Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that happen to make interesting household pets for knowledgeable and experienced owners. Bearded dragons can adjust their body temperature when necessary and have the ability to see color. Their behavior is determined by visual cues and environmental perception. They have a tympanic membrane, which enables hearing, though not as good as in humans. So, if bearded dragons can hear (and see!), though not as well as humans, do they happen to like music as we do? As a short answer … some bearded dragons like music, some don’t! Let’s explore this topic together below:
Some Bearded Dragons Like Music
Bearded dragons hear sounds, although not as well as we do, so they can make out instrumental noises. Like humans, all bearded dragons have their own unique personalities and temperaments. Some seem ignorant of music, some find the noise stressful, while others appear to enjoy it. Some like certain types of music and not others.
Anecdotally, some bearded dragons that like music seem to enjoy instrumentals and lighter types of music rather than loud rock and roll or rap. However, if a bearded dragon is exposed to a certain type of music early in life, they can often learn to tolerate it no matter the genre. Luckily, these animals show some signs of liking and disliking music that we can use to determine whether we should turn the music off.
Signs That Your Bearded Dragon Tolerates the Music You’re Playing
There are some signs that your bearded dragon may exhibit if they are enjoying the music that you happen to be listening to. One of the biggest signs is when they move toward the source of the music. Other signs to look for may include:
- Increased Playfulness: If they’re excited about the music they listen to, they might be inspired to run around a little, climb up the furniture (or your arm), or explore more than usual.
- Brighter and Lighter Skin Colors: When bearded dragons are alert or feel stimulated or content, their skin color tends to brighten up and get a little lighter.
- A Comfortable and Relaxed Stance: When this animal likes the music they are listening to, they usually lie out in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
Signs That Your Bearded Dragon Doesn’t Like the Music You’re Playing
There are also some signs that a bearded dragon might display when they dislike the music they are listening to. For example, if your beardie becomes withdrawn when you turn on a tune, it likely means that they are not feeling comfortable. Here are other signs that your beardie could be disliking the music they’re listening to:
- Glass Surfing: When a beardie gets scared or feels stressed out, they might “glass surf” in their habitat, which means that they jump onto the side of the terrarium and start rubbing their belly along the surface of the glass or pace. This action might take place for a number of different reasons, including a habitat that’s too small, too hot, or illness. However, when they behave this way whenever you put on certain music, it is likely because of the music itself, so it is best to turn it off.
- Stress Marking: If your beardie is not happy with the music you have chosen to play, the skin on their chin and belly may abruptly change and develop dark spots. Getting your pet away from the music is a good idea at this point.
- Hiding: One big telltale sign that your beardie does not like the music they are listening to is that they try to hide in a corner of their habitat or get underneath a blanket or pillow if they are outside of their habitat. Turning the music down or off completely should get them to come out of hiding.
However, please be mindful that these signs may also occur if your bearded dragon is stressed for another reason, such as inadequate environmental temperature, noise, or due to illness, and it should be interpreted carefully and with the help of an exotic veterinarian if there are any doubts.
What Types of Music Do Bearded Dragons Like?
The type of music that your Bearded Dragon enjoys will depend on their own unique taste, but in general, as observed anecdotally by bearded dragons’ owners rather than science, some may enjoy instrumental music and lighter genres such as jazz and classical. Some may like pop and hip-hop. However, hard rock and rap may be too loud or fast-paced for them. It’s all about trying different genres to see which your pet likes the most. If they do or don’t like the music, they should show at least one sign for you to work from.
In Conclusion
It seems that some bearded dragons tolerate listening to music, but some simply do not. The type of music a beardie wants to hear will depend on their personality and personal preferences. If they do not like a genre, try a different one! In the worst-case scenario, you can listen to the music of your choice at a reasonable volume in a room outside of your bearded dragon’s enclosure, in order to prevent them from feeling stressed.
Featured Image Credit: on ziv, Shutterstock
Some Bearded Dragons Like Music
