How to Care for a Bearded Dragon

How to Care for A Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are actually known as the most "Dog-Like" reptile, due to their docile nature. Because of this, more and more people are keeping them as pets and they are certainly growing in popularity. But is a Bearded Dragon the right pet for you?

Personality

Although Bearded Dragons can be territorial and even aggressive with other reptiles and should be housed alone, they are quite friendly and sociable with humans. They have a great temperament and are usually calm and tame by nature. They don't mind being touched or handled, unlike other reptile species which is the main reason many people are keeping them as pets. However, they can still scratch or bite so always use caution and handle your Beardie gently. They will also display when they are scared or threatened. They will puff out their beard and lay flat with their mouths open. You might even notice the color of their beard will change black. These are signs your Beardie is upset and on the defense, so its best to let them calm down when they have reached this point.

Bearded Dragon

Habitat and Housing

Bearded Dragons need lots of space. A full grown Beardie needs ideally a 75 - 120 gallon tank. Not only do they need adequate space for growth but they also need specific heat and UV lighting to regulate their body temperature. They need a heat source on one side for basking (about 90 - 100 Degrees F)  and the other side of the tank should be cooler for hiding (around 70 - 76 Degrees F). Improper temperatures or humidity can cause severe illness in your pet.

The bottom of the tank should be lined with reptile carpeting or outdoor carpet or something similar for safety and easy clean up. You can also use paper toweling or other soft cloths but be sure to stay away from cat litter, wood shavings and even sand. These mediums are often accidentally consumed and have been known to cause intestinal blockages, which is a veterinary emergency.

It is important to include different things in the tank to make your Beardie comfortable and happy in its environment. Be sure to  include branches and rocks for climbing and basking as well as a cavernous place to hide. Non-Prickly succulents and non toxic plants can also add enrichment to the Dragons surroundings.

Proper Bearded Dragon Habitat

Diet

Bearded Dragons require an extensive menu to meet all their dietary needs. They need protein in the form of crickets, and many types of worms, such as meal worms, king worms, horn worms and wax worms. They can even eat pink mice as they mature and grow. Be sure the prey you feed is appropriately sized for your Bearded Dragon and that you do not let pray linger for longer then 10 minutes to prevent injury to your pet.

Bearded Dragons also need a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. They need greens such as escarole, parsley, mustard greens, collard greens, dandelion to name a few. As well other vegetables such as green beans, carrots, parsnips and a variety of squash can also be fed. Its important that your Beardie gets a "salad" daily with a variety of leafy and vitamin rich vegetables. Fruits can also be fed such as as Berries, mango, papaya, banana, cantaloupe, etc. But be sure to avoid lettuce, spinach, avocado, and citrus fruits.

And of course, fresh cool water needs to be provided at all times. Shallow bowls or dishes are ideal, to allow for easily accessible drinking.

Bearded Dragon

Like most exotic pets, Bearded Dragons require a lot of care in the form of habitat specifics and diet. However, their gentle nature and wonderful temperament make them the ideal reptile pet. They are a long commitment having a lifespan of roughly 10 - 14 years. But If you are willing to take the steps needed to care for them properly, they make great and interesting companions!

A Pug Puppy and his Bearded Dragon Friend