosure, they are solitary reptiles and will end up fighting to the death.
People please do your research before buying a bearded dragon.
If anyone else needs information, please do ask, I’m a qualified vet.
griffin says
how do you hold your bearded dragon without hurting it?
Shelly :) says
Approch it slowly, try not to scare it, then gentle slide your hands under its belly, Then slowly pick it up. 🙂
Shelly :) says
IM doing as much research as possible about beared dragons so I am prepared for when I get one. IM so excited!!! :>
Shelby Salis says
Hi I’m purchasing a bearded dragon next week and I am a first timer. I want to know what I need or how to take care of it. I currently live in Nevada and it gets really hot during the summer and really cold during the winter. So is there certain things that I need to know about keeping the dragon warm during the winter.