7 Reasons Why Your Bearded Dragon Licks You [Explained]

Hey there, fellow reptile enthusiasts! Ever wondered what does it mean when a bearded dragon licks you?

You’re not alone! Bearded dragons are fascinating and curious creatures, and they often exhibit behaviors that might leave you scratching your head.

One such behavior is licking. And if you’re lucky enough to share your life with a beardie, you’ve probably experienced this firsthand.

In this post, we’ll explore seven reasons your bearded dragon might give you those adorable little licks.

So, let’s dive in and unravel the mystery behind this endearing behavior. And stick around for two fun facts you probably didn’t know about bearded dragons!

Fun Fact #1: Bearded dragons can see in ultraviolet (UV) light, which helps them track down insects and other prey more effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Exploring Their Environment

Bearded dragons are naturally inquisitive creatures. They use their senses to explore and learn about their surroundings, including the people who care for them.

When your bearded dragon licks you, they’re actually gathering information about its environment through its sense of taste.

You see, bearded dragons have a special organ called the Jacobson’s organ or vomeronasal organ located on the roof of their mouths. This organ helps them detect chemical cues from their environment.

When your beardie licks you, they’re transferring these molecules to their Jacobson’s organ, which helps them understand more about you and your scent.

So, next time your bearded dragon licks you, remember that they’re curious little critters trying to learn more about their world – and you’re an important part of it!

Fun Fact #2: Bearded dragons can regulate their body temperature by changing the color of their skin, often appearing darker in the morning to help them warm up more quickly.

2: Tasting You (But Don’t Worry, It’s Not a Bite!)

We know what you’re thinking: Is my bearded dragon tasting me because they want to take a bite?

Rest assured, that’s not the case! Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and insects. While they’re certainly interested in what you taste like, they’re not sizing you up as a potential meal.

Licking you allows your bearded dragon to taste your skin and identify your unique scent. It’s a way for them to familiarize themselves with you and understand that you’re not a threat.

By recognizing your smell, your beardie can feel more comfortable and secure in your presence. So, when your bearded dragon licks you, they’re simply trying to get to know you better!

Don’t forget to check out our post on how bearded dragons show fear to learn more about their body language and emotions.

3: Bonding with Human

Just like our furry friends, bearded dragons can form strong bonds with their humans. Licking is one way your beardie might try to strengthen that bond.

By tasting and smelling you, they acknowledge your presence and accept you as part of their social circle.

Spending quality time with your bearded dragon is essential, as these interactions help build trust and a sense of security.

Regular handling, talking to your beardie, and even just hanging out together can all contribute to a deeper bond between you and your scaly companion.

You might also be interested in learning about other ways bearded dragons communicate, like why they bob their heads or why they raise their tails.

4. Seeking Attention and Interaction

Sometimes, your bearded dragon may lick you as a way to grab your attention. Just like any other pet, beardies enjoy interacting with their humans and crave mental stimulation.

Licking is a gentle way for your bearded dragon to say, “Hey, I’m here! Let’s play or hang out.”

If your beardie seems to be licking you more often or during specific times, it could be a sign that they’re feeling a bit bored or lonely.

Try engaging in more activities with them, like offering new toys, changing their habitat’s layout, or simply spending more one-on-one time together.

5: Detecting Scents and Tastes

You might not realize it, but your hands carry a variety of scents and tastes from everything you touch throughout the day. Your bearded dragon might be licking you to get a taste of these interesting scents or flavors.

From the soap you use to the food you’ve been preparing, your hands tell a story that your beardie finds intriguing!

To avoid any potential harm or irritation to your bearded dragon, always make sure to wash your hands before handling them.

This will remove any lingering chemicals, fragrances, or residue that could be harmful or confusing to your beardie’s sensitive tongue and Jacobson’s organ.

6: Assessing Potential Threats

In the wild, bearded dragons use their keen sense of taste and smell to determine if something in their environment poses a threat.

When your bearded dragon licks you, they might assess whether you’re a potential danger.

By familiarizing themselves with your scent, your beardie can determine that you’re not a predator or a trusted friend.

As you spend more time together and your bearded dragon becomes more comfortable with you, these “threat assessments” might become less frequent. It’s all part of the process of building a strong bond and trust between you and your scaly companion.

7: Simply Mimicking You

Bearded dragons are smart creatures who can pick up on their humans’ behaviors. If your beardie sees you touching your face, rubbing your eyes, or even kissing their enclosure, they might mimic your actions by licking you in return.

It’s their way of interacting and engaging with you, just as they see you doing with them.

Mimicking behavior is another sign that your bearded dragon is comfortable with you and interested in your actions. It’s a fun and heartwarming way for your beardie to express their curiosity and affection.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Bearded Dragon’s Behavior

Now that we’ve explored the seven reasons why your bearded dragon might lick you, you can better understand and appreciate this endearing behavior.

From exploring their environment and bonding with you to simply mimicking your actions, your bearded dragon’s licks are one of many ways to express their curiosity and affection.

Remember always to handle your bearded dragon gently and ensure you’re meeting their unique care requirements to help them feel comfortable and secure.

Understanding your beardie’s behavior and building trust will create a strong bond that will last a lifetime.