The bearded Dragon is a popular reptile pet. They are calm and laid-back pets. They can be energetic and active when they go exploring. However, they can also be very docile and loving when they spend time with their humans. However, they do have their quirks. Bearded dragons are known for their head bobbing. Many bearded dragons will wave at their pets, other bearded Dragons, or even their reflection. You can find out what waving means and what you should do if you see it.
What is Waving?
Waving is exactly what the name implies. The beardie raises his arm up in the air and slowly rotates it around in a circular motion. He may repeat the motion several times, or he might wave with one arm. It is cute and friendly. Many owners respond to it by waving back. It’s a slow, methodical motion that most people find amusing. However, we start to wonder if it’s normal behavior or a sign of something wrong.
It’s More Than a Hearty Greeting
Your beardie may be waving for a variety of reasons. It is not a greeting, but a friendly way of saying hello to greet you when you enter a room. This may not be a bad thing. The context is key to understanding why your beardie waving at you. It could be very different for a beardie to wave at you as you approach the cage from him waving at another beardie or his reflection.
There are many reasons to wave
Here are five reasons your beardie might be waving. There are also steps you can take to stop it.
1. Be submissive to You
The bearded dragon is a small, content reptile. Bearded dragons have a clear understanding of their place in this world. While they will try to dominate other bearded Dragons and may even eat the crickets that you feed them, they don’t tend to try and take over larger reptiles.
Waving is, in fact, a sign that you are submissive. Your beardie is acknowledging that you are bigger than them and letting you know they aren’t a threat.
Do I Have to Wave Back at My Bearded Dragon
There is nothing wrong in waving at your beardie. He may not become dominant suddenly if he displays submissiveness. The situation may be viewed as a harmless stalemate, and it may help him relax if he’s worried about your dominant position.
2. Fearful of other pets
Beardies can be afraid of other pets that come near them. Submissiveness doesn’t necessarily mean fear. You should also look for other signs. You can tell if your beardie is afraid of the glass by running and hiding when he sniffs it.
Your beardie might learn over time that a nose pressing against his cage is not dangerous. You might discover that cats enjoy the heat of the terrarium’s top. You will have to keep your pets away from the cage and not appear too aggressive.
3. Being submissive to other pets
Submission is not always a sign that you are afraid. Your beardie will likely have accepted his place in life and in the pack hierarchy. He knows that any animal larger than him is superior. You may notice signs of submissiveness from him to his other pets, but he is not afraid of them. It’s possible that he is not showing any signs of submissiveness to your other pets, but he may be able to keep the same behavior and show submissiveness briefly before going about his day.
4. Part of mating behavior
Rarely, the female may wave at the male during courtship or mating. This is an indication of submissiveness, and it is not common in all situations. Keep in mind that breeding pairs can sometimes be aggressive and the female may show submissive tendencies to stop biting or aggressiveness.
5. Be a Reflection Submissive
Waving can be a sign that your beardie is seeing himself in the mirror. He may be submissive to a bearded Dragon he doesn’t recognize and acknowledge their presence.
Does it make sense for bearded dragons to see their reflections?
The other beardie (his reflection), will play a similar conciliatory role. Your tank mate will be non-threatening to your beardie. It is possible for your beardie to be confused about his movements and why he returns only when he sits at a particular spot. However, it is unlikely that he will do any harm.
Do not ignore signs that your beardie is experiencing stress or if the activity has become routine. You can try moving the mirror or reflective surface or changing the lighting to get rid of the reflection. This will create a safer environment.
Conclusion
You don’t need to worry if your beardie is waving. Your beardie might be afraid of other animals, such as your cat or dog. Although he may feel threatened by other beardies in his cage, this can also include his reflection. Waving is an indication of submission. If it’s not accompanied by signs of stress or anxiety, it shouldn’t be a concern.
It is important to identify the problem and take immediate action. Place two or more beardies in separate cages. Keep the dog from sniffing and running around the cage.
What causes bearded dragons to wag their tails?
While you may not see it very often, your dragon’s tail may sometimes twitch in a quick side-to-side motion. If it’s in hunting mode, this might indicate that it’s getting ready to pounce on something. It might also indicate that he is anxious and attempting to appear tough.
Is waving by a bearded dragon a good thing?
The most typical purpose for a bearded dragon to wave is to show submission. Whereas head bobbing indicates power and is frequently displayed by alpha males or females, waving is a submissive indication commonly displayed by dragons that see themselves as subordinate or beta.
How can you determine whether a bearded dragon is pleased or angry?
This is a clear indication that your beardie is upset, and it generally occurs when they are unhappy with the way you are treating them. … Bearding (Fluffing Their Beard)… Head Bobbing… Gaping (Opening Their Mouth Wide)
Should you keep your bearded dragon every day?
Bearded dragons are more tolerant to handling than other lizards. Regular handling helps bearded dragons become accustomed to humans, thus you should handle your beardie on a daily basis. This also reduces stress during routine maintenance, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are usually docile and simple to handle.
Do bearded dragons exhibit affection to their owners?
Bearded Dragons are the only known reptiles that demonstrate affection for their human partners, making them ideal exotic pets if a reptile is what you’re searching for.
How can you tell whether your bearded dragon believes you?
Bearded dragons are known to demonstrate devotion to their owners, however not in the same way that dogs, cats, and other animals do. They will, for example, remain quiet when touched or sit still on their owner’s lap. Bearded dragons are not naturally gregarious creatures. They live alone in the woods.
What are bearded dragons most fond of?
Bearded Dragons consume animals in the wild, which account for around 75% of their diet and can include crickets, cockroaches, worms, and even tiny species such as mice; however, mice are not fed to bearded dragons maintained as pets. The remaining 20% to 25% of their diet is made up of greens, vegetables, and little fruit.
How frequently do bearded dragons require baths?
3 times each week Bathing your dragon three times a week should be plenty to keep it clean and hydrated. If your dragon despises showers, once a week may be an acceptable objective. If your dragon can’t get enough bath time, try doing it more regularly, perhaps even once a day.
Why do bearded dragons wave their heads?
Bobbing Bearded Dragon Head Males will head bob during breeding to demonstrate their authority over a female. Males will bob their heads to start courting when executing a mating display. Females express acceptance with bowed heads back. Head bobbing can also be used to demonstrate hostility and dominance.