Bearded Dragon Hissing, Many bearded dragon owners wonder why their pet hisses. There are several possible reasons for this behavior. Bearded dragons are generally not aggressive, but they may hiss when they feel uncomfortable or threatened. Sometimes, they hiss to appear more intimidating. Although they prefer not to fight, hissing is their way of looking fierce and making you back off.
When a bearded dragon hisses, it may also puff up and darken its beard. These behaviors, including hissing, puffing, and darkening, serve as signals to keep away. Puffing helps them appear larger, hissing warns them to stay away, and the darkened beard indicates danger. These are all cues that your bearded dragon wants to be left alone.
Let’s explore more reasons why your bearded dragon might hiss.
5 Reasons Why Bearded dragon Hiss
1: Fear or Anxiety
Fear and anxiety are common reasons for your bearded dragon to hiss. When they feel stressed, hissing can occur. Often, this happens when they are afraid of something or someone. Sudden movements, loud noises, bright lights, or a change in their environment can all cause fear in your bearded dragon.
2: Feeling Threatened or Aggressive
Like humans and other animals, bearded dragons can act out when angry or threatened. They often express their emotions by hissing. As an owner, it’s important not to scare your beardie, as you are a significant presence in their life. If they feel threatened or scared, they may hiss to protect themselves.
3: Not Enough Access to Food or Water
Malnutrition can cause both animals and humans to act out. For example, bearded dragons may hiss when hungry or dehydrated. They might also hiss if they feel pain or lack proper nutrition. Since they cannot speak to ask for food or water, hissing becomes their way of communicating these needs.
4: Scared of Their Reflection
Bearded dragons may hiss when they see their reflection. As dogs bark at their image in a mirror, they might mistake their reflection for another reptile. This behavior is typically a reaction to what they perceive as a potential threat.
5: Need Some Privacy
Bearded dragons can feel overwhelmed if you’re constantly around or playing with them. They value their privacy and prefer not to be surrounded by people. If your bearded dragon needs space, it may start hissing. Ensure it has enough room to relax and be alone.
Hissing is one of the ways a bearded dragon communicates its need for privacy. Please pay attention to these signs and meet their needs. With time, it will become calmer and quieter.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Hiss At Me?
Your bearded dragon may hiss at you for several reasons. It could be because you’re much more significant, which might make it feel threatened. This is a natural response, as your beardie might see you as a potential danger. If you’ve just gotten a new bearded dragon, it might hiss because it doesn’t know you yet. Over time, the hissing will likely stop as it becomes more familiar to you.
Other reasons for hissing include hunger, thirst, or boredom. Additionally, your bearded dragon may hiss during brumation, a period of inactivity.
5 Ways to Stop Bearded Dragon From Hissing
1: Try changing the light source
Bearded dragons require 12 to 14 hours of UV light exposure daily. Ensure the lighting in your tank meets this requirement. If it doesn’t, adjust it immediately.
2: Try to Give Them a Different Type of Food
A pet can get bored from eating the same food every day. It’s essential to offer a balanced diet to your bearded dragon. These animals enjoy a wide range of fruits and vegetables, so try providing different foods to keep them interested.
3: Put Them in a Bigger Tank
Bearded dragons require a spacious habitat. It’s important to adjust their tank size as they grow. A small tank can make them feel cramped, stressed, and threatened, causing them to hiss. To ensure their well-being, provide a large tank that allows them to move freely.
4: Keep Each Bearded Dragon in Separate Tanks
If you have multiple bearded dragons, house them in separate tanks. Bearded dragons are territorial and will fight for dominance. Keeping them together can lead to aggression and injury. Each bearded dragon needs its own space. When housed together, they will become stressed, leading to hissing and other signs of anger. For their well-being, it’s best to keep them in individual enclosures.
5: Gently stroke their head
If your bearded dragon starts hissing at you, gently stroke its head. Using the back of your fingers is the best way to relax your pet.
Conclusion
A bearded dragon hisses primarily when it feels threatened. However, it may also hiss due to hunger, pain, or fear. To reduce hissing, consider adding hiding spots in the tank. Adding plants can also create a more relaxing environment for the dragon. Stress triggers hissing, so providing a healthy diet and a comfortable habitat is essential.
FAQs
Do all Bearded Dragons hiss?
All bearded dragons can hiss, but this typically happens when they feel stressed or threatened. Your bearded dragon is less likely to hiss when kept in a comfortable environment. However, if it feels uncomfortable, there’s a higher chance you’ll see or hear it hiss.
Is it unhealthy for a Bearded Dragon to hiss?
A bearded dragon may hiss to signal that something is wrong. Hissing can indicate an injury or illness, so paying attention is essential. If your bearded dragon is hissing regularly, take them to a vet for a thorough check-up. This will help identify and address any health issues promptly.
How to calm down a hissing bearded dragon?
To calm a hissing bearded dragon, gently stroke its head with your finger. This is the most effective method. You can also try other techniques mentioned above.
Why is my baby beardie Hissing at me?
Baby bearded dragons are small, and to them, you seem large. They are naturally afraid of you, perceiving you as a potential threat. When scared, they may hiss to protect themselves. Over time, as they become more familiar with you, they’ll stop hissing and begin to trust you.