Generally, Bearded Dragons owners talk to their pets all the time. Basically, this ought to help with bonding and forming trust but can Bearded Dragons actually hear?
Therefore, can Bearded Dragons hear? Basically, Bearded Dragons actually have very good hearing. Particularly, this is necessary to keep safe from predators in the wild. And, also to listen out for movements of small prey.
Contents
- how do dragons hear?
- why is hearing essential for a bearded dragon?
- avoiding predators
- catching prey
- bearded dragons responding to their names
- can a bearded dragon in any way recognize their owners’ voice?
- do you have to clean a bearded dragon’s ears?
- does noise bother bearded dragons?
- Can your bearded dragon sleep with noise?
- Is too much noise unhealthy for your dragon?
How Does your Bearded Dragon Hear?
Often times, many people wonder if Bearded Dragons can hear because to the naked eye it looks like they don’t even have ears.
However, this actually isn’t true. Bearded Dragons do have ears but they’re not protruding ears like humans.
Also, the external part of a Bearded Dragons ear is just a hole and the rest of the ear is internal.
Really, you can easily find the ear if you follow the mouth right to the corner with your finger and then move your finger up slightly.
Likewise, a Bearded Dragon can hear very well. Meanwhile, in the wild, they are good at listening out for certain sounds to help them survive. And, also to find prey as well as stop them from getting eaten.
Why is Hearing Essential For a Bearded Dragon?
There are various reasons why hearing is important for Bearded Dragons. Meanwhile, some of the reasons may sound obvious, while others are quite clever and can really help you to keep your Dragon safe and have a great relationship with them.
Avoiding Predators
Typically, one of the main reasons why a Bearded Dragon needs to have an excellent hearing is to ensure they stay out of the reach of predators in the wild.
Generally, cats, foxes, dingos, pythons, and birds are all common predators for Bearded Dragons. And, they all pose different styles of attack.
Meanwhile, all these predators are extremely good hunters. Hence, any other animal or reptile living in close proximity has to be fully aware. Also, it any of those reptiles must use all its available sensors at all times.
Further, Bearded Dragons rely heavily on their vision to keep away from and even escape from these predators. Also, using their hearing is just as important.
Just imagine a Bearded Dragon basking on a rock and a dingo slowly creeps up from behind. Basically, the dragon can’t see the dingo so it must rely on its other sensors to keep it safe such as
- the sense of vibration,
- smell and
- obviously hearing.
Catching Prey
Importantly, Bearded Dragons also need an excellent hearing to catch prey. Meanwhile, in the wild, it really is survival of the fittest. That is, if you don’t eat preys then you will go hungry, it really is as simple as that!
Likewise, in the wild, they would eat a wide variety of bugs and insects. However, food isn’t always easily accessible.
Basically, they may have to be very patient and wait for a number of hours before coming across any insects or bugs.
Particularly, it’s this waiting period that makes their ability to hear so important because detecting any small amount of sound nearby could be the difference between going hungry or surviving.
However, in captivity, a Bearded Dragon use of hearing for catching prey food is obviously less important as they get fed on demand. Nevertheless, it’s still something they use to a certain extent.
Also, if you put some crickets in your Dragon’s tank at feeding time they will primarily use their vision to find the crickets.
However, some of them will hide and that’s when your Dragon will be forced to use their hearing as a hunting tool to find the remaining crickets.
Likewise, it’s pretty cool how you can put a box of crickets near their tank. Therefore, observing how they can hear only the slightest noise from the box. And, also triggers the same feeding instinct.
Bearded Dragons Responding to Their Name
Believe it or not, you can actually teach your Dragon to respond to its name. Generally, this is something that owners often overlook.
However, if they use it in the right way it’s another reason why their ability to hear is vital even in captivity.
Basically, once you have taught your Dragon to respond to its name then it will almost always come running every time you call its name.
Likewise, this can be great for both play and bonding with your Dragon. Really, there’s no better feeling than calling your Bearded Dragon and they come running to you and then having a cuddle.
Literarily, it’s not just a cool little trick, teaching your Dragon to respond to its name can also be vital to its safety.
Does Bearded Dragon Recognize Their Owners Voice?
Basically, a Bearded Dragons should be able to recognize their owners’ voice depending on how long you interact with them.
Likewise, speaking in the same tone helps to create a sound that your Bearded Dragon will be able to know and recognize.
Also, Bearded Dragons are very intelligent reptiles. And, they will also usually recognize the voice of the person who feeds them. Generally, this is because they will associate the voice with food.
Generally, most animals and reptiles alike will remember anything much easier and faster when there is something in it for them. Meanwhile, the best way that any reptile remembers is through association with food.
Do you have to Clean your Bearded Dragon’s Ears?
Most times, because Bearded Dragons have a large hole as the only external part of their ear, there’s always the fear that they may get something in it.
Therefore, depending on what substrate you use, there’s always the fear of sand or small pieces of bark getting lodged in their ear.
However, if you suspect that they’ve got something in there then you really need to go and see a vet. Also, if you think they simply need a cleanout, then you should not risk sticking anything in their ears.
Does Noise Bother Bearded Dragons?
Basically, Bearded Dragons have their own individual personalities.
Therefore, while some will be outgoing and dominant, others will be submissive and often timid.
So, these different personality types can cause some Bearded Dragons to be easily bothered by the noise around the home. While their counterparts will be unfazed and carry on as normal.
Also, an extremely loud noise or sound is most likely to bother a Bearded Dragony, especially those out of the blues. Likewise, quieter noise that associates with a predator can be even more intimidating.
Therefore, the best thing you can do as an owner is to understand your Bearded Dragons personality. Also, don’t consistently put them in situations where loud sounds and noise is likely to intimidate them.
Most especially, you should stop it if they show discomfort to those sounds in the past. For example loud music or even hair dryers.
Can your Bearded Dragons Sleep With Noise?
Basically, Bearded Dragons are much the same as humans in many ways when it comes to sleeping.
Particularly, they like to sleep in the dark, they like to be in a routine or sleeping at the same time each night and they also like it quiet.
Further, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. That is if a Bearded Dragon is trying to get to sleep but they are constantly having to listen and process sounds to make sure they aren’t predators then it’s always going to be hard for them to sleep.
Hence, the brain will always struggle to shut down and allow the sleep mode to set in. Then, it has to constantly process loud noises.
Is too Much Noise Unhealthy For Your Dragon?
Generally, loud noises from time to time should not cause too many problems or any long term stress for your Bearded Dragon.
In fact, in some common cases, this is hard to avoid with hoovers and some other household appliances that are essential in modern life.
Therefore, if the noise is constant over a long period of time and it’s not necessary, for example, playing loud music for hours on end every weekend then you really need to think about how this will affect your Bearded Dragon.
In fact, this is the kind of long term noise that can cause them stress. Therefore, this situation should be avoided.
However, you should not worry about the more natural noises that can scare your Dragon. Noises such as a barking dog are usually short term and as long as they have a hide, they will be able to safely hide themselves away until they feel comfortable.
