Why Is My Bearded Dragon Waving?

Have you ever seen your bearded dragon waving at you? It might look like your little buddy is trying to say hello, but waving is one of the unique behaviors that bearded dragons exhibit. Understanding why your reptilian companion waves can give you insight into what they’re feeling and how you can take better care of them.

What Is Waving in Bearded Dragons?

Waving is when a bearded dragon raises one of its front legs and moves it up and down in a waving motion. It’s often described as ‘waving hello’ or ‘waving goodbye’. However, bearded dragons wave for different reasons, and the waving motion might not always mean the same thing.

Reasons Why Your Bearded Dragon Waving at You

Reassurance

Bearded dragons are social creatures and enjoy the company of their human companions. When they wave, they might be acknowledging you as their colony’s leader and seeking reassurance from you. In their eyes, you’re the provider of food, water, and care, and they may see this as an opportunity to experience your nurturing behavior.

Sign of Dominance

Bearded dragons are territorial animals and might wave to show their dominance. In the wild, waving is a way to establish dominance over other lizards and claim territory. Your bearded dragon might be showing off its strength by waving its arm towards you, which might appear bizarre behavior, but it’s their way of conveying that they’re the boss of the household.

Threat Display

On some occasions, waving might be a warning sign to other bearded dragons or animals. When they’re feeling threatened or uncomfortable, they might display their dominance through waving or puffing up of their chin, which is an aggressive or defensive display. They might also hiss and puff out their throat or body to look more prominent and formidable to the other animal.

How to React When Your Bearded Dragon Waves?

If your bearded dragon waves at you, do not be alarmed as it’s a relatively regular behavior that can vary based on the reason behind the wave. If you have a dominant or aggressive bearded dragon, avoid reaching into their cage and instead offer food or something to distract them. It’s crucial to recognize your lizard’s body language to identify what they are trying to convey. Some bearded dragons may show other signs, such as flaring their beards or basking in the sun, indicating they are being friendly, while some can become uneasy and show discomfort when they feel threatened.

Conclusion

If you notice your bearded dragon waving at you, don’t panic, observe other signs to determine what they’re trying to communicate. Recognizing your pet’s behavior and body language can provide you with insight into your pet’s condition and help you understand their needs better. Remember, bearded dragons are social animals that need a lot of attention, care, and protection. So, taking care of your pet will help them become comfortable in their space, content, and live a long healthy life.