What Do Bearded Dragons Like Watching?

Always curious, bearded dragons love watching things that move. Whether it’s a Netflix series or people walking by outside the window, a different view of the world is great enrichment for your beardie. 

If you’re not sure what your dragon would like to see, experiment. A beardie’s favorite form of entertainment just might depend on their individual personality.  

Turning on a movie? Get your bearded dragon involved.  

Choose films or shows that have lots of activity—animals and adventure will be most interesting. While it’s hard to say exactly what your bearded dragon experiences while watching, they’re probably attracted to the movement, says Mark Pyle, a reptile educator and former president of the DFW Herpetological Society in Texas.  

Unlike many lizards, bearded dragons can see colors. In fact, they can see a wider range of colors than humans can.  

Just like TV, video games are visually interesting to your bearded dragon because of all the action on the screen. Bright colors like red and orange that resemble ripe fruit may catch your beardie’s attention.  

You can offer your beardie time outside their enclosure, as long as they’re supervised. Give your beardie a safe place to sit—like on a towel or on a perch—letting them hang out by the window.  

“If there’s activity, that’s very good,” says Mary Esther Hart, the founder of International Reptile Rescue in Oregon.  

If you fit your dragon with a harness and a leash, you may even be able to take them on short walks outside, or they can sit on your shoulder and watch the world go by.  

“A lot of the bigger, calmer lizards love going for a ride in the car,” says Hart.  

Make sure your dragon is safe in the car—a plastic bin with a towel in the bottom or a cat carrier is a safe spot. “When you get home—boy, they’re ready for bed,” she says.  

If you’re busy moving around the room where your beardie’s enclosure sits, you may spot them watching you!  

It might be that they’re drawn to your activity and being a little nosy about what’s going on, or they might just recognize you as a trusted friend.  

Adding basking spots or climbing nets to their enclosure can help them keep a better eye on you.  

Whether it’s busy windows in the city, action-filled TV shows, or long car rides, your beardie will appreciate any engaging visuals you offer them. 

By giving them different ways to see the world, you’re also giving them mental stimulation and a happier life—one curious glance at a time.  

Do bearded dragons like music?  

Beardies aren’t as interested in music as they are in movement, Hart explains. In the wild, they use their hearing to avoid predators, but they aren’t going to get the same enjoyment from music as you.   

Always ensure their enclosure is away from speakers, as loud noises may damage their hearing.  

Do bearded dragons like watching TV? 

While they won’t understand plot or dialogue, obviously, they’ll probably be fascinated by wildlife shows or other things with action.  

Can bearded dragons look at screens? 

Yes, but unless something’s moving, they may not be interested.  

Will my TV bother my bearded dragon? 

Probably not—and you might discover they love watching your favorite action movies! 

How should I pick a TV show for my beardie? 

This takes some trial and error. Some bearded dragons have strong opinions and may turn their back or even blackbeard at the TV if they don’t like it. Beardies watch things that interest them with a quiet curiosity. Action-packed adventure is usually the way to go.