Stuarts new behavior o.O

[MamaTater]

I have recently moved Stuart into a new, more spacious tank. He seems happy, licking about is very attentive to his surroundings. He's taken up a sort of twitchy head bob then arm wave as I pet him. I like to think he is just interacting and being as jolly as a dragon can be but this is totally new and a bit perplexing. He has never had any bad experiences with me so I can't imagine him feeling submissive or aggressive.
He is 2 yrs old, eats and excretes well. His temps are all good, he walks around and is curious during out-time. There is nothing different in his behavior otherwise.
Could my petting him be unpleasant? He doesn't move away when I do it. More specifically he twitchy head bobs and waves when I stroke his upper back around his shoulders.
I realize he isn't a horse, cat or dog but when you find a sweet spot on them they sorta make faces or whatnot and you can tell it's a good spot.
I was hoping someone else might have had a similar experience and perhaps knows what this may mean.

 

[Stolzieren]

the head bobbing and arm waving are normal behaviors, nothing to worry of! both males and females can head bob but it is more common in males and is a sign of dominance between dragons.

 

[diamc]

[Moved from General Discussion forum to Behavior]

 

[MamaTater]

I understand what they mean, but Thanks anyway, Stolzieren. What he is doing is different from how he usually head bobs and he has never waved once the 1 yr and 8 mos I've had him. So why now? Just since I put him in the new enclosure has he started waving. And the head bobbing...it is very jerky and shallow if you catch my meaning.
I have noticed he is shedding around his shoulders so perhaps they are sensitive? I'm pretty familiar with Stuarts behavior and this just struck me as new and different.

 

[Taterbug]

Are they bobs, or flinches? Maybe he doesn't like the touch, possibly due to shedding.

 

[beardie]

This is most likely a reaction to the significant change to his environment. Assuming current theories that arm waves are territorial gestures to indicate that one is NOT a threat (i.e. submission), they are likely communicating to any dragons/threats in the area that they're not threatening. Although, the more jerky head bob is often an indicator of "this space is mine".

Most animals will have behavioral changes when you change their environment, until they become used to the new space... cats, dogs, birds, and even reptiles.

So, I think it's just a matter of getting used to the new setup and feeling more comfortable that he's safe in this new place and that its his.

 

[MamaTater]

This is most likely a reaction to the significant change to his environment. Assuming current theories that arm waves are territorial gestures to indicate that one is NOT a threat (i.e. submission), they are likely communicating to any dragons/threats in the area that they're not threatening. Although, the more jerky head bob is often an indicator of "this space is mine".

Most animals will have behavioral changes when you change their environment, until they become used to the new space... cats, dogs, birds, and even reptiles.

So, I think it's just a matter of getting used to the new setup and feeling more comfortable that he's safe in this new place and that its his.

This sounds probable. I'd noticed that the two babies in the other room were actually in eyesight for half a day. (just moved, much rearranging of furniture) He's a really laid back guy, very roll with the punches. Thanks there, beardie. And his behavior has subsided. It's always neat when they interact. Such cool creatures! Thanks to all