🐉 Why Do Bearded Dragons Wave Their Arms and Bob Their Heads?
🐉 Why Do Bearded Dragons Wave Their Arms and Bob Their Heads?
By Kim’s Purfect Pet’s Services & Reptile Boarding – Burwell, Cambridge
🖐️ What’s With the Waving?
So, you’re watching your bearded dragon… and all of a sudden, they lift one arm and start slowly waving it in a circular motion. Like a little reptilian “hello!”
But what does it actually mean?
Well, arm-waving is completely normal behaviour, and it's usually a sign of submission—kind of like saying, “Don’t worry, I’m not a threat!” It’s especially common in younger or smaller dragons when they’re introduced to a new environment or when they see another beardie (even their reflection!).
Sometimes they’ll wave at you, at the TV, or at nothing at all. It’s harmless and adorable—and very much part of their quirky little personalities.
🤨 And the Head Bobbing?
Now let’s talk about the head bob—that confident, sometimes speedy up-and-down motion.
This behaviour is typically seen in males (though females do it too), and it usually means:
“I’m the boss around here!”
It’s a sign of dominance or mating behaviour, and sometimes it’s just your beardie showing off a bit.
You might even see both waving and head bobbing happening in the same moment. I’ve had a few beardies board with me who carried out full-blown reptile conversations with each other this way—one doing slow submissive waves while the other replied with proud, slow-motion head bobs. It’s like watching a reptile soap opera!
🧠 Are They Trying to Communicate?
Yes! Bearded dragons are actually incredibly expressive. These behaviours are how they interact with their world—and with you!
Here’s a quick guide to what they might be saying:
BehaviourPossible MeaningArm WavingSubmission, acknowledging another dragon or new environmentSlow Head BobMild dominance, curiosityFast Head BobStronger dominance or mating behaviourPuffing BeardFeeling threatened or showing off!
If you ever notice excessive stress behaviours (like repeated glass surfing, puffing and dark bearding, or frantic movements), it’s always worth checking their enclosure setup or speaking to someone who can help.
🏡 Personal Note from the Boarding Room
One of my little guests last month was a shy boy who kept waving every time I walked past his viv. I had to laugh—he looked like he was trying to say “thanks for the posh setup, Kim!” After a few days, the waving stopped, and he was happily exploring, eating, and basking like a pro.
Sometimes it just takes a little time, understanding, and the right environment to help them settle.
💚 Need Support or a Trusted Reptile Boarding Option?
Whether your bearded dragon is a waving worrier or a bobbing boss, I’ve got the perfect setup for their personality and needs.
At Kim’s Purfect Pet’s Services & Reptile Boarding, I offer:
✔️ Breed-specific vivariums with thermostatically controlled temps
✔️ UVB lighting tailored for reptiles like beardies
✔️ Out-of-enclosure time and enrichment
✔️ A caring, stress-free environment for your scaly family member
📩 Have a Question or Want to Book In?
👉Info@kimspurfectpets.com
📸Add a pic of a waving beardie or one chilling in your viv!
📍Based in Burwell, Cambridge – providing care you can trust for your reptilian royalty.
