Do Bearded Dragons Have Feelings? | Understanding Their Emotions 2024

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles, maybe that is why many people ask one simple question, ‘do bearded dragons have feelings?’ The answer to this question can be a simple yes, while it explains many things about this creature. Bearded dragons originate in the deserts of Australia, but nowadays, many people choose to keep these reptilians as pets. If you want to care for your pet, it is crucial to know what they like and what makes them feel sad, or depressed. If you are interested in knowing more about these creatures and their preferences.

Do Bearded Dragons Have Feelings

Bearded Dragons Can Be Sensitive

Every living creature that has a brain will have feelings. The more you interact with them, the better you will understand that bearded dragons are very sensitive animals. They feel all kinds of ‘feelings’ like being scared, angry, agitated, and even sad if they do not get the things they desire. However, these feelings are not too strong and can be diverted easily. Pet owners should know how to keep their bearded dragons happy and healthy so that they can enjoy the company and savor moments of joy.

Bearded Dragons Can Be Sensitive

Are Bearded Dragons Emotional

Emotions are controlled by the hypothalamus, and since bearded dragons do not have a developed hypothalamus, their emotions are not very strong. Will they miss their owners if they are separated? Will bearded dragons become depressed if they are not feeling well? Sure! But it does not go a long way, and they will not let these emotions linger for a long time.

However, despite all these bearded dragon owners saying that they see their pets show emotions, and if they are not catered to on time, these emotions can lead to some drastic illnesses. For example, the way these dragons interact with their owners also shows their level of emotions. Moreover, they need space and like to be alone, which is also a show of emotions in a way. Sometimes when bearded dragons are agitated, they express it through scratching and bobbing their heads. Other times they stay still or close their eyes. You may also want to find out How Do You Know If Your Bearded Dragon Is Happy.

Are Bearded Dragons Emotional

Types Of Feelings Bearded Dragons Display

Bearded dragons display all kinds of feelings, and they are a result of stress, pleasure, discomfort, hunger, fear, anger, curiosity, and even love. You might think that these are all the emotions humans feel as well, however, the intensity of these emotions is very low as compared to humans.

There has been a lot of research on reptilians, and the way they behave in various circumstances. It is said that the highest level of emotions is to be able to bond with other creatures as we humans do. Forming social circles, meeting within a community, and identifying with other individuals is a sign of high emotions. Bearded dragons are aloof animals as they like their space and independence. Moreover, they do not like to socialize with other creatures and even other bearded dragons. So, according to science, these creatures have low emotions.

One of the most popular research on bearded dragons is done by Hungarian and British researchers who observed seven bearded dragons. One of these dragons was taught to open the door and come out of their captivity. Two of the remaining six bearded dragons were left to observe the opening of the door and then were observed individually if they could mimic this behavior and break free. The two dragons could follow the taught dragon, but the other four could not follow the same action of unlocking the door.

Many researchers believe that since two bearded dragons could follow the unlocking action, these creatures have high social skills. Nevertheless, the common opinion of researchers is that these skills are low and cannot be adapted. Moreover, you may also want to know How Do Bearded Dragons Mate.

Bearded Dragons Are Loving Pets

Bearded dragons seldom show their feelings but that does not mean that they are not attached to their owners. Your pet must have come and sat by your side, or it may have rested its head on your lap. These subtle actions show the dragon’s attachment to its owner. If you see your bearded dragon looking at you, or getting upset when you are not around, it is their affection! You can return this feeling by patting them gently or placing them close to you.

Some pet owners play serene music and let their pets relax with them for a while. You will notice how relaxed and at ease your dragon will feel if they know that you love them the way that they love you. Bearded dragons do not wag their tails, and they will not purr when you cuddle them like cats. However, every creature has unique ways of showing their love, and this is how bearded dragons display their feelings.

Bearded Dragons Are Loving Pets

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bearded dragons cry?

Bearded dragons may get extremely sad but they might not shed tears over it. However, sadness is a common feeling that can lead to depression even and bearded dragons feel it!

How do I know if my bearded dragon is feeling scared?

Bearded dragons behave differently when they are scared. You may see these creatures become extremely restless. They begin to scratch the glass of their tank, or they may start digging. You may also observe that bearded dragons become very alert and react to small movements around them when they are scared.

Conclusion

Many pet owners wonder if bearded dragons have feelings or not. The answer is that yes they do have feelings, but like everyone has a different way of expressing their feelings, so do bearded dragons! Get to know how they react to certain things and then make your pets feel easy and at home. Once they are settled in the routine, they will show feelings more obviously. Also, find out Why My Bearded Dragon Stare At Me.

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