Bearded dragons are popular reptiles kept as pets, and they can make wonderful companions. But understanding their behavior is essential for providing a healthy and happy environment for them. One behavior that can be confusing to owners is when a bearded dragon flattens out. In this article, we will discuss what it means when a bearded dragon flattens out and how to ensure your pet is comfortable and stress-free.
What is a Bearded Dragon?
A bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is an Australian lizard species that has become increasingly popular as a pet in recent years due to their docile temperaments and unique personalities. They range in size from 8-24 inches (20-60 cm), depending on the species, and have distinctive spines along their backs and sides that resemble facial hair, hence the name “bearded” dragon. Bearded dragons come in various colors, including olive green, yellow, orange, red, brown, white, and black.
The Significance of Flattening Out in Bearded Dragons
Flattening out is an important behavior seen in bearded dragons that helps them regulate their body temperature by exposing more of their bodies to the air or sun. It also helps them blend into their environment to avoid predators or detect prey more easily. When a bearded dragon flattens out it means they are trying to cool down or warm up by exposing themselves more directly to the sun or air respectively.
Reasons Why a Bearded Dragon May Flatten Out
There are several reasons why a bearded dragon may flatten out:
• To regulate body temperature: As mentioned above, flattening out helps them regulate their body temperature by exposing more of their bodies to the air or sun as needed for warmth or cooling down respectively.
• To hide from predators: Flattening out allows them to blend into their environment better which can help them avoid predators more easily.
• To detect prey: By flattening out they can detect prey more easily as they are able to sense vibrations from movement on the ground better than when standing upright on two legs.
How to Tell if Your Bearded Dragon is Stressed or Uncomfortable
In addition to flattening out, there are other signs you can look for that may indicate your bearded dragon is stressed or uncomfortable such as:
• Refusing food: If your bearded dragon refuses food it could be a sign of stress or discomfort due to something in its environment such as too much noise or activity going on around it;
• Hiding away: If your bearded dragon hides away often this could be an indication of stress;
• Aggressive behavior: If your beardie becomes aggressive this could be another sign of stress;
• Excessive scratching/biting/clawing at itself: This could be an indication of skin irritation caused by mites or other parasites;
Tips for Keeping Your Bearded Dragon Comfortable and Stress-Free
To ensure your beardie stays happy and healthy you should keep these tips in mind:
• Provide adequate heat sources such as basking lamps; • Provide adequate UVB lighting; • Make sure its enclosure has plenty of hiding spots; • Make sure its enclosure has plenty of climbing branches/rocks/logs; • Feed it a varied diet with plenty of greens; • Keep its enclosure clean & free from parasites & bacteria; • Handle it gently & slowly so it doesn’t get scared/stressed; • Take it outside regularly for some fresh air & sunshine (if safe).
Conclusion
Flattening out is an important behavior seen in bearded dragons that helps them regulate their body temperature by exposing more of their bodies to the air or sun as well as helping them blend into their environment better for protection against predators and detection of prey easier than when standing upright on two legs.Understanding what this behavior means will help owners provide the best care possible for these amazing animals!
FAQs About Bearded Dragons Flattening Out
- What does it mean when my beardie flattens out?
It usually means they’re trying to regulate their body temperature by either warming up with direct sunlight exposure or cooling down with direct air exposure.
- What should I do if my beardie starts flattening out?
Check if there’s anything physically wrong with your beardie first like parasites/mites etc., then check if there’s anything wrong with its environment like too much noise/activity etc., then adjust accordingly.
- How often should I take my beardie outside?
At least once every week so they can get some fresh air & sunshine.