Bearded dragons are a popular choice for pets due to their calm demeanor and relatively low maintenance. They are a good choice for first-time reptile owners and make great companions for people of all ages.
It is important to do your research and understand the proper care and needs of these reptiles before bringing one home.
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Bearded Dragon – Fact Sheet
| Size | 11-20inches |
| Life span | 6-14 years |
| When active? | during the day |
| Origin | Australia |
| Food | insects and plants |
| Keeping | terrarium |
| Animals | at least two females |
| Genus | Pogona |
| Family | Agamidae |
The bearded dragon is majestic, very agile and great to watch. These are just three reasons why this exotic pet likes to be kept with us. Nevertheless, there are some things to consider when keeping a bearded dragon. In this article, you will learn everything about housing, care, diet and how the bearded dragon will feel comfortable with you.
Where did Bearded Dragons get their Name?
The bearded dragon doesn’t have a beard, but it has something similar: the spines on its neck. When a bearded dragon is excited, its neck widens, and the spines stand up. This then looks like it has a beard. The animal is trying to appear deterrent or dangerous to enemies.
Advantages and disadvantages of the bearded dragon as a pet.
Whether they’re laying flat as a pancake, waving an arm, or bobbing their head, they’re just plain fun to watch for hours on end. They very rarely bite, and if they do it hardly hurts because they are usually peaceful. They also don’t need as much attention as other pets and their terrarium is easy to clean.
Of course, there are disadvantages. You have to feed live (!) insects and clean up the droppings about once a day, because they are quite stinky and some of it may get stuck on their tails or feet. Then you have to remove the droppings with a soft toothbrush and warm water.
By the way, bearded dragons can have salmonella (bacteria). With the right measures in terms of cleanliness, the risk of transmitting the pathogens is low.
Attention: Bearded dragons are not cuddly animals. They do not like to be picked up and carried.
Keeping the Bearded Dragon as a Pet
Housing:
Bearded dragons are native to the arid regions of Australia – so they require a habitat with plenty of warmth and dryness. A 40-gallon tank is a suitable size for one adult bearded dragon, but it’s important to make sure they have plenty of room to move and explore.
The enclosure should be equipped with a basking spot that reaches around 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit and a cooler area that stays around 75-80 degrees; This can be achieved through the use of a basking lamp and a heating pad or ceramic heater on the cooler side of the enclosure. Monitor the temperatures in the enclosure regularly – ensure that they are at the proper levels.
Next to the necessary heat and light sources, the enclosure should also have a hiding spot and plenty of substrate for the bearded dragon to burrow and dig in. A substrate such as a coconut coir or cypress mulch works well, as it holds moisture and helps maintain proper humidity levels. Keep the Substrate clean and replace it every few months to prevent the build-up of bacteria and parasites.
Diet:
Bearded dragons are omnivores – meaning they require a balanced diet of both plants and animals. In the wild, they eat a variety of insects, flowers, and fruits. In captivity, a staple diet for bearded dragons can include crickets, worms, and other insects, as well as leafy greens and vegetables.
It’s important to dust insects with a calcium supplement to ensure your bearded dragon is getting enough of this essential nutrient. Bearded dragons also require a small amount of fruits in their diet – but it should not make up a large portion of their meals.
Vegetables and leafy greens should make up the significant portion of the bearded dragon’s diet. Some good options include collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and turnip greens. Vegetables such as bell peppers, squash, and sweet potatoes can also be offered in moderation. Offer a variety of vegetables – avoid those that are high in oxalates, such as spinach and chard, as they can interfere with calcium absorption.
Provide your bearded dragon with access to fresh water at all times. A shallow water dish should be placed in the enclosure, and it is also important to clean and refill it daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Handling and Interaction:
Bearded dragons are generally calm and can be handled gently, but it’s necessary to give them time to adjust to their new environment and handling. It’s best to start with short handling sessions and gradually increase the duration as your bearded dragon becomes more comfortable.
It’s also a good idea to give your bearded dragons a chance to explore their enclosure and interact with their surroundings on their own. When handling your bearded dragon, it is important to support its body and avoid gripping them too tightly.
Important: Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.
Health:
Bearded dragons are generally hardy pets, but you must monitor their health and address any issues as soon as possible. Some common health concerns include respiratory infections, parasites, and metabolic bone disease.
Visit a reptile veterinarian regularly to make sure your bearded dragon is healthy and to detect any diseases.
Summary
The bearded dragon is often called a “beginner’s animal” in the media. I must contradict this for the good of the animal. The keeping conditions, such as the terrarium setup, the temperature design and diet, are to be considered demanding.
But if you deal with the topic of keeping bearded dragons in detail, you can create a beautiful, species-appropriate home for your lizard and enjoy it for a long time. It would be best if you also kept in mind that the bearded dragon is not a cuddly animal and prefers to stay in its terrarium – outside the terrarium, it is simply too cold.
But it is great fun to watch the agile bearded dragon in its terrarium while hunting, climbing or sunbathing.
Read also about: Datnioides as Pets – A Tiger patterned predatory fish in home aquariums!
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