If you are a bearded dragon owner, there are many strange things you have come across in your daily routine, but have you ever heard a bearded dragon scream? It is very unorthodox but some owners report that they heard unusual noises. Generally, bearded dragons are thought to be very quiet pets. Some lizards like geckos possess vocal cords and make different noises. but bearded dragons don’t have any vocal cords and they can only communicate with body language.
However, this doesn’t mean that bearded dragons don’t make any noise at all. They occasionally make noises like burping, hissing, whistling, and other sounds but these sounds are very low. Bearded dragons are quiet animals and they don’t make any noises. However, if your bearded dragon is making any sound it is a sign of distress or illness. Here in this blog, we will check the reality behind bearded dragon screams and different sounds produced by bearded dragons and what those sounds mean.
Can bearded dragons scream?
Communication is considered very important for the survival of any living being. It can be used to warn another member of the species about danger or to recognize individuals about their sex in the time of reproduction. Many reptiles produce sounds that humans don’t consider as speech. If we look at chelonians and snakes they don’t have our ears and they don’t hear sound like us humans but they feel vibrations and make interpretations with it.
Similarly, if we look at crocodiles they are very vocal, their males produce roaring sounds in reproductive season, and their young ones make different sounds to attract their mother. In the event of danger, they produce a panic sound. All lizards and snakes use their tongue to analyze the scent of the environment through the Jacobsons organ.
If we look at bearded dragons they cannot scream or make any loud sound because of the absence of vocal cords. However, they can hiss but you won’t find them making sound without any purpose.
What noises can bearded dragons make and what does it mean?
There are a variety of sounds that bearded dragons make and they are as follows:
Purring
The purring sound is associated with cats but bearded dragons also make this sound once in a while. Usually, a cat purrs in a happy condition but if a bearded dragon is making a purring sound it means there is some kind of problem. A purring sound means there is some kind of respiratory infection going on they have some issue with the nose. Always take your bearded dragon to the vet if you feel a purring sound.
Hissing
Hissing is a common sound you will find that your bearded dragon is making. They make this sound when anxious, stressed, or facing any new situation or environment. If you found your bearded dragon hissing and is all puffed up and also changed their color it is a signal that they are irritated and can bite anytime.
If you have a new beardie you may hear their hissing noise during handling and training sessions. In most chances, this behavior will go away once your bearded dragon gets used to you or the surrounding environment. Usually, this hissing sound is not a form of aggression but instead, it can be considered as a defensive response that helps you understand that they are not happy with the atmosphere or surroundings.
If your bearded dragon is shedding, it may also produce a hissing sound because they are feeling uncomfortable and don’t want to be disturbed. They may also hiss if you are not handling them properly. Never pick your bearded dragon when hissing, because there is a chance it will slap with tail or bite you. Instead, try to find the problem behind the irritation of your pet and try to make them happy and comfortable.
Squeaking
Usually, the squeaking sound that comes from the enclosure of bearded is of dragons rubbing their head against the glass of the enclosure. They also produce a squeaking sound by scratching their nails against the glass. But if you feel that the squeaking sound is coming directly from your beardie, then it is a sign of respiratory infection.
Huffing
Another sound that you will hear while your bearded dragon is eating is huffing. This sound is very normal and they usually make this sound when ingesting their meal. It is a sound that is often heard during eating when your beardie is inhaling and exhaling.
Burping
When your bearded dragon finishes eating you will hear a sound that they make it is some sort of burping sound. It is not the same sound that humans made but this sound is more like that your beardie is going to throw up. It is a natural phenomenon and you will often hear this sound as it is their natural way of releasing gas.
If your bearded dragon is continuously making this sound, then there might be some serious problem going on. It can be a sign of impaction, and if this sound is accompanied by labored breathing or any other sound of distress then it is impaction. If you feel it is impaction, take your bearded dragon to the vet straight away because it can develop into to serious problem if not treated properly.
Chirping
Another sound that is often heard is a chirping sound coming out of the bearded dragon enclosure. Since the beardies can't chirp the usual culprit is a cricket that survived and left in the tank after feeding time. It is important to make sure that all the feeders like crickets are removed from the tank after feeding time. Crickets can scratch or bite our pet so leaving one can even harm your bearded dragon. However, if you feel that the sound is coming directly from the body of a bearded dragon then it can be a sign of respiratory infection.
Whistling
Sometimes you will hear a soft whistling sound. In some cases, it is caused because of something stuck in their nostril and they are trying to get it out. It can be a flap of skin covering the nostrils of the nose because of any piece that is stuck in the nose. This noise can be easily treated by cleaning the nose. Take warm water and clean their nose and if there is some object stuck deep in the nose ask for veterinary help.
There can be instances when the whistling sound is because of some respiratory infection along with the excess of mucus and open mouth breathing. As respiratory infections can be serious so treat this problem as quickly as possible.
Why does a bearded dragon scream?
If you feel that your bearded dragon is screaming it can be because of the below reasons.
Environmental issues:
The environment outside the tank can also cause problems like traffic noise, loud noises, TV, yelling, and crying babies. Rumbling and vibration from loud noises can irritate your dragon.
Enclosure issues:
Sometimes your bearded dragon does not feel comfortable in the bearded dragon tank, the reason can be temperature fluctuation. The temperature can either be too high or too low. Another reason can be the new décor which might be scaring your dragon. If there is any live insect left in the feeder that makes them comfortable and becomes a reason for bearded dragon scream. If you find your beardie in stress the first thing to do is to check their environment.
Change in diet:
Dietary changes or poor diet can be the culprit of your bearded dragon screams. If their diet is lacking enough insects and veggies it results in a lack of vitamin D3 and calcium in their body. Similarly, if you move them to a new diet it will also cause stress. Anytime you feel that your pet is not eating their food or refusing to eat check their diet. A healthy diet will make the bearded dragon less stressed.
Bearded dragons have different nutritional needs in different parts of life babies, juveniles, and adults have completely different requirements, so you must be feeding them the appropriate amount of insects and green leaves in different stages of life.
Handling problems
Some dragons are more affectionate than others and they show signs of stress when you handle them. Their sign becomes worse when any stranger or children try to handle them. Keep in mind that even the friendliest dragon will need some alone time. As you spend time with your dragon you will know when they like to get handled and when they don’t. Most bearded dragons don’t like to get handled when they after fed because they want to bask for digestion. So it's important to leave your dragon alone after that.
Mating season
In mating season you will face such kind of problem and feel that your beardie is acting a little crazy. Your beardie will scratch the glass, bob their head, run here and there, and puff up their beard. The mating season is from March to September, and sometimes it starts after the brumation. In such issues, the best thing is to wait and let this phase pass.
Cohabitation
One of the major problems that cause bearded dragon screaming is cohabitation. Beardies usually like to live alone and they feel happy and safe this way. When bearded dragons share the enclosure, they will fight for dominance and the weak dragon will get sick, injured, and eventually killed. Sometimes the dragon gets scared of their reflection in this condition wrapping the sides and background of the terrarium.
Illness or injury
If you feel that our beaded dragon is behaving abnormally and you have checked all the possible causes like diet, shedding, and environmental issues then it may be due to some kind of injury. Some of the major health issues in bearded dragons are gut impaction, metabolic bone disease, and mouth rot. In any of these problems call your vet immediately.
Pregnancy
In case of pregnancy, your beardie may be going through a lot of stress and produce different sounds. Your dragon will frantically look for a place to lay the eggs. If you see there is a problem call your vet for a solution. All you have to do is supply a nesting area and some extra calcium in the diet so the birthing process goes on smoothly.
How to prevent screaming in bearded dragons?
It is not possible to avoid the stress altogether, but it is important to provide your bearded dragon with a happy place where they feel secure and happy. According to the situation, there are a few things you can do to avoid the stress.
1. Never handle your dragon if you have a new dragon, a baby, or one that are not used to handling. Instead, get your bearded dragon used to your voice and hold your hand in the enclosure so they get used to it. Eventually, your beardie will get used to your touch.
2. After feeding your bearded dragon clean the feeding area and clear any remaining insects in the feeder.
3. Make sure that everything is right like lighting, temperature, basking spot, etc. When checking keep a temperature gun in hand and also place a thermometer in the enclosure so you will easily know if the temperature is disturbed.
4. Don’t produce loud noises around your bearded dragon.
5. When you approach the tank speak gently to your dragon and don’t get irritated as they can pick up the tension from your tone.
6. Provide your bearded dragon a lot of playtime and take them out for a walk.
7. Clean the enclosure regularly to maintain the hygiene.
8. Always feed them a balanced diet that includes vitamin D3 and calcium.
Read more: How to Clean a Bearded Dragon Tank?
When to consult the vet for help?
Every bearded dragon has a different situation and needs a different approach so you have to contact your vet if you find your beardie screaming. Some conditions in which it is important to consult a vet are:
· Loss of appetite and lethargy
· Frequent screaming
· Difficult breathing
· Bloated appearance
· Swollen or discolored beard.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons do not scream like humans or certain animals. They instead rely on body language and mild vocalizations such as hissing to convey distress or discomfort. If your bearded dragon is also showing abnormal behavior like gaping, puffing out, or being aggressive, it's necessary to evaluate their environment and health. Good care, a stress-free environment, and frequent checkups can keep your pet happy and healthy. Understanding their unique forms of communication will enable you to form a closer bond with your bearded dragon!