Over the years, there have been countless studies and research on how conventional pet animals such as cats and dogs show affection, but little has been done and said about exotic pets such as lizards and how pet lizards show affection to each other.
Unlike dogs, cats, and other pets, it is not a walk in the park to tell affection in lizards by physical observation.
They are not as expressive as other pet animals, such as monkeys, parrots, cats, dogs, etc., but they show affection to each other in the ways listed below.
Body Language of Lizards:
Lizards are social creatures that communicate mostly through body language.
They show affection through body language by sending out communications to one another through
- Basking: Some species of lizards, such as skinks and bearded dragons, bask with their legs protruding forward, indicating safety, relaxation, comfort, trust, and companionship for one another.
- Tail Positions: Tail positioning in lizards, such as upright or relaxed tails, conveys certain messages, such as excitement and calm.
- Tail twining: Tail twining is one of the most fascinating body languages in lizards. They exhibit social behaviours that convey deep affection, comfort, security, trust, loyalty, and interest in mating
- Eye Movement: staring and slow blinking is a way of communicating trust.
- Head movements: Bobbing or nodding of heads, especially in male lizards, is a form of courtship.
- Nuzzling: While some people might consider this behaviour as aggressive, the reverse is the case. Nuzzling is when one lizard, usually the male, rubs his head or sprouts on the female in a gentle way to show great affection and care.
Sharing Hiding Spots:
It is unusual for lizards to share hiding spots unless they trust each other.
They hide from predators by staying in hiding places, and they are not willing to expose themselves to danger due to the presence of another.
Social Grooming:
Who would have thought social grooming was common in lizards?
In contrast to other common pets like cats and dogs, research on lizard social behaviour has not done a good job of covering their wonderful way of grooming.
Indeed, lizards groom themselves by rubbing, licking, or using their bodies as brushes.
While social grooming plays a role in health and hygiene, it is also a way for them to show affection to each other.
Chasing and Following Each Other:
There is a general misconception that chasing among lizards is only a form of aggression.
Studies have shown that chasing among lizards is also a social interaction (social play).
Can a reptile bond with you?
While reptiles are known as cold-blooded species, they are not cold-hearted.
They are capable of having a bond with their owners but not as expressive as other pets such as cats, dogs, parrots, etc.
The degree to which they can express their bonds is limited when compared to other social creatures, and in most cases, it is usually expressed by just being comfortable in the same space with their human carers.
How to Bond with a Reptile:
Bonding with a reptile such as a lizard or a snake is different from other social creatures.
They require extreme care, resilience, and patience from their human carers.
Here are a few tips to help
1. Adopt at a Young Age:
Most pet animals, including reptiles, are easy to bond with at a young age compared to when they are at the adult stage or approaching their golden years.
However, reptiles require special care during their early years.
2. Understanding Their Body Language:
Unlike humans, pet animals cannot talk to communicate how they feel and what they want.
They communicate through body signs and language.
If you do not understand the body language of a reptile, it will be difficult to take care of and bond with them.
3. Housing, Food, and Water:
The three basic needs of all animals, including pet animals, are a secure and comfortable shelter from predators, food, and water for their general well-being.
Providing these necessities is a great way to win their trust and have them bond with you.
4. Gentle Handling:
While other pet animals, such as cats and dogs, might love petting, reptiles do not enjoy it, especially from strangers.
They show aversion to petting or handling on their tails.