The Gentle Guide: How to Hold a Bearded Dragon Safely and Comfortably

Bearded dragons, with their captivating personalities and prehistoric charm, have become increasingly popular pets. But unlike cuddly cats or playful dogs, handling a bearded dragon requires a delicate approach. Proper handling is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of your scaly companion. A frightened or uncomfortable beardie can become stressed, potentially leading to health issues, or even bite in self-defense. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of safely and comfortably holding your bearded dragon, fostering a bond of trust and affection.

Understanding Your Bearded Dragon

Before we delve into the mechanics of holding, it’s vital to understand the basics of bearded dragon behavior. They are naturally docile creatures, but like any animal, they have their limits. Several factors influence how they react to being handled:

• Age: Younger beardies, especially babies, are more delicate and easily startled. Handle them with extra care and shorter sessions. Older dragons are typically more tolerant of being held, but always respect their individual temperament.
• Temperament: Just like people, some beardies are more social and laid-back than others. Some may be very receptive to being held, while others might be more skittish and prefer a more hands-off approach. Pay attention to your dragon’s cues and adjust handling accordingly.
• Health: A sick or injured bearded dragon should not be handled unless absolutely necessary for medical reasons. Pain or discomfort will naturally make them more defensive.
• Environment: A stressed or poorly housed bearded dragon is less likely to enjoy being handled. Make sure their enclosure is appropriately sized, has proper lighting and heating, and is free of stressors.
• Previous Experiences: A bearded dragon who has had a negative experience being handled may be more resistant to it in the future. It is crucial to be gentle and patient when first starting and to build trust.

Preparing for Handling

Before you even think about picking up your beardie, preparation is key. Here’s what you need to do:

• Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling your bearded dragon. This protects both you and your pet from the spread of germs. Do not use scented soaps or hand sanitizers as the smell can irritate your bearded dragon and they may try to bite thinking they are food or just to investigate the smell.
• Approach Calmly: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises when approaching your dragon. Speak to them softly and let them see you approach. Think of yourself as a giant from their point of view; your movements can seem frightening, so be as gentle as possible.
• Observe Your Dragon: Look for signs of stress or discomfort. Darkening of their beard, puffing up, and rapid breathing are indicators that your dragon might not be in the mood for handling. If you see these signs, postpone handling and try again later.
• Establish a Routine: Bearded dragons respond well to routine. If you plan to handle them regularly, do it at the same time each day so they know what to expect.
• Prepare the Holding Area: Do not just handle your dragon any where. Be sure to choose a place that will be safe for them to walk on if they decide they need to walk away from you. Never handle your dragon where they can jump or fall from a great height. If you are sitting on the floor, they can only fall a short distance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Holding Your Bearded Dragon

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s get into the actual process of holding your bearded dragon. Remember, patience and gentleness are your best allies.

1. The Scoop Technique: Do not reach over them and try to grab them from above. This can mimic a predator’s attack from the air and will cause your beardie to feel stressed and scared. The best way to start is by gently sliding one hand under their belly, just in front of their hind legs, and scooping them up with your other hand supporting their front body under the front legs. Avoid squeezing or grabbing too tightly. Think of it like cradling a small loaf of bread. You want to hold them securely, but never tightly.
2. Support Their Body: A key element to holding a bearded dragon is proper support. Bearded dragons do not like feeling as though they are dangling in the air. They should never be picked up by their tail, legs, or only by their shoulders. Use both hands to cradle their entire body to make them feel secure and comfortable. One hand should be positioned under their chest and belly, supporting their front end, while the other hand supports their hindquarters. You do not have to bring them close to your body, but be mindful of how they feel. Keep them as close to you as they feel comfortable.
3. Keep Them Close (But Not Too Close): Once you have a firm grip and they feel stable, bring them closer to your body, still being mindful to fully support them. Allow them to rest against your hand or arm. This provides them with a sense of security. Do not hold them so closely to your body that they feel trapped. Give them space.
4. Gentle Handling and Movement: Try to avoid sudden movements while you are holding them. If you do need to walk with them, move slowly and deliberately. Keep your body calm and balanced, and be sure to talk to them softly.
5. Supervise Their Movements: While holding your beardie, keep an eye on their movements. They may try to climb on you, especially onto your shoulders or head. Do not allow them to climb near your head, neck or face. Not only can they get scared, they can also scratch you accidentally with their claws. If they try to move off of you, put them back down on the floor in a safe location.
6. Short Sessions at First: When starting out, keep handling sessions short. A few minutes of interaction is sufficient for the first few weeks. As your beardie becomes more comfortable, you can gradually extend the handling time. Remember, the goal is to make it a positive experience for both of you.
7. Read Your Bearded Dragon’s Body Language: During holding, be attentive to your dragon’s body language. Signs of discomfort or stress include squirming, trying to escape, darkening of their beard, opening their mouth, or hissing. If you notice any of these signals, gently return them to their enclosure.
8. Return Them to Their Enclosure Gently: Once your handling session is over, carefully lower your beardie back into their enclosure. Don’t just drop them. Use the scoop method again and allow them to walk into the enclosure and make sure they feel stable and safe before releasing them completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While holding a bearded dragon may seem straightforward, some common mistakes can make your pet uncomfortable or even put them at risk:

• Grabbing or Squeezing: Never grab or squeeze your bearded dragon. They are delicate animals, and rough handling can cause injury or severe stress.
• Lifting by Tail or Limbs: Never lift your beardie by its tail, legs, or any other part of the body other than their under body. This can cause severe pain and potential injury, especially to their delicate spine.
• Forcing Handling: If your bearded dragon is showing clear signs of stress or does not want to be handled, do not force the issue. Pushing them too far will break their trust in you and cause them to resist future handling.
• Unsupervised Handling: Always supervise your bearded dragon when they are outside of their enclosure. Never leave them unattended, especially in areas where they could fall or get lost. They are not domesticated animals, and even the friendliest beardie can get scared by an unfamiliar environment.
• Handling After Meals: Avoid handling your bearded dragon immediately after they have eaten, as this can sometimes lead to regurgitation. Give them time to digest before handling.
• Children Handling Unsupervised: While it’s good for children to learn how to handle pets, they need to be taught how to handle bearded dragons very carefully. Young children should not handle a beardie without close adult supervision. The can be very fragile and children may not always be able to follow instructions when excited or playing.

Building a Bond Through Handling

Consistent, gentle handling can help build a strong bond with your bearded dragon. When they start to associate handling with positive experiences, like attention and treats, they will become more receptive to it. A properly handled and socialized bearded dragon can bring years of joy to their owner.

Always remember that each bearded dragon is unique, and some may be more tolerant of handling than others. Be patient, observe your pet’s cues, and always prioritize their comfort and safety. With a little practice and understanding, you can build a strong and loving relationship with your amazing reptilian companion.

Additional Tips

• Offer Treats: During handling, try offering your beardie small, healthy treats like a piece of their favorite vegetable or insect. This will help them associate handling with positive things.
• Talk to Them: Speaking to your bearded dragon in a gentle tone can help them feel more secure during handling.
• Create a Safe Space: When they are outside of their enclosure, ensure they have a safe and comfortable space where they can explore. Do not put them in high traffic areas, where they may become startled.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Make handling a regular part of their routine, but always respect their individual needs and mood.
• Consult a Veterinarian: If you have any concerns about handling your bearded dragon, or if you notice any signs of stress or illness, consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and positive handling experience for both you and your bearded dragon, strengthening your bond and allowing you to enjoy each other’s company to the fullest.