Eye contact is used to challenge or threaten other bearded dragons and wildlife in nature.
The reptile uses its body language to express what it wants.
They can’t handle lengthy, intense eye contact with a powerful predator, though.
They may close their eyes automatically as a safety precaution because they don’t want to appear to be challenging.
Although this is the most frequent cause of eye closure, it’s not the only one.
It can be the result of an infection or an unsuitable habitat design.
We’ll examine various scenarios and possible causes for your beardy’s possible eye closure in the remaining portions of this section.
Eyes Closed When Petting/Stroking | Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes
The most frequently perplexed conduct is this one.
Your bearded dragon might close its eyes when you pet it.
Now, you could be saying, “Wow!” He enjoys it! He’s being put to sleep by me.
Sadly, as we have mentioned, this isn’t the case.
It’s simple to become perplexed because there are so many videos online of so-called “experts” cuddling their bearded dragons and gushing about how adorable they are when they close their eyes.
Humans naturally close their eyes when something seems pleasant.
When you received your most recent massage, were your eyes closed or wide open?
Similarly, when scared, people will tightly close their eyes in order to avoid visual danger.
Eye-closing is more consistent with the latter in beardies.
Because they feel uneasy and intimidated, they close their eyes.
They want you to quit, therefore this is their method of communicating with you.
Why?
If they haven’t developed a bond with you, it can frighten them or make them want to retreat.
Warning! I
Stop immediately if you notice eye-closing followed by a thick, black beard!
They’re showing you that they’re under a lot of stress and might even start to defend themselves.
Eyes Closed When Holding
The same principles apply when holding someone with their eyes closed, although it’s more distressing.
A beardy will almost certainly dislike being lifted up and handled much less if it closes its eyes while being petted.
Their entire body is now in another person’s hands.
In this situation, their closed eyes are an indication of worry and dread.
You should put them down and leave them alone, they are requesting.
Because they have no control over the circumstance, it is significantly worse.
They were unable to flee even if they wanted to.
You don’t want to put him in a situation where he has no choice but to fight or flight, so be careful.
Fighting is the only option left, so don’t be shocked if that’s what it does.
The reptile is alright, though, if you’re holding the beardy and its eyes are open.
Give it some space and gently set it down if it is displaying you closed eyes.
Taming your reptile will help it become more accustomed to being held.
In general, being consistent with you is all it takes for people to get used to you.
Eyes Closed When Basking
When basking, it’s common practice to close your eyes.
We don’t understand the precise cause of this.
The beardy might just be napping.
Bearded dragons do close their eyes while they are sleeping, but typically just when it is dark.
It can imply that the UVB light is too close for comfort in the basking location.
A reptile may become blinded if the light is too strong or too close, according to several documented cases.
Move the light further from your bearded dragon’s resting place if you notice that it consistently closes its eyes while basking.
This might be beneficial.
Eye Infections
2-Ounce Fluker’s Repta Rinse Reptile Eye Rinse
Snake Eye Rinse
a non-irritating remedy having antibacterial effects that is used to treat bacterial eye infections
2-oz. bottle
The possibility exists that the eye closure has nothing to do with apprehension about you.
It might be the result of an eye infection, and it’s covering its eyes to safeguard the affected tissues.
If you pay great attention to when the bearded dragon closes its eyes, you’ll be able to determine if this is the cause.
If it does not immediately close its eyes when you begin to pet or hold it, an eye infection may be the culprit.
You would probably notice the bearded dragon closing its eyes at various times throughout the day if it were an eye infection.
The bearded dragon would eventually lose the ability to open its eyes and might go blind if left alone.
If you observe this behavior in your lizard, we advise you to take it to the veterinarian for a checkup.
This is particularly true if you also observe discharge or pus surrounding the eye or on it.
Read our article on how to treat bearded dragon eye infections in the interim.
Ask the veterinarian, then!
Within minutes, chat with an available veterinarian!
Have difficulties resisting the want to eat, drink, or do more?
Examine signs and actions to maintain your pet’s health.
Read more about Bearded Dragon Eye Problems in our blog.
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