As a bearded dragon owner, one of the questions you may have is how often you should hold your pet. Bearded dragons are social creatures, and they enjoy spending time with their owners. However, it’s important to strike a balance between handling your pet and giving them enough space and time to rest. In this article, we will discuss how often you should hold your bearded dragon and what factors you should consider.
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Age of Your Bearded Dragon
The age of your bearded dragon plays a significant role in how often you should hold them. Young bearded dragons may require more handling and socialization to become accustomed to being around people. However, it’s important to remember that young bearded dragons also need plenty of rest to grow and develop properly. As a general rule, you should limit handling sessions with young bearded dragons to no more than 15-20 minutes at a time, and no more than twice a day.
Adult bearded dragons may not need as much socialization, but they still benefit from spending time with their owners. You can handle adult bearded dragons for longer periods, but it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and body language. If your bearded dragon becomes restless or agitated, it may be time to put them back in their enclosure.
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Temperament of Your Bearded Dragon
Each bearded dragon has a unique temperament, and some may enjoy being held more than others. If your bearded dragon seems content and relaxed while being held, you can handle them more frequently. However, if your bearded dragon seems stressed or anxious while being held, it’s best to limit handling sessions.
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Time of Day
The time of day can also affect how often you should hold your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are diurnal animals, which means they are most active during the day and prefer to rest at night. You should avoid handling your bearded dragon during their peak rest times, as this can cause stress and disrupt their sleep schedule. The best time to handle your bearded dragon is during the daytime when they are most active and alert.
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Frequency of Handling Sessions
When it comes to how often you should hold your bearded dragon, it’s important to strike a balance between socialization and giving your pet enough space and time to rest. Handling sessions should be short and infrequent, especially for young bearded dragons. As your bearded dragon gets older and more accustomed to being handled, you can gradually increase the frequency and duration of handling sessions.
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Signs of Stress
It’s important to pay attention to your bearded dragon’s behavior and body language during handling sessions. Signs of stress include puffing up their beard, hissing, biting, or trying to escape. If your bearded dragon exhibits any of these behaviors, it’s best to put them back in their enclosure and give them some time to rest.
In conclusion, how often you should hold your bearded dragon depends on several factors, including their age, temperament, time of day, and frequency of handling sessions. As a general rule, handling sessions should be short and infrequent, especially for young bearded dragons. You should also pay attention to your bearded dragon’s behavior and body language to ensure that they are comfortable and not stressed. With patience and consistency, you can establish a positive and healthy relationship with your bearded dragon.
