If not properly handled, the skin of a bearded-dragon is very rough. Once the reptile is more comfortable and docile, it will be easier to handle. Minor cuts and scrapes can be prevented by using light gloves or long sleeves when handling the beardie. Also, keep in mind that all reptiles could be exposed to Salmonella bacteria.
Beardies have round pupils, fleshy tongues, and lateral spines that travel down their sides to the base of their tail. Their heads are large and broad and have a triangular shape. They also have “beards” that distend and serve as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened.
The average size of a bearded dragon is about 15 to 18 inches long. The most common breed is the Pogona vitticeps. While some beardies grow smaller, others reach 24 inches long. A beardie can reach an adult size in two or three years.
If you are planning on a bearded dragon as a pet, PLEASE strongly consider adopting one from a rescue or your local classifieds before purchasing from a pet store. There are many adorable, wonderful bearded dragons that have been rejected by their owners and need a forever home.
Bearded dragons can display a variety of morphs. These morphs are mainly based on body types, but can also be derived from selective breeding.
When you’re looking for a bearded dragon, it’s important to understand the different morphs. A morph is a genetic mutation that results in certain traits. The most common are color variations. You can see a wide range of colors in beardies, including beiges, browns, and muted tans.
There are other morphs that result from genetics, such as visual morphs. These are inherited traits that are passed down from parents. They’re often the most unique beardie varieties. Some of them are translucent, meaning they have a transparent appearance. Others, such as hypomelanistic, lack melanin, which makes their skin lighter.
Bearded dragons like many other reptiles have specific lighting requirements that can be really confusing, especially for new owners that don’t have previous experience.
Because of that reason, having a good understanding when it comes to lighting the space of your bearded dragon is very important.
You should know there are plenty of options when it comes to lighting for bearded dragons and choosing the wrong setup can be harmful to your pet. However, if you carefully read our guide you will get plenty of information about setting up proper lighting for your pet.
Bearded-dragon tank setup Beardeds need to live in a clean, dry environment. Your beardie will be happy and healthy if the room is kept cool. Also, a room with doors is ideal. You should also avoid having a humidifier running in the room with your beardie. This can disrupt the beardie's sleeping patterns.
Bearded Dragons will challenge each other for food. They do this by bobbing their heads and turning their legs in circles, a pattern called circumduction. They will also stare at each other with intense gazes.
How big can bearded dragons grow? Before you bring one home, it is important to know their maximum growth potential. These reptiles are very adaptable and can grow very large or small depending on their genes. Keep them in 55-gallon tanks or larger. A larger tank will provide more hiding spots and be closer to their natural habitat. You can start your beardie with a smaller tank. However, as they get older, it is a good idea to move to a larger tank.
Bearded Dragons also eat crickets and mealworms. A grown bearded drake should consume around twenty insects per day depending on his age. Because of the chitin they contain, mealworms should not be eaten by juvenile bearded drakes. Superworms would be a better choice.
You must set up your habitat before you can bring the bearded dragon home. You must ensure that the bearded dragon has heat, food, and ultraviolet light. It is important to inspect equipment, particularly the ultraviolet light and basking pad. It is important to maintain a constant temperature throughout the day. But, it is also important to keep the humidity low.
Because all reptiles are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your reptile or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physicians before purchasing or caring for reptiles and should consider having a pet other than a reptile.
The Bearded Dragon Manual is one of the very best guides on caring for bearded dragons in captivity. This book covers everything from buying a healthy baby bearded dragon to breeding tips and techniques. The Bearded Dragon Manual is a must-have for any bearded dragon owner.
Some enjoy being outside in natural daylight, if you do decide to do this, make sure to supervise your dragon at all times! A Bearded Dragon opening its mouth and “smiling” excessively may indicate that the tank is too hot.
Bearded dragons (also known as the inland bearded dragon, central bearded dragon, or yellow-headed bearded dragon) are agamid lizards native to eastern and central Australia. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including semiarid desert, scrublands, and dry forests. They earned their name from their spiky, expandable throat pouch that can look very much like a beard, especially when it darkens to black.
Hello! Our family is so appreciative of your articles pertaining to bearded dragons. We just recently acquired a 10-month-old, male, hypo leatherback rescue. He seems in decent health, albeit living in subpar conditions mostly due to a small enclosure and unbalanced lighting. We are trying to upgrade, well everything… It has become quite involved, more than we thought possible; however, we are in this for the long-haul and want to do the best we can for the new addition to our family.
Turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, iguanas, and chameleons are some common examples of reptiles that need UVB light. This helps prevent animals from developing hypocalcemia (or lack of calcium). UVB lights should be kept on during the day and turned off at night and should be used along with calcium supplements.
Bearded Dragons – 12 Fun Facts
Since bearded dragons are naturally solitary creatures, they do not get lonely if placed alone in a cage or left for some time away from their keeper. They much prefer having their food and heat to themselves rather than sharing it with another bearded dragon.
Bearded dragons are able to imitate other bearded dragons to open doors. “The ability to learn through imitation is thought to be the pinnacle of social learning and long considered a distinctive characteristic of humans.