Is He Bored

[Sheila3300]

I have had my bearded dragon since November. He is social and so sweet.
Being a class pet, he is in his tank most of the day and only comes out for an hour or so to hang out with my students. On the weekends he is at my home, and comes out of his tank for a few hours a day.
I was wondering, how would I know if he is bored at school (or at home)? How do I gauge if he is happy in his tank, and does not need anything more, or wants to come out more (which I cannot do at school)?
This is my first reptile, and I am used to dogs and cats (I know when they are happy, bored or upset), but I cannot tell with a lizard. I know he is not stressed or unhappy (those signs I know what to look for). I just want to make sure he is not bored and does not want more in his tank to do.
Thanks.

 

[Mordecai]

I'm not sure as I am a new dragon owner as well but I think if he was board he would glass surf to get your attention. They love to just bask and watch as life goes on outside of there tanks.

 

[CooperDragon]

Young dragons are very curious and like to explore. If he's in a tank most of the time he may feel a bit trapped in. They all have their own personalities though. Does he glass dance a lot? How does he act when he's out of the enclosure and has room to roam around a bit? If he needs to be in his enclosure a lot, I'd provide one that is as large as possible with a variety of things to climb, hides, warm areas, cool areas, high UVB areas, low UVB areas, etc. They're pretty smart little guys so the more enrichment you can provide the better (in my opinion).

 

[Sheila3300]

Thank you.
He does not glass surf at all, except when he sees his worms.
When out of the tank he explores for a short bit, but then finds a place to sit for hours (even at home).
His tank is huge and has a bunch of things in it, but I think I could put a few more items in it to change things up.
That is good to know that he is okay, he does bask and watch the kids a lot.
Other than things to climb, what else is enriching in a tank, toys, swing things, etc.?

 

[CooperDragon]

It sounds like he's pretty mellow then and he is probably content. I have a printed photo of the Australian bush as a background for my guy to look at. The tank is in the living room so he is in the center of everything. Inside the tank climbs and hides are good. Maybe add a pile of fleece scraps for him to dig around in if he likes to dig. Since he's pretty calm outside the tank too my guess is that he just has a pretty low key personality.

 

[Sheila3300]

Thanks Cooperdragon. I feel he is chilled as well, especially since he is so good with all my students (he will allow me to pass him from kid to kid to be held).