Bearded Dragon Head Up High: A Sign of What?

If you’re a new bearded dragon owner, you may have noticed that your pet raises its head up high every now and then. At first, you may not know what this behavior means or if it’s something to be worried about. Don’t worry – in most cases, it’s completely normal and harmless. In this post, we’ll explore the different reasons why your bearded dragon might be raising its head up high and what you should do about it.

1. Showing Off

Bearded dragons are known for their impressive displays, particularly among males during mating season. One way they do this is by raising their head up high, puffing out their beard, and displaying their bright colors. This is a sign of dominance and is done to attract a potential mate or intimidate rivals. If your bearded dragon is doing this, it’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

2. Scanning Its Environment

Bearded dragons have excellent eyesight and use their raised heads to get a better view of their surroundings. This behavior is particularly common in outdoor enclosures where there’s more to see. By scanning its environment, your bearded dragon is looking out for potential threats or prey. If you notice your bearded dragon doing this, make sure its enclosure is secure and that there aren’t any potential threats nearby.

3. Basking in the Sun

Bearded dragons, like all reptiles, need heat and light to regulate their body temperature and metabolism. By raising their head up high, they’re able to absorb more heat and UVB rays from their basking spot. This is particularly important for their bone health and overall wellbeing. If your bearded dragon is doing this, make sure its basking spot is adequate and that it has access to UVB lighting for at least 12 hours a day.

4. Stress or Aggression

In some cases, a bearded dragon may raise its head up high as a sign of stress or aggression. This is particularly common in new or unfamiliar environments or when interacting with other pets or humans. If your bearded dragon is exhibiting this behavior, try to identify the cause of its stress and remove it if possible. Provide your pet with a comfortable and secure enclosure and limit interaction until it becomes more comfortable with its surroundings.

Conclusion

Raising its head up high is a common behavior in bearded dragons and is usually nothing to worry about. By understanding why your pet is doing this, you can ensure its health and happiness. Whether it’s showing off, scanning its environment, basking in the sun, or feeling stressed or aggressive, your bearded dragon’s behavior is a valuable way of communicating with you. By paying attention to it, you can build a stronger bond with your pet and give it the care it deserves.