Bearded Dragons Eyes Closed are generally active and alert reptiles, so if you notice that your beardie is keeping its eyes closed frequently, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. Here are five possible reasons why bearded dragons might keep their eyes closed:

Sleeping or Resting: Like most animals, bearded dragons need rest, and they often close their eyes while sleeping or resting. If your beardie is in a comfortable environment with appropriate lighting and temperature, closing its eyes during periods of rest is entirely normal behavior.

Basking or Sunning: Bearded dragons require access to a basking spot with UVB lighting to regulate their body temperature and aid in digestion. When they are basking or sunning themselves, especially after a meal, they may close their eyes to relax and absorb the warmth and light. This behavior is typical and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Shedding: During the shedding process, bearded dragons may keep their eyes closed more often than usual. Shedding can be uncomfortable, especially around the eyes, and closing their eyes may help alleviate any irritation or discomfort. Providing a proper humidity level in the enclosure and a shedding box can help facilitate the shedding process and reduce any discomfort.

Stress or Illness: If a bearded dragon is stressed or feeling unwell, it may close its eyes as a sign of distress. Stressors could include changes in their environment, inadequate temperature or lighting, improper diet, or the presence of other pets. Also, respiratory infections or metabolic disorders can cause lethargy and eye-closing behavior. Suppose you notice other signs of stress or illness, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, or unusual behavior. In that case, it’s essential to consult with a reptile veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Bearded Dragons Close Their Eyes When Being Pet Or Held

Bearded dragons closing their eyes when being pet or held is a behavior that can have multiple interpretations, and it’s important to consider the context and individual differences in reptile behavior. Here are some possible reasons why they may close their eyes:

Relaxation: Just like humans, reptiles may close their eyes as a sign of relaxation or contentment. Being pet or held gently can induce a sense of security and comfort in bearded dragons, leading them to close their eyes in response.

Avoiding Threats: Closing their eyes could also be a way for bearded dragons to shield themselves from perceived threats or stimuli in their environment. By closing their eyes, they may be attempting to block out any potential sources of stress or danger.

Sensory Adaptation: Reptiles, including bearded dragons, have evolved to be sensitive to changes in light and movement. Closing their eyes might help them adapt to changes in their surroundings or minimize visual stimulation while being handled.

Communication: In some cases, closing their eyes might also be a form of communication with their human caretakers. It could signal trust or submission, especially if the dragon is accustomed to positive interactions with its owner.

Physical Comfort: Bearded dragons have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane, which they use to protect their eyes from debris and regulate moisture. Closing their eyes could be a way for them to moisten or clean their eyes, similar to how humans blink.

This Behavior In The Wild

Basking:  In the wild, they bask in the sun to raise their body temperature, which aids in digestion and overall metabolic function.

Foraging: Bearded dragons are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, vegetation, and occasionally small vertebrates. They actively forage for food, using their keen eyesight to spot prey such as insects, spiders, and other small animals, as well as vegetation such as flowers and leaves.

Thermoregulation: In addition to basking, bearded dragons also utilize shade and burrows to regulate their body temperature. They may retreat to cooler areas during the hottest part of the day to avoid overheating, then return to basking sites as temperatures drop.

Territoriality: Male bearded dragons can be territorial, especially during the breeding season. They may engage in displays of dominance, such as head bobbing and arm waving, to establish and defend territories and mating rights.

Social Behavior: While bearded dragons are generally solitary animals, they may tolerate the presence of other dragons in their territory, particularly during mating season.

Hibernation: In cooler regions, bearded dragons may undergo a period of brumation, a state of dormancy similar to hibernation, during the colder months. This allows them to conserve energy when food and heat sources are scarce.

Escape Behavior: When threatened, bearded dragons may exhibit defensive behaviors such as inflating their bodies, hissing, and displaying their “beard” (the expandable throat pouch for which they are named).

Is This Behavior Different For Baby Bearded Dragons?

It appears you haven’t provided specific details about the behavior you’re referring to. Baby bearded dragons do exhibit some behaviors that are different from adults due to their size, age, and developmental stage. For example:

Feeding: Baby bearded dragons typically require more frequent feeding compared to adults. They have a higher metabolic rate and need a diet rich in protein and calcium to support their growth.

Activity: Baby bearded dragons tend to be more active than adults. They may explore their environment more vigorously and engage in more frequent hunting behaviors.

Socialization: Baby bearded dragons may exhibit different social behaviors compared to adults. They may be more prone to stress and may require gentler handling and socialization to ensure they become comfortable with human interaction.

Basking: Like adult bearded dragons, babies require a basking spot to regulate their body temperature. However, they may need slightly lower temperatures than adults to avoid overheating.

Shedding: Baby bearded dragons shed more frequently than adults as they grow rapidly. Ensuring proper humidity levels and providing suitable surfaces for shedding is important during this stage.

Size and Strength: Obviously, baby bearded dragons are much smaller and less powerful than adults, which can affect their behavior in terms of interactions with their environment and with other dragons.

What Does It Mean When They Only Close One Eye?

Closing one eye can have various meanings depending on the context and the individual’s intentions. Here are some possibilities:

Vision Issue: Sometimes, people close one eye due to a vision problem. If they have trouble focusing or seeing clearly with both eyes open, closing one eye can help them see better.

Depth Perception: Closing one eye can be a way to gauge depth perception. When looking at something with only one eye, can give a different perspective on distance and depth.

Reducing Glare: In bright environments, closing one eye can reduce glare or excessive light exposure, allowing the person to see more comfortably.

Examining Something Closely: When examining something closely, people might close one eye to focus better, similar to using a magnifying glass.

Concentration: Some people close one eye when concentrating intensely on a task. It can help block out distractions and improve focus.

Gesture or Expression: In social situations, closing one eye can be used as a gesture or expression to convey a specific message, such as skepticism, playfulness, or flirtation. In some cultures or contexts, it might have particular meanings or be part of non-verbal communication.

Medical Condition: In some cases, a person might close one eye due to a medical condition affecting that eye, such as irritation, injury, or infection.

Tiredness or Fatigue: People might involuntarily close one eye momentarily, similar to blinking excessively.

Shedding Issues Around The Eye