Bearded Dragons are pretty weird creatures, but these facts make them seem alien! Disclaimer: You will be WOWED!
1. They can be born with two heads
They were cool enough with one head, but these cheeky devils couldn’t resist growing another! Although rare, it’s feasible a Beardie can be born and survive with two heads. Let’s head onto the next fact! (I’m sorry)
2. Can a Bearded Dragon’s beard change colour?
When they feel threatened, they will stand tall and bob their head. If that doesn’t do the trick, they’ll puff their beard out and turn it black! Pretty scary stuff!
3. They know how to surrender
If they are threatened and don’t think they’ll win the fight, they do something quite strange. By waving one of their arms, they signal “I surrender.”
4. They have a third eye (parietal eye)
Next time you’re handling your Beardie, take a look at the centre of their head. The tiny circle is actually their third “eye”. Although they can’t see out of it, the “eye” is used to measure light and heat.
Read More: 10 Common Eye Problems That Require Immediate Treatment
5. They can sleep standing up
If you see your dragon standing with its eyes closed, DO NOT DISTURB them. They are actually sleeping! Bearded Dragons have the amazing ability to lock their limbs and fall asleep. Something I wish I could do.
6. They can run on their hind legs
You may have seen some funny videos of this and thought “that’s great editing”. But Bearded Dragons can actually run on their back legs! In the wild, it’s not uncommon for them to do this when escaping from predators.
7. They can bulge their eyes out
They do this for one of three reasons:
- To loosen the skin around their eyes, ready for shedding
- Due to high blood pressure (take them to the vet!)
- They’re yawning #tiredbeardie
8. What are those holes on the side of a Bearded Dragon’s Head?
Those holes are their ears! Beardie’s have exceptional hearing. They can actually hear worms crawling around in their cage. Bad news if you’re a worm.
9. The bumps on their back are used to collect water
In captivity, this doesn’t offer much benefit, but in the wild, it’s an essential survival mechanism. When thirsty, they’ll arch their back causing the water to roll over their head, between the eyes. The Beardie then sticks its tongue out and enjoys a well-earned refreshment!
10. The rubber spikes along their body can become sharp
When threatened, the usually rubbery spikes turn rigid and sharp! Any predators trying to take a bite are in for a nasty surprise. Imagine taking eating a cactus!
11. Their tongues are super sticky
Perfect for getting insects from the floor to the mouth!
12. They live up to 3 times longer in captivity
The harsh conditions of the wild, mean Beardies usually live around 5 years. A well looked after one in captivity will live for triple that time, 15 years!
13. They bob their heads and wave to attract a mate
The male will start bobbing at the female, who if interested, will nod her head more slowly. They’ll also wave at each other, kind of a “hey, you look good” in dragon.
14. They can sleep for weeks
This is known as brumation and its basically hibernation for dragons. Sleeping for a few weeks, being a Beardie doesn’t sound half bad!
15. They can change sex
Before hatching, if incubated at 32ᵒC /90ᵒF, they could change from male to female. Although very rare it is possible. That’s an identity crisis waiting to happen.
Conclusion
Who knew Bearded Dragons could get even weirder?
For the full list check out 20 Jaw-Dropping Bearded Dragon Facts
Which fact did you find most interesting?
