Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If you can relate, or know of it being true, please comment...

I have my ~year old BD in his tank set up right next to my computer. Of which I am stationed at a lot. Sometimes he sits there peacefully and basks, and others he will come to the side of the tank closest to me/the computer and go up on his hind legs and scratch at the tank relentlessly. After several minutes of frantic scratching and moving around, I'll just pick him up and put him on my shoulder. There, he will sit patiently and not move an inch. When I go to put him back in, he starts the scratching again. (That is, if I only held him for a short amount of time.) Other than that, he seems to be satisfied with being held.

Does this sound like typical BD behavior? Do they actually have the ability to have "wants" and "needs" too? Other than being fed and watered?

Thanks,
~Nick

As far as them getting anxiety disorder, I doubt it and hope not. I have it and certainly hope none of my dragons go through what I have at times. I have dragons that are very active and move around their cages alot. I have never thought much of it as they are healthy, good wieghts and eat alot.
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Bill DiFabio
Garden State Herpetoculture...website to follow...
Email Me
"If you don't have enemies, you don't have character." - Paul Newman

Mine does that too, and she has a nice big 2x2x4 cage. The scratching drives me crazy! She is very happy when she is out and about, I guess they just need a change of scenery once in awhile.
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He just wants to come out and interact. Very normal behavior.

Sean
Heart Mountain Herps

Mine does the same at times. As long as I am within view she is OK. When she loses sight of me she will start to scratch. When I hold her or have her on my shoulder she can sure dig those claws in when she doesn't want to leave. Draco was rescued from a 13 year old who neglected her. I wonder if this might have something to do with it. Now that she is being treated well perhaps Draco is worried about being seperated from me.

Bearded Dragons are one of the most socialable reptiles out there. Mainly the reason why I purchased mine. Noodles, my 8 month old female BD has always scratched in her cage. In fact, the minute I get home and she sets eyes on me, she begins to pace back and forth in her tank until I pick her up. All they want is some attention. They even know when someone is taking their attention away. Example of this is whem i'm holding Noodles and she senses that my boyfriend is taking my "time" from her, she will turn black and puff up at him. If you hold your BD and give it the love it wants, it will continue scratching. Its just like if a baby cries and you pick it up every time it cries....well guess what the reaction will be every time it wants to be held. Totally normal behavior. Good luck and continue giving your dragon the love its craving!