How to Make Friends With Your Bearded Dragon

Various species of bearded dragon, which are large Australian lizards, have become popular as pets. Unlike some reptiles, you can handle them and they are usually friendly. Bearded dragons are naturally sociable lizards. If you treat your dragon with patience and respect, it shouldn't be difficult to make friends.

Things You'll Need

  • Live food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn how bearded dragons communicate, which is different to mammals. Hissing, displaying the frill, whipping the tail, opening the mouth wide and flattening the body are defensive signs and may indicate fear or aggression. Lifting a front leg and waving it is a sign of submission.

    • 2

      Let a new bearded dragon settle into its home. Put the cage in a quiet room and don't disturb the lizard, apart from feeding, for about a week.

    • 3

      Place your hand a short distance from the bearded dragon. Withdraw if the dragon makes defensive gestures, or runs away. Let the dragon crawl onto your arm if it wants to. Repeat daily for a few days, gradually reducing the distance each time.

    • 4

      Hand-feed the dragon. Hold a cricket or other food item between your thumb and index finger and offer to the lizard. If your dragon doesn't take the food insect, simply release the insect into the enclosure and try again at the next mealtime.

    • 5

      Pick the dragon up with both hands, once it is used to your presence. Approach from the side, not from above, and scoop up gently, supporting its abdomen.