Petting beardies

[Moonlightspirit]

I just wanted to put this out there because the other article about this was locked. I talked to a few beardie breeders and they've all told me that when the beardie closes its eyes when you pet her it's because they trust you and that they love you. just wanted to let you guys know that when you put your beardies head and she closes her eyes she trusts you and knows that you love her and she loves you

 

[NBGwen]

I just wanted to put this out there because the other article about this was locked. I talked to a few beardie breeders and they've all told me that when the beardie closes its eyes when you pet her it's because they trust you and that they love you. just wanted to let you guys know that when you put your beardies head and she closes her eyes she trusts you and knows that you love her and she loves you

This is one I was wondering about. I know cats do the same thing. Charlie does this all the time when I pet her. <3

 

[Taterbug]

Keep in mind most reptiles don't have the same social structure mammals do and do not physically have the ability to feel "love" the way mammals do. That's not to say they can't feel/show affection, tolerance or contentment in their own way. However eye closing is usually a low key "I don't like this" response in lizards. The rest of the body language is really important. Are they shrinking away from the touch or pressing into it? Are they seeking out the touch voluntarily?

 

[NBGwen]

Charlie is very relaxed and moving into it when I pet her...it's obvious she likes it

 

[traildrifterphalanx]

I absolutely love when petting Richter's head and lips and he'll close his eyes and move into the petting, and start rubbing his face against my fingers, like nuzzling. I'm pretty sure he's just trying to use me to scratch his face, but it's adorable regardless. He's done this since just a baby

 

[Petastics]

Keep in mind most reptiles don't have the same social structure mammals do and do not physically have the ability to feel "love" the way mammals do. That's not to say they can't feel/show affection, tolerance or contentment in their own way. However eye closing is usually a low key "I don't like this" response in lizards. The rest of the body language is really important. Are they shrinking away from the touch or pressing into it? Are they seeking out the touch voluntarily?

I beg to differ. There are many articles proving that lizards show love and affection. Especially bearded dragons. If you actually bond with your lizard you can see it in there actions and body language. To state an animal cant feel love just because its not a mamal is blatant ignorence.

 

[Taterbug]

Keep in mind most reptiles don't have the same social structure mammals do and do not physically have the ability to feel "love" the way mammals do. That's not to say they can't feel/show affection, tolerance or contentment in their own way. However eye closing is usually a low key "I don't like this" response in lizards. The rest of the body language is really important. Are they shrinking away from the touch or pressing into it? Are they seeking out the touch voluntarily?

I beg to differ. There are many articles proving that lizards show love and affection. Especially bearded dragons. If you actually bond with your lizard you can see it in there actions and body language. To state an animal cant feel love just because its not a mamal is blatant ignorence.

I'd be interested to read articles proving lizards show love - most animal behavior literature I've come across suggests this is simply an interpretation and us projecting what we want to see on them. There are physiological differences and likely a different emotional experience for reptiles especially with something complex like "love".

For the record. I'm not saying that they don't feel/experience affection or even or something similar to love, that they can't bond or trust humans or even intentionally seek out interactions with us. Simply I am making the counter point that it's risky anthropomorphism to assume behaviors expressed by reptiles are analogus to those in mammals.

For this particular example behavior of a of "lizard closes it eyes when touched" does not always mean contentment. In other species of lizard and with crocodilians eye closing is recognized as a response to unwanted touch; it's more like a wince. Pepper will close his eyes when I pet his head, neck or the side of his face. He will move away or show other submissive body language. However not all individuals dislike touch. As several other posters has described their dragons seek out being pet or engage with the behavior. Which is why it's important to understand the behavior a little deeper. What looks like a comfortable and content lizard getting pet on the head may really be one that is quite uncomfortable and has simply shut down.