Q&A for How to Build Love With Your Bearded Dragon

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Question

How can I train my bearded dragon?

Clint Bartley
Herpetology Expert
Clint Bartley is a Herpetology Expert based in Chandler, Indiana. He has over 30 years of experience working with reptiles, and opened Metazotics in 2022, a large reptile breeding facility and specialty store where he oversees a breeding colony of nearly 500 reptiles. Metazotics specializes in reptiles such as colubrids, ball pythons, geckos, tortoises, and more, and serves a national audience with their state-of-the-art online merchandise platform. In particular, Clint is known as an industry leader in Asian rat snake and black rat snake mutations. Clint has successfully reproduced more than 60 species of reptiles in captivity. He was the second person in the United States to produce Archelaphe bella chapaensis (bell rat snakes), and the first person in the U.S. to produce them twice. Metazotics carries a comprehensive line of supplies and habitats, offers all bioactive enclosure needs, and works with local organizations to further their knowledge and understanding of reptiles.

Clint Bartley

Herpetology Expert

Expert Answer

To effectively train a bearded dragon, utilize highly appealing protein sources as they are inherently food-motivated. While they typically show less enthusiasm towards salads, they eagerly respond to protein-rich options. Hornworms emerge as a particular favorite treat due to their irresistible appeal. Silkworms also serve as an excellent protein source and offer versatility in training and food variety.

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Question

Is it okay to take my bearded dragon outside?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Exposing a bearded dragon to natural sunlight is a great idea. However, it's best to do this on a warm or hot day, so that he is able to move around and doesn't panic because he's too cool to be mobile. Also, some beardies become fearful outside if they see birds circling overhead. If your dragon's beard starts to go black, bring him back inside.

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Question

Is carrying my bearded dragon on my shoulder and letting her fall asleep on my chest a good way to bond with her?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes. Not only is your dragon getting some valuable mental stimulation by getting out and about, but she's also enjoying the heat from your body, which reduces her stress levels.

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Question

Why does a bearded dragon's beard puff up?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A bearded dragon puffs up his beard when he feels threatened so that he will look bigger and more intimidating. If the dragon is angry, he will puff up his beard and it will go black.

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Question

If my bearded dragon is paralyzed, on which places would he feel comfortable being petted?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Paralysis is often caused by a lack of sensation, so you are unlikely to cause pain when petting him. However, he may feel frightened if you do something that he doesn't like and he can't run away. Be gentle and watch the color of his beard as you stroke him. If the beard goes black, then he's not happy, so leave him alone and try somewhere else next time.

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Question

What does it mean when my dragon's beard turns black?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

"If the dragon's beard turns black, they're cross. Let the dragon calm down before doing anything with them. If possible, avoid putting them down straight away, as the beardie may then use getting angry as a means of getting put back in their vivarium."

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