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Playtime

By Paym Bergson

There is a marked difference in the way our lizards play or interact with one another. Our elder Bearded Dragon ladies were never much on the romp and stomp exhibited by their children, but seemed to prefer a more gentle approach. General’s favourite game was/is “hide and seek” – and she would give us a “c’mon, let’s go – follow me, find me” look of distain if we did not get down on all fours with her. Thank my son for this invention with her, and my husband for teaching it to Crystal.

These ladies still play this game, but without the same rush of intensity obviously. Crystal will find anyway she can to go down the hall and into our bedroom – her first room which she never forgot. And yes, she does this often without letting us know. Of course, we crawl around looking for her, calling out (as if she’d answer), and finally find her curled up in a corner where her tank used to be. She’d look up, saying “what took you so long?” in her eyes, and then shut them tight. I assume she feels that if she can’t see us, we can’t see her!

General, on the other hand, stays mostly in the living area. She finds tight spots to wiggle into, and will hit her tail on the floor or wall to signify where she is. Unless, of course, we have announced that it is time to return to the tank – not sure how she understands, but she does! The other day all lizards were out sunning, and in full view – for about an hour. I announced it was probably time to put the lizards back. Within five minutes both General and Crystal had disappeared – not sure who gave the signal – and it took us about 15 minutes to find these two!

Yet two of the youngest (grandchildren, actually) cannot even be left alone outside of their tank – and not due to their size. Burrow and Quasi are fast, quick, and still somewhat frightened of the great “outdoors”. They will sit calmly with us on our laps, but not alone on the floor. If we go on the floor with them, they will explore along with us – but we have to be fast!

Now, inside their tank – they romp and stomp! Jumping from branch to rock and back again, using each other as launching pads, climbing the glass, only to fall over and start again – they almost look as if they are laughing! Finally, tired out, they land in a heap, one on top of the other (usually Quasi on top of Burrow due to size).

I’m not sure why the difference: if it is due to environment or temperament. But I enjoy watching them nevertheless.

About the Author:

As a professional writer and trainer, I find the hardest thing to write about is myself. Suite 101 has given me many opportunites and I have read with interest the various articles penned by Contributing Editors. Now it's payback time. Reading their personal submissions and sharing of information has given me the courage to be a Contributing Editor as well.

After 5 years of raising Bearded Dragons we (family) finally had a successful clutch (two in fact). The lack of proper information given us by retail reptile stores as well as the lack of substantial information on the Internet (with a few excellent exceptions) has prompted me to try and help others in all areas of reptiles. Our menagerie at the moment consists of 5 adult dragons, 4 juveniles, one bird, one hamster, 2 turtles, one fish - and a whole bunch of critters that make their home and nests in our woodpile, trees, and house (I just saw the baby bunnies having a chew on our garden).

Paym may be contacted by email at careeradvice@suite101.com.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.