One common misconception about bearded dragons is that they are slow, lazy reptiles that only eat and sleep. Although they enjoy relaxing, they can be quite active, especially when they’re young. In fact, it’s unusual for a bearded dragon to nap continually, as they are often curious and eager to explore their surroundings.
Bearded dragons can run up to 7 to 9 miles per hour, which is even faster than some people. They can also maintain this speed when going up elevated planes.
Beardies rely on their swiftness to survive in the wild, using it only when necessary to conserve energy. If your dragon isn’t as active as you’d hoped, it may be due to some reasons we’ll be discussing in this article.
How Do Bearded Dragons Even Run?
Bearded dragons flatten their bodies and lift both belly and tail off the ground allowing them to dash to their destination. However, your bearded dragon’s running ability is limited by two main factors: lack of depth perception and insufficient breath regulation while running.
- Depth Perception: Due to the positioning of your bearded dragon’s eyes, it struggles to accurately perceive distances from obstacles in its way. This can cause them to run short distances and pause to assess their surroundings before moving to the next stop. These frequent stops also help them outsmart predators during a chase.
- Breathing Regulation: Bearded dragons lack diaphragms, so they cannot breathe while running. This limitation forces them to take regular pauses to catch their breath.
These factors create a running pattern characterized by short bursts of speed followed by breaks for breathing and assessing their perimeters.
Did You Know That Bearded Dragons Can Run on Two Legs?
Running on all fours at high speeds may affect your bearded dragon’s balance, potentially causing it to shift its weight to its hind legs. Some believe beardies run faster this way, and others think they might be trying to cool off while running. The most common theory is that this behavior is instinctive.
While beardies can run on two legs, I’ve never witnessed it in real-time, even from the ones I care for. It seems there are no situations that may trigger this behavior, as the footage I’ve seen usually shows frightened bearded dragons. It may even be an individual skill learned by chance.
When and Why Do Bearded Dragons Run?
Bearded dragons may run for reasons such as the following:
Mating
When bearded dragons mate, it’s almost more brutal than peaceful. The male dragon may display stress and run toward the female to assert its dominance. Wouldn’t it be flattering to run toward your romantic interest with cinematic intensity? Perhaps you should give it a try.
Combat
When two bearded dragons face off, they may charge at each other to look more threatening and to gather a greater bite force when they attack. They may also be letting out a war cry that we can’t hear.
Hunting for Prey
In the wild, bearded dragons hunt smaller lizards or quick rodents, similar to how captive beardies chase after roaches and crickets. They rely on speed and precision to successfully catch their meals.
Escaping Predators
When a bearded dragon feels threatened, it instinctively runs away from danger. Beardies are also pretty good at confusing predators by hiding, running in different directions, or making abrupt pauses during hot pursuit.
Boredom
Bearded dragons can also get the “zoomies” when they are bored. If they lack stimulation, they may run around to relieve their restlessness. Put toys and climbing structures to keep your beardie engaged and active in its home. It’s wildly unethical to keep your pet trapped in a mind-numbing, unstimulating setting.
Post-Brumation Excitement
After a period of brumation, bearded dragons often experience a surge of energy. So, they may run around to reacquaint themselves with their surroundings. It’s a sign that they’re ready to resume their usual activities and explore.
Can I Let My Beardie Roam Outside Its Terrarium? Is It Safe?
It depends on your surroundings. First, provide a “beardie-safe” space with proper supervision for your pet to roam around without getting hurt or lost.
Here’s what to do:
- Block escape routes or access to hiding spots like open pipes or immovable contraptions. Bearded dragons move quickly when they feel threatened and are skilled at finding unpredictable hiding spots. I once lost my 3-month-old bearded dragon while cleaning its enclosure. After literally shredding our home, I found it hiding under a pile of cables. It was a highly stressful experience for both of us; I was only grateful to have found it on time.
- Remove live plants from reachable spots to prevent your beardie from eating them. Most houseplants are highly toxic and dragons don’t know any better. If it looks like turnip greens, then it is turnip greens!
- If you have other pets, limit their socialization with your dragon until you’re sure it’s safe. This is to prevent it from getting injured, as beardies can easily be overpowered by dogs and cats. It’s even worse if you have pet birds like turkeys or chickens; forget any hopes of familiarizing them as they can be extremely aggressive towards lizards.
- Always monitor your pet bearded dragon in open areas. They can easily get lost in bushes or snatched by predatory flying birds. This is why using a harness for your bearded dragon is crucial (view on Amazon). While it may seem like overkill, a harness can keep it tethered to you ensuring its safety.
Once you’ve assured these safety concerns, you can now enjoy finding your beardie’s surprise poops in random places.
How Long Should Bearded Dragons Spend Outside The Enclosure?
Your bearded dragon can safely spend 2 to 3 hours outside its enclosure, as long as it is healthy and has basked for at least 2 hours. However, if your climate meets their ideal living conditions, including appropriate humidity and temperature, your pet may be able to stay out even longer.
Be sure to monitor your beardie’s activity, returning it to its tank immediately after you notice signs of stress.
Why Is My Beardie Running Away From Me?
Bearded dragons typically flee from anything they perceive as a threat like sudden movements or unexpected contact. This behavior is common in young dragons who are not yet familiar with their environment or with being handled, but it can also occur in untamed adult dragons.
To stop your pet from running away from you, it’s important to be patient and gentle. Don’t force the interaction. Instead, allow your dragon to adjust at its own pace. With time and careful handling, your bearded dragon will learn to trust you and may come to enjoy your company.
Why Is My Beardie Moving Weirdly? Movement Issues in Bearded Dragons
Although bearded dragons have unique walking and running styles, some patterns are truly uncanny and indicative of an underlying problem. The following are such indications:
1. Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a condition characterized by uncoordinated limb movement. This condition is often mistaken for metabolic bone disease (MBD) as there’s almost no medical research on it. You’d need a skilled veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms may include:
- Standing or resting on the wrists
- Helplessly crossing or stiffening limbs
- Stiff joints
- Excessive flailing while walking
2. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
MBD results from deficiencies in calcium and inadequate UVB light, typically due to poor husbandry. While early stages of MBD can be reversed with treatment, advanced stages can be fatal.
Symptoms of MBD include:
- Improper joint angles, affecting movement
- Stiff, jagged, and highly limited movements
- General skeletal weakness leads to sluggish movements and slow responses
- Deformity in varying degrees
3. Neurological Problems
Bearded dragons can suffer neurological issues from head or spinal cord injuries, adenovirus, or severe metabolic bone disease.
Symptoms may include:
- Spasming or wobbling
- Toppling over while walking
- “Star gazing” (nose pointing upward)
- Inability to use hind legs
4. Impaction
Severe impaction can hinder your beardie’s ability to move by affecting the nerves around the pelvis. To relieve minor impaction, a warm soak and belly massage may help. Regardless, seek immediate treatment if symptoms persist as impaction, especially at this stage, can quickly turn fatal.
Signs of impaction include:
- Difficulty using hind legs
- Limping or dragging
5. Shedding Issues
Unshed skin can lead to discomfort, causing your beardie to avoid using certain limbs or exhibit unusual movements. You might notice it dragging its belly across surfaces to relieve itchiness and remove dead skin.
6. Injuries
Bearded dragons are active and may injure themselves while climbing or running. Most injuries heal on their own, but if the issue persists, consult a veterinarian to prevent it from getting infected.
Signs of injury can include:
- Altered walking or running patterns
- Signs of pain such as limping or refusal to move
