How to Play With a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are awesome pets, and one of the best things about them is that they’re so easy to care for. But even if you’re a first-time bearded dragon owner, you can still have lots of fun playing with your new pet. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
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Introduction
Bearded dragons make excellent pets. They are friendly, docile, and easy to care for. If you are thinking of getting a bearded dragon, or if you already have one, this guide will help you get started on the right foot.
Bearded dragons are native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to rainforests. In the wild, they can grow up to two feet long, but captive-bred dragons only reach about 18 inches. These lizards are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night.
Bearded dragons are omnivores and will eat a variety of insects, small mammals, and plants. In captivity, they should be fed a diet of about 50% insects and 50% vegetables. A variety of live foods should be offered, including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, pinkie mice (for larger dragons), and green beans, carrots, collard greens and other leafy greens.
Bearded dragons need a warm environment to thrive. An ideal setup would include a basking spot that is between 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient air temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A UVB light should also be provided to allow the dragon to absorb vitamin D3.
History
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that originates from Australia. They get their name from the spines on their throats, which look like a beard. These lizards are popular pets because they are docile, friendly, and easy to care for.
Bearded dragons have been kept as pets for centuries, but they only became popular in the United States in the 1990s. Today, there are many different types of bearded dragons available, including ones with different color patterns and sizes.
Why Play With a Bearded Dragon?
There are many reasons why you might want to play with your bearded dragon. Playing can help to build the bond between you and your pet, and it can also help to stimulate your dragon’s mind. In the wild, Beardies would spend a lot of time running around and exploring their environment, so playing can help to fulfill their natural instincts.
Playing with a bearded dragon can also be a great way to tired them out before bedtime! If your Beardie is full of energy and running around before bed, they may find it hard to settle down and sleep. A good game of catch or chase can help to tire them out so that they’re more likely to sleep through the night.
Bearded Dragon Behavior
Bearded dragons are relatively easy to care for, but their behavior can sometimes be a mystery. If you’re not sure how to interpret your bearded dragon’s actions, this guide will help you understand some common behaviors and what they mean.
Bearded dragons are reptiles, so they are cold-blooded. This means that they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. If their surroundings are too hot or too cold, they will become stressed.
basking is a behavior that bearded dragons use to regulate their body temperature. They will basking in the warmest area of their enclosure to raise their body temperature. If you see your bearded dragon basking, it’s a good sign that their enclosure is the correct temperature.
Bearded dragons are also known to wave their arms or bob their heads when they feel threatened. This behavior is called “threatening display” and is used as a way to intimidate predators or rivals. If you see your bearded dragon displaying this behavior, it’s best to leave them alone until they calm down.
Another common behavior you might see in your bearded dragon is digging. Bearded dragons dig in order to create a hiding place or nest. This behavior is most common in female bearded dragons who are preparing to lay eggs. However, both male and female bearded dragons may dig if they feel stressed or threatened.
If you see your bearded dragon behaving in any of these ways, it’s normal! Just make sure that their enclosure is the correct temperature and that they have plenty of hiding places so they can feel safe and secure.
Bearded Dragon Health
Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile, and for good reason! They’re relatively easy to care for, and can be very personable pets. But like all pets, they need proper care to stay healthy. Here are some tips on how to keep your bearded dragon healthy.
One of the most important things you can do for your bearded dragon is to provide them with a proper diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they need a diet that includes both plants and animals. A good diet for a bearded dragon should include about 20% insect protein, 70% vegetables, and 10% fruits.
It’s also important to make sure your bearded dragon has a good amount of space to roam. A good cage size for a single adult bearded dragon is at least 2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet (60 cm by 60 cm by 120 cm). If you have multiple dragons, you’ll need an even larger cage.
Bearded dragons also need access to UVB light, which helps them absorb calcium. Be sure to provide your dragons with a UVB light source, such as a fluorescent bulb designed specifically for reptiles.
provide your bearded dragons with clean water every day, and change the water regularly. Bearded dragons will often soak themselves in their water dish, so it’s important to make sure the water is clean and fresh.
Lastly, it’s important to handle your bearded dragon regularly. Bearded dragons are social creatures, and enjoy being handled by their humans. Start handling your dragon frequently from an early age to get them used to it, and they’ll enjoy being held by you for years to come!
Bearded Dragon Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of 75% plants and 25% insects. In captivity, however, their diet should be closer to 50% plants and 50% insects. This is because most captive-bred bearded dragons do not have access to the same variety of food that their wild counterparts do.
The best way to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting a balanced diet is to feed them a variety of both plant and animal foods. It is important to remember that not all bearded dragons will eat the same things. Some may be more finicky than others. It may take some trial and error to figure out what your beardie likes to eat.
Bearded Dragon Enclosures
There are many different types of bearded dragon enclosures on the market. Some are better than others, and it is important to choose one that will meet your needs and those of your beardie.
Bearded dragons come from arid, desert regions of Australia, and as such, do not require a large enclosure. A standard 10-gallon aquarium or similar sized enclosure will house a juvenile bearded dragon for several months. As your beardie grows, he will need more space, and an adult dragon should have at least a 40-gallon tank.
The type of enclosure you choose will also be determined by the number of dragons you plan to keep. If you only have one dragon, you can get away with a smaller enclosure. But if you plan to keep more than one dragon, you will need a larger tank so they each have enough space.
There are many different types of substrates that can be used in bearded dragon enclosures. The most popular substrates are sand, mulch, and gravel. These substrates can be found at most pet stores.
Sand is the most natural substrate for bearded dragons. It is easy to find and relatively inexpensive. However, sand can be harmful to your dragon if ingested. Bearded dragons like to dig in their substrates, so they may accidentally ingest some sand while they are digging. This can cause impaction, which is a life-threatening condition. If you decide to use sand as a substrate, be sure to monitor your dragon closely to make sure he does not ingest any sand.
Mulch is another popular substrate for bearded dragons. Mulch is made from bark or other plant material that has been ground up into small pieces. Mulch is less likely to cause impaction than sand, but it can still be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Bearded dragons typically do not ingest mulch unless they are eating or-moving/’>eating their food off of it, so this is not usually a problem. Mulch is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most garden stores or online.
Gravel is another substrate that can be used for bearded dragons. Gravel is less likely to cause impaction than either sand or mulch because it is too large to be ingested by most animals. However, gravel can be sharp and may cut your dragon’s skin if he falls on it wrong or rubs against it too hard
Bearded Dragon Toys
Bearded dragons are unique and fun pets. They have many different behaviors from other pets, such as dogs or cats. One of their most notable behaviors is that they love to play! bearded dragons need toys and playtime to stay happy and healthy.
There are many different types of toys that you can get for your bearded dragon. Some of the most popular include:
– Balls: bouncy balls are a great way to get your bearded dragon moving around and playing. You can find balls specifically made for reptiles, or you can use a small, soft ball from a pet store.
– Tunnels: bearded dragons love to crawl through tunnels and hideouts. You can find reptile-specific tunnels, or use plastic pipes from the hardware store. Just be sure that the tunnel is large enough for your bearded dragon to comfortably turn around in.
– Sticks: wood sticks are another great way to get your bearded dragon moving. Bearded dragons love to climb on things, so sticks give them something to climb on and explore. You can find reptile-safe sticks at pet stores, or use pieces of driftwood from the beach. Just be sure that the sticks are smooth and free of splinters.
For more ideas on how to keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy, check out this article on [bearded dragon care](https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/care-sheets/bearded-dragon/).
Bearded Dragon Handling
Bearded dragons make great pets and can be very docile, but they require some handling to get used to humans. It’s important to be gentle when handling your bearded dragon and to support their whole body. Here are some tips on how to handle your bearded dragon.
-Support your bearded dragon’s tail and body when you pick them up.
– Place your hand underneath their belly, close to their back legs.
– Use your other hand to support their chest and head.
– Avoid holding them by their tail, as this can injure them.
– Let them explore your arms and shoulders if they want to, but be prepared to support their weight.
– When you’re done handling your bearded dragon, place them back in their enclosure.
Bearded Dragon Safety
Bearded dragons are intelligent and social lizards that make great pets, but there are a few things you need to know before you bring one home. First, bearded dragons can carry salmonella, so it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them or their enclosure.
Bearded dragons are also susceptible to injury, so it’s important to handle them with care. When picking up a bearded dragon, support their entire body and avoid squeezing them too hard. Bearded dragons are fragile creatures, and their bones can easily be broken.
To keep your bearded dragon safe and healthy, it’s important to provide them with a proper diet and habitat. Bearded dragons are native to Australia, so they need a hot, dry climate to thrive. In the wild, they eat a diet of insects, but in captivity they can also eat vegetables and fruits.
If you provide your bearded dragon with a safe environment and proper care, you’ll have a happy and healthy pet for years to come.
