Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions remain my own. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.
Bearded Dragons are interesting creatures with a wide variety of personalities and behaviors. They often display their personalities in their mouths. What does your bearded dragon do when it is happy? If your bearded dragon opening mouth wide, it is likely that your dragon is in a happy mood. In this article, we will explore different types of beardie mouth opening and what they mean.
About Bearded Dragons
The Bearded Dragon is a type of lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards get their name from the spines or “beard” on their chin, which they can puff out when they are angry or threatened. Bearded Dragons are popular pets because they are friendly, low-maintenance, and easy to care for.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits. In the wild, Bearded Dragons bask in the sun to warm their bodies and help them digest their food properly.
Bearded Dragons open their mouths for a variety of reasons other than to eat. Below we will discuss common reasons for a bearded dragon opening mouth.
What does a beardie mouth opening mean?
Bearded dragons have a circular mouth opening, usually with a slight indentation in the lower jaw. This is how the bearded dragon can grip on to a branch or another animal to climb. The beardie mouth opening is unique in the animal kingdom. Most other animals have a straight mouth opening. When a bearded dragon mouth opens wide, it is called gaping. Gaping is often a sign of contentment in bearded dragons.
If you see your bearded dragon gaping, it is a good idea to offer it some food. Bearded dragons love to eat! They are also known to be very greedy eaters. If your dragon is not interested in food, it may just be happy and content with its current situation.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Open Their Mouth?
There are two main types of beardie mouth openings: gaping and yawning. Gaping is a wide mouth opening that is usually accompanied by a head bob. Yawning is a slow, deep mouth opening that is not accompanied by a head bob. Yawning is often a sign of fatigue or boredom.
Add some decor for your beardie, Best bearded dragon hides and caves
Bearded dragons can also open their mouths for other reasons, such as to hiss or to show aggression. If you see your bearded dragon opening its mouth and hissing, it is likely that it is feeling threatened. It is important to remove any potential threats from the area to reduce your dragon’s stress levels.
Conclusion
In summary, bearded dragons open their mouths for a variety of reasons. Gaping is usually a sign of contentment, while yawning is often a sign of fatigue or boredom. Bearded dragons can also open their mouths to hiss or show aggression. If you see your bearded dragon opening its mouth, it is important to observe its body language to determine its mood. If you are ever unsure about your bearded dragon’s health or behavior, it is always best to consult a veterinarian or qualified reptile specialist.
FAQ
Do Bearded Dragons Have Teeth?
Bearded dragons have around 80-90 sharp teeth. These teeth are used for tearing and grinding food. Bearded dragons do not have the ability to chew their food, so they must consume small pieces.
My Bearded Dragon Mouth Stays Open While Basking, Should I Be Concerned?
No, you don’t need to be concerned if your bearded dragon’s mouth stays open while basking. Some bearded dragons keep their mouths open while basking to help regulate their body temperature.
An open mouth bearded dragon is often a sign of Gaping. This is a sign that your beardie is relaxed and content. As always, if you are concerned, you should seek the advice of a reptile specialist or veterinarian.
Do Bearded Dragons Yawn When They Are Sick?
Bearded dragons can yawn when they are sick, but it is not a common symptom. If your bearded dragon is yawning and has other symptoms, such as lethargy, appetite loss, or diarrhea, it is important to seek the advice of a reptile specialist or veterinarian. You can also make sure your habit is setup correctly.
When Do Bearded Dragons Open Their Mouths?
Bearded dragons can open their mouths for a variety of reasons. Gaping is usually a sign of contentment, while yawning is often a sign of fatigue or boredom. Bearded dragons can also open their mouths to hiss or show aggression.