Before getting a bearded dragon, you should know some basic information. These reptiles are very friendly and tolerate handling very well. It is also a good idea to try holding the beardie flat. Beardies tend to feel safer held flat and are easy to handle. Unlike cats, beardies don’t need to be taken outside to go to the bathroom. This makes beardies great pets for people who don’t get out much.
When purchasing a bearded dragon, check to see if it’s healthy. Look for signs of infection, such as brumation, and look for bright pink tongue and oral cavity. The beardie’s skin is often shed and can interfere with its vision or constrict its digits. Make sure the tank is clean, and consult with a reptile veterinarian about the animal’s health.
In Australia, bearded dragons are protected as pets. To own a beardie, you must obtain a companion animal keeper’s licence. This licence varies from state to state. The government website contains the information that you need to know. The NSW Code of Practice for the Private Keeper of Reptiles can also help you with the licensing process. You can apply online or by telephone.
In the beginning, bearded dragons are omnivorous but will shift to a herbivorous diet as they grow older. They love insects and organ meats. They particularly like gut-loaded insects. They also love vegetables and leafy greens, but only occasionally eat fruits. Be sure to offer plenty of fresh water for the new beardie. It will thank you for your efforts!
The enclosure you buy for your bearded dragon should include a substrate. This will not only provide humidity for your new pet, but it will also make the tank look more natural. Juveniles should not be allowed to climb on loose substrate as it could cause intestinal impaction. You can use paper towels or reptile carpet instead. It is also important to allow your beardie plenty of human interaction. During the summer, you can let him out frequently so that he or she will be comfortable with you.
Remember that a beardie can bite despite their good intentions. This is especially true if it is a baby or a re-homed beardie. If you have patience, however, beardie lizards tend to be gentle with people. They are also easy to socialize, making them a great pet for novice reptile owners. You should consider this pet if you’re a first time reptile owner. While a bearded dragon requires more maintenance and preparation than many other pets, it’s also safer for beginners and easier to care for than most other species.
After buying a bearded dragon, you should purchase the appropriate habitat for it. The aquarium should be a minimum of 55 gallons in size. It should be free of any metal parts or wires, as these could hurt the bearded dragon. The lining should also be absorbent and digestible. You should also include a separate basking area, as bearded dragons require a warm environment to survive.
What should I look for when buying a bearded dragon?
– Active.
– Good appetite for both insects and vegetables.
– Eyes are alert and clear.
– Normal coloration.
– Good skin texture with no lumps or lacerations.
– Clean anal region.
– Healthy mouth and jaw.
– Complete tail.
Are bearded dragons good beginner reptiles?
Bearded dragons are a fantastic beginner reptile if you are willing to put a little extra time and money into your pet. These animals tend to grow into a very laid-back temperament, but may be a bit standoffish as babies and skittish as young adults. Proper handling will help with this, though.
What type of bearded dragon is the best pet?
– Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
– Rankin’s Bearded Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
– Kimberley Bearded Dragon (Pogona microlepidota)
– Abrolhos Dwarf Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor minima)
– Dwarf Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor minor)
– North-West Bearded Dragon (Pogona mitchelli)
What do I need before getting a bearded dragon?
– You need room for a 2′ x 2′ x 4′ enclosure. …
– Temperatures and lighting are very important. …
– You’ll need a temperature gun. …
– You’ll need to regularly clean their tank.
Are bearded dragons better pets than dogs?
Expert caregivers agree… bearded dragons make GREAT pets for kids! Friendly, patient, and typically non-aggressive, beardies are the perfect reptile for curious kiddos looking to care for an animal other than your typical cat or dog.
Do bearded dragons and dogs get along?
Though an unlikely pair, Bearded Dragons and dogs can make good friends! Though they will need a little bit of time and work to get to know each other, they can be a compatible pair before long! Although even if they are the best of friends, it is important to never leave your pets unsupervised while together.
Are bearded dragons good with other pets?
As mentioned earlier, bearded dragons are calm, docile, and friendly creatures. Most love to cuddle and spend time with their owners. And as one of the most easygoing reptiles, they are likely to get along with many other kinds of pets—as long as the other animals are well-behaved.
What’s the difference between a regular bearded dragon and a fancy bearded dragon?
Regular bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are normally tan, beige, or light brown, with muddy yellow markings. Their color and pattern are adapted for camouflaging in the desert of Australia. Fancy bearded dragons have vivid red and orange colors, striking zigzag patterns and fewer spikes.
What is the best pet dragon?
Common Name Scientific Name Required Experience Level
———————– ———————– ————————-
1. Chinese Water Dragon Physignathus cocincinus Intermediate
2. Crested Gecko Correlophus ciliatus Beginner
3. Dragon Moray Eel Enchelycore pardalis Advanced
4. Draco Lizard Draco volans Advanced
Should I get a leash for my bearded dragon?
A bearded dragon leash can be ideal if you want to spend time with your “beardie” outside their terrarium or even if you want to train them to walk outdoors.
Why you shouldn’t get a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons and other reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria on their skin, and the bacteria can even be found in the animals’ enclosures—salmonella can be transmitted just from holding them, cleaning their enclosures in a sink, allowing them to walk around on floors or surfaces, or allowing children to touch them …
Are bearded dragons good pets to have?
While they are generally considered good pets, even for beginner reptile owners, they do have fairly complex nutritional and environmental needs. Special equipment and a fair amount of time are needed to care for bearded dragons.
What is the easiest bearded dragon to take care of?
Tank Tips
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Best Substrate
Should I get a bearded dragon if I have a dog?
Though an unlikely pair, Bearded Dragons and dogs can make good friends! Though they will need a little bit of time and work to get to know each other, they can be a compatible pair before long! Although even if they are the best of friends, it is important to never leave your pets unsupervised while together.
Do bearded dragons do well with dogs?
Though an unlikely pair, Bearded Dragons and dogs can make good friends! Though they will need a little bit of time and work to get to know each other, they can be a compatible pair before long! Although even if they are the best of friends, it is important to never leave your pets unsupervised while together.
What type of bearded dragon makes the best pet?
– Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
– Rankin’s Bearded Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
– Kimberley Bearded Dragon (Pogona microlepidota)
– Abrolhos Dwarf Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor minima)
– Dwarf Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor minor)
– North-West Bearded Dragon (Pogona mitchelli)
Is a bearded dragon good for beginners?
Bearded dragons are very good beginner pets, but that means they’re extremely popular and common among reptile owners.
