Bearded Dragons Bite: How Hard and What It Means for You

bearded dragons bite a finger and another image showing the bleeding finger from Pogona minor bite

Do bearded dragons bite? Yes a bearded dragons bite can be mild to breaking skin or even fingernail. Bearded dragons are not generally considered aggressive, sometimes a bite is an accident. Here we look at the reasons bearded dragons bite, what to do about it and responses plus advise from other pet owners in the community.

Bearded Dragons Bite: 6 Signs and Reasons

1. Feeling Threatened: Like many animals, a bearded dragon may bite if it feels threatened, cornered or stressed. This defensive behavior is a natural response to perceived danger.
2. Accidental Bites During Feeding: When hand-feeding, bearded dragons can accidentally bite your fingers, mistaking them for food.
3. Mistaken Identity: Interestingly, bearded dragons can react to certain colors, like nail polish, leading to bites out of curiosity or confusion.
4. Poor Handling: Rough or improper handling can stress these reptiles, leading to a bite.
5. Lack of Taming: An untamed bearded dragon is more likely to bite, as it hasn’t learned to trust human handlers.
6. Breeding Season: Some bearded dragons, males in particular, can be aggressive when they come out of brumation ready for breeding season.

Whats the Bite Force of a Bearded Dragons Bite?

A bearded dragons bite ranges in intensity based on the species, age and reason behind it. For example, a bite due to mistaking a finger for food might be gentle, more of a grab. However, if the reptile feels threatened, it could deliver a more forceful bite.

A bearded dragons bite strength varies depending on their sex. Adult male bearded dragons bite with an average force of about 71 Newtons (Jones et al., 2020). That’s around the strength required to crack open a walnut or puncture a soft shell – enough to break human skin and even crack through a fingernail if they bite down hard.

In contrast, female bearded dragons bite with a force of about 52 Newtons, and sex-reversed females around 50 Newtons (Jones et al., 2020). A bite of 50 Newtons is roughly equivalent to the pressure needed to break a thin piece of wood or snap a plastic fork. Although softer than the males, it’s still enough to bruise skin and break skin.

So, a bearded dragon can’t bite your finger off but it can definately hurt. The bite force also varies between species; for instance, a bite from a small Pogona minor differs significantly from that of a larger Pogona vitticeps.

Does a bearded dragons bite hurt? Yes, a bearded dragon bite can break the skin. The teeth of bearded dragons are sharp enough to cause minor injuries.

Do Bearded Dragons Bite?: Community Responses

Meri: Buddy only bites accidentally (when she misses the crickets during hand feeding). It hurts a bit, but nothing too serious.

Leanne: Bella mostly walks around licking things and has only got me once, I didn’t let go of the raspberry and she went to bite it again and took a chunk off the end of my finger. Stung a slight bit but more surprises you then hurts. She has puffed up and opened her mouth at me once or twice if I catch her off guard.

Lora: Yes, but I had it coming. I tried to put his harness on him and didn’t cease and desist when he “requested”. He also bit me when I tried to get something he ate by accident out of his mouth. I figured I’d rather have a purple finger than a dead beardie. Both times-just a purple finger. It felt like getting a finger slammed in a car door.

Alison: Mama latched on accidentally when I was administering vitamins.. She was more so trying to close her jaw than being aggressive. I have had both she and Mikey think my fingers were worms before lmao but licked didn’t bite. Speaking of worms, had a nightmare I was in a room full if super worms. Happy to be awake!

Jane: Only twice, both accidental. My Odahviing was riled up because my cat was playing under the door. Odahviing went after the paw and worried a mouthful of carpet. I scooped her up, worried an errant cat claw would connect, and she nipped me. It startled me more than anything. Hamster bites hurt me more.

The second time she got me was when I had a roach on my finger tip for her. Poor thing has been crap at feeding and has been being syringe fed. She’s ill (fatty liver disease) and refuses bugs. I put a dubia on my finger to entice her. She went after it and got my finger a little. It actually hurt just a bit worse than the first bite.

Skye: Once I was carrying my beardie and tripped slightly he got scared and nipped me. It didn’t hurt at all but scared me a lot!

Dani: Yep, it’s painful and that’s another reason the term “starter lizard” is BS. They are complex little critters, lovable and sweet but are just as much a responsibility as any other pet. They don’t mean to hurt us and we don’t mean to hurt them but I learned that I need to be VERY careful when handling them both. They can smell each other and if one thinks that the other is showing aggression, it can lead to a nasty bite.

Chandrella: I was feeding crickets and dragon over shot his bite and grabbed my finger. Sliced it open on one side and broke off the nail at my nail bed.

Sharon: Only when hand feeding shredded sweet potato off the end of my finger. My fault completely. Can’t say it really hurt. More like uncomfortable. No blood

Candice: Honestly it never occurred to me that my cricket could or would bite me til I read on here that it was possible. I suppose me being naive. With that being said he’s never shown any aggression or accidentally bit anyone

Robin: Tango has never bitten anyone, not even during the occasional hand feeding. He is very careful not to strike at anything unless he can get it without taking a finger too.

What the community responded to Nickys question on bearded dragon bites and pooping on her:

Penny: Wear gloves, approach your beardie from beneath not above like a predator and stay calm. Build trust don’t act like a predator weighing up the kill, go straight in pick him/her up by sliding hand under belly then hold him/her securely but not gripped to your chest. Once your beardie realises you’re a warm softie not a hunter they will calm down.

I’ve just taken 12 months to tame an iguana from terrified aggressive tailwhip-maniac to a rather calm if not arrogant pet. Be patient and interact daily, it’s only fear that causes this behaviour. Hand waving is also a good idea and try not to approach your beardie standing at full height try to look lower.

Cassie: Yes. It hurts when they bite and they will draw blood. The peach fell off my finger right as she went for it. Ouch… Also. They do not know who is boss…they don’t care.

Olivia: yup it hurts but my 7 year old daughter can cope with it lol…my baz thought her finger was a wax worm I think and bit her it did bleed and shocked her but she didnt cry and she still goes and gets them out the viv for cuddles lol

Sheila: They wave at each other to say hey. .. I’m a bearded Dragon. I come in peace and I want no trouble from you. What if you tried waving at him through the glass first so he knows you’re not a threat. The washing of the hands is probably good too. Get rid of any food scents

Are Bearded Dragons Bite Poisonous?

No, a bearded dragons bite is not poisonous to humans.

The discovery that bearded dragons possess venomous glands was a significant advancement in our understanding of these popular reptiles. Previously, bearded dragons were not considered venomous. A pivotal research study in 2005 by Australian scientists (Fry, Vidal, Norman, et al.) revealed an important fact. Bearded dragons, along with other lizard species such as iguanas and Komodo dragons, have venom glands. The venom glands are located in both their upper and lower jaws.

The venom found in bearded dragons is relatively mild compared to that of more notoriously venomous reptiles like rattlesnakes. It is used primarily to paralyze small prey in the wild. While this venom shares some genetic similarities with rattlesnake toxins, it is produced in such minute quantities that it is not harmful to humans. A bite from a bearded dragon might result in minor bruising, swelling, or a mild burning sensation, but it is not considered dangerous to humans.

In summary, while bearded dragons do possess venom, it is of such low potency that it poses no significant threat to humans. This fact, combined with their generally docile nature, ensures they remain a safe and popular choice for reptile enthusiasts.

What to Do If Bitten by a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are generally docile and rarely bite. When they do, the primary concern is not the venom but the potential for infection, such as from bacteria like Salmonella. Proper hygiene, such as washing hands after handling the dragon or cleaning its enclosure, is essential to reduce the risk of infection.

If bitten, clean the wound immediately with a disinfectant, apply a Band-Aid, and consult a doctor to address any concerns of zoonotic diseases such as salmonella.

Bearded Dragons and Color Perception

Bearded dragons can react to colors, which might explain why they behave differently towards certain nail polish colors. Their color-changing ability, influenced by temperature, also plays a role in their behavior. Instances of bearded dragons reacting to red, pink, or fluorescent colors with licks or bites have been reported.

What others in the Bearded Dragons World community said about this video:

Ruthie: My Destroyer goes after red nails… thinks they’re raspberries 😂

Paula: i can’t wear my amethyst ring near toothless, he always tries to eat it too!

Keitorin: I can’t even put my hand in my Holly’s tank when my nails are painted. She runs for them lol.

Beth: OMG!! My dragon try’s to get my fingers too!!! I usually wear dark polish!! He’s so funny!!

8 Effective Strategies for Preventing Bearded Dragon Bites

Here are some strategies to prevent bearded dragon bites:

  1. Proper Handling: Gently and correctly handling your bearded dragon is crucial. Avoid sudden movements or grabbing them abruptly, as this can startle them. Instead, approach them calmly and let them become accustomed to your presence and touch.
  2. Building Trust: Develop a bond with your bearded dragon through regular, gentle interaction. Bearded dragons are capable of feeling. Building trust-building makes them less likely to see you as a threat and reduces the chances of biting.
  3. Use of Feeding Tongs: When feeding your bearded dragon, especially live prey or treats, use feeding tongs. These tools create a safe distance between your fingers and the dragon’s mouth, significantly reducing the risk of accidental bites. Feeding tongs also help in controlling the portion and placement of food, making the feeding process smoother and safer for both you and your pet.
  4. Recognizing Stress Signals: Be vigilant about your bearded dragon’s behavior and body language. Signs of stress or discomfort, such as hissing, puffing up, or a black beard, can indicate that they might bite. If you notice these signs, give them space and time to calm down.
  5. Creating a Comfortable Environment: Ensure your bearded dragon’s habitat is comfortable, with the right temperature gradients, hiding spots, and lighting. A comfortable and stress-free environment keeps them relaxed and less prone to defensive behaviors.
  6. Regular Feeding Schedule: Maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Hunger can make bearded dragons more irritable and prone to biting. A regular feeding routine ensures they remain calm and satiated.
  7. Avoiding Overstimulation: During periods of high activity or environmental changes (like cleaning their habitat or introducing new objects), bearded dragons can become overstimulated. During these times, limit handling to reduce the risk of a stress-induced bite.
  8. Sudden aggression can be linked with breeding season: Bearded dragon bites may also be related to breeding season. Particularly males coming out of brumation can be more aggressive than when they initially went to sleep.

References

  1. 2020 Central Bearded Dragon. The Australian Museum.
  2. Fry, B. G., Vidal, N., Norman, J. A., Vonk, F. J., Scheib, H., Ramjan, S. F. R., Kuruppu, S., Fung, K., Blair Hedges, S., Richardson, M. K., Hodgson, Wayne. C., Ignjatovic, V., Summerhayes, R., & Kochva, E. (2005). Early evolution of the venom system in lizards and snakes. Nature, 439(7076), 584–588.
  3. Jones, M. E. H., Pistevos, J. C. A., Cooper, N., Lappin, A. K., Georges, A., Hutchinson, M. N., & Holleley, C. E. (2020). Reproductive phenotype predicts adult bite‐force performance in sex‐reversed dragons ( Pogona vitticeps ). Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology, 333(4), 252–263.

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