I have had a Russian Tortoise for 9 years now and am new to beardies. Currently we (my brother and I) have one.
This might sound like an odd question, but without the need to emotionally bond in the wild, how do reptiles bond with us? I don't ever intend to house more than one beardie in the same tank (same for my tortoise) but I have noticed that my tortoise has bonded with me. I know that he might see me as a food provider, however, when he is frightened (like at the vet) he will run towards me and bury his head in my arms. Sometimes he takes naps on my lap or my chest and enjoys foot rubs and neck rubs. My boyfriend said that when I walk around the room he comes out of his shell, when others do the reaction is not the same.
In New York I held a boa in a park. A number of people were holding them, but many were frightened. I love snakes and I think animals can tell when you are comfortable around them. Once the snake was in my arms, it rested its head on my shoulder and I rubbed its head. Due to the temperature and the snake's reactions to others, I know it was not stealing my warmth.
I have heard beardies are also very personable. (Ours is too little to really play with. We want to let him grow some more).
I guess my question is, do our reptile pets bond with us? Perhaps not with each other, as in the wild that would be detrimental, but with us? Especially those that have been captive bred?
I am a Biology major, but I have yet to take Animal Behavior (yet) so this is something I know very little about but I am fascinated by it.
If housed separately, and therefore without competition for food and resources, is "bonding" possible between bearded dragons?