What to Know Before Getting a Bearded Dragon?
Before you get a bearded dragon, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the must-know tips for anyone considering adding a bearded dragon to their family.
Checkout this video:
What are bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are also known as Pogona Vitticeps and can grow to be about 2 feet long. Bearded dragons are popular pets because they are docile and easy to care for.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, small mammals, and reptiles. In captivity, bearded dragons should be fed a diet of vegetables and fruits, as well as insects such as crickets and mealworms.
Bearded dragons require a warm environment to thrive. In the wild, they live in desert habitats where temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day In captivity, bearded dragons should be kept in an enclosure that has a basking area that is around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the enclosure should then drop to around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for both children and adults alike. If you are considering getting a bearded dragon, be sure to do your research so that you can provide them with the best possible care.
Why are they popular pets?
Bearded dragons are popular pets for several reasons. They are relatively easy to care for, they are docile and quiet, and they have a long lifespan (10-12 years on average). They also have some unique behaviors that can be entertaining to watch, such as “arm waving” and “beard flaring.”
What do they need to thrive?
Bearded dragons come from the dry, arid regions of Australia and need specific conditions to thrive in captivity. They are desert dwelling lizards that bask in the heat of the day and sleep in burrows or rock crevices at night. mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible.
Provide a basking area for your bearded dragon that is between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a basking bulb or heat lamp to create this warm basking area. The basking area should only be a few degrees cooler than the warm end of their enclosure so they can regulate their body temperature.
The cool side of the enclosure should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature can drop 10 to 20 degrees. You can use a ceramic heat emitter, undertank heater, or blue bulb to create this warm basking area
Bearded dragons need UVB rays to process calcium which is essential for their health. Provide UVB lighting by using a fluorescent tube designed specifically for reptiles or compact bulbs. Place the UVB light over the basking area so your bearded dragon can bask under it and receive the benefits of the UVB rays.
A healthy diet for a bearded dragon includes live insects, vegetables, and fruits. Live insects should make up about 50% of their diet while vegetables and fruits should make up about 30% and 20% respectively
What are their natural behaviors?
Bearded dragons are active lizards that climb, forage, and bask in the sun. They’re also good swimmers! In the wild, they’re found in semi-arid, rocky, wooded habitats with plenty of hiding in-his-cave/’>hiding places.
As juveniles and adults, bearded dragons are shy but curious animals. They may try to retreat when first approached by a human but will quickly become curious and want to check you out. If you move too quickly or make loud noises, they may get scared and run or hide.
Bearded dragons rely heavily on their sight and use it to communicate with each other and their surroundings. They have excellent vision and can see long distances clearly. When they see something they’re interested in, they may move their head from side to side to get a better look.
How do you care for a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets. They’re relatively easy to care for and make great companions, but there are still some things you should know before you get one. Here’s what you need to know about how to care for a bearded dragon.
Bearded dragons come from Australia, and they’re desert animals. That means they like it hot and dry. In the wild, they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. You’ll need to provide a basking spot for your bearded dragon with a basking lamp that gives off both light and heat. The basking spot should be about 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bearded dragons also need a cool side of their tank where the temperature is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They’ll regulate their own body temperature by moving between the two areas as needed.
Your bearded dragon will also need a UVB light to help them process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease.UVB lights come in both tube and compact form. Bearded dragons need 12-14 hours of UVB light per day, so it’s important to get a quality light that emits the right wavelengths of UVB radiation.
In addition to heat and UVB lighting, you’ll also need to provide your bearded dragon with hiding spots and climbing branches. Bearded dragons like to have places to hide so they feel safe, and they love to climb. Provide plenty of rocks, branches, and hiding spots for your bearded dragon to exploration and enjoy.
Finally, you’ll need to feed your bearded dragon a diet of live insects supplemented with vegetables. Bearded dragons are omnivores, so they need both protein from insects and nutrients from vegetables. A diet of live insects will ensure that your bearded dragon gets enough protein, but you’ll also need to offer leafy greens and other vegetables several times a week.
What do bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons are mostly herbivorous, meaning their diet consists mainly of plants. In the wild, their diet can also include some insects, but in captivity it’s best to stick to a plant-based diet. Various vegetables and greens can be offered, and there are a variety of commercially available bearded dragon food pellets that are nutritionally complete and can be fed as a supplement or mainstay diet.
What are common health problems with bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are prone to a variety of health problems, some of which can be quite serious. The most common health problems include:
– Metabolic bone disease: This is caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium in the diet and can lead to deformities and fractures.
– Respiratory infections: These are common in bearded dragons and can be fatal if left untreated.
– Gastrointestinal problems: Bearded dragons are susceptible to a variety of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and impaction (blockage of the intestine).
– Parasites: Bearded dragons can be infected with a variety of parasites, including worms and mites.
How long do bearded dragons live?
Bearded dragons typically live between 8 and 12 years, although some have been known to live up to 20 years.
Should you get a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are popular pets, but they’re not the right fit for everyone. If you’re thinking about getting a bearded dragon, here are a few things to consider first.
Size
Bearded dragons can grow to be 2 to 3 feet long, so you’ll need a spacious tank or enclosure. It’s also important to keep in mind that dragons grow quickly, so you’ll need to upgrade their housing as they grow.
Temperature and humidity
Bearded dragons come from warm, arid habitats and need similar conditions to thrive. Their enclosure should be kept between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a basking area that’s 10 to 15 degrees warmer. The enclosure should also have a humidity level of 30 to 40%.
Digging and climbing
Bearded dragons love to dig and climb, so their enclosure should provide plenty of space for these activities. Look for an enclosure with a deep layer of sand or substrate for digging, as well as rocks or branches for climbing.
Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores and eat both plants and animals. In captivity, they should be fed a diet of 50% vegetables and 50% live insects. Vegetables such as collards, kale, and butternut squash are good options, while crickets, roaches, and earthworms make good live food options.
Where can you buy a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are lizards that are native to Australia. In the wild, they can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, forests and woodlands. They get their name from the “beard” of skin that they can puff out when they are threatened or excited. Bearded dragons are popular pets because they are relatively easy to care for and can be very friendly.
If you’re thinking about getting a bearded dragon, there are a few things you should know before you buy one. First, bearded dragons are not cheap. They can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the size and type. Second, bearded dragons need special care and housing. They need a warm environment with plenty of space to move around. Bearded dragons also need a diet of live food, such as insects or small rodents.
If you’re prepared to care for a bearded dragon properly, then you can purchase one from a variety of places. Pet stores, reptile shows and breeders are all good sources for buying bearded dragons. You can also find them for sale online, but be sure to do your research before buying from an online source. Once you have your new pet, be sure to consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with reptiles to make sure your beardie stays healthy and happy!
