Having kept beardies for years, I think they make wonderful companions and can be ideal family pets – but there are important things to consider before deciding if a beardie is right for you.
Generally, bearded dragons are considered good pets. In addition to being social, friendly, and gentle, they are easy to tame and responsive to owners. Despite that, there are some reasons why you should not get one.
In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping these amazing creatures as pets so you can make an informed decision about whether or not a bearded dragon is a suitable pet for your household.
1. They Have A Peaceful And Calm Temperament
Bearded dragons make wonderful pet because They have a peaceful and calm temperament. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular with reptile lovers.
They don’t require as much space as other reptiles, making them easier to care for at home than many others. Plus, bearded dragons are quite hardy animals that can often survive in captivity without too much fuss from their owners.
Their gentle nature means they will rarely harm humans or other animals – even when handled incorrectly. This makes them very safe around children and other creatures sharing the same environment.
In fact, some may even become tame enough to interact positively with people, if given the correct training and time spent together.
2. They Have A Good Life Expectancy
Yes, bearded dragons make great pets – and they have a good life expectancy! I’ve had my own bearded dragon for years now and can attest to its longevity.
Bearded dragons are long-lived reptiles that usually live between 8 and 12 years in captivity – some even longer with proper care. Here’s why:
- They’re low-maintenance pets that don’t need much attention or grooming.
- You don’t have to walk them outside as you do with a dog or cat.
- A balanced diet of fresh vegetables and insects helps keep them healthy and contented.
- With the right environment, your pet will lead an active, happy life.
Be sure to research what kind of habitat bearded dragons need before bringing one home so you can create the perfect space for him. when it comes time to feed him, stick to high-quality foods that contain all essential nutrients.
What’s more, by providing regular vet checkups and paying close attention to any signs of illness, you’ll ensure your beloved reptile stays fit throughout his lifetime.
So if you want a loyal companion who’ll love you unconditionally, look no further than a bearded dragon!
3. Caring For Them Is Simple
Caring for a bearded dragon is easy and requires minimal equipment. Keeping them healthy and happy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. An enclosure, food, water, and heat are all that is needed in order to keep your pet content.
| Necessities | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | Provides security & comfort |
| Food | Ensures energy & nutrition |
| Water | Keeps hydrated |
| Heat | Maintains health |
A terrarium of 20-40 gallons can comfortably house an adult beardie. Plastic containers work well too but need more frequent cleanings due to poor ventilation; whereas glass tanks provide ample airflow and easier maintenance. Whatever you choose, make sure the lid has mesh covering it so they don’t escape.
For the bottom of your reptile cage, you should line it with sand, bark chips, or newspaper. Plants may also be added, but make sure they are not too close to any toxic plants or leaves.
Bearded dragons eat various insects such as crickets and worms which should always be dusted with calcium powder prior to feeding.
It’s important to feed a balanced diet since these reptiles cannot digest plant matter alone – fresh fruits and vegetables should only amount to up to 10% of their daily meals because they lack certain enzymes required for digestion.
Finally, never forget to offer plenty of fresh water every day either through shallow bowls or misting techniques; this will help prevent dehydration, especially during hot summer days when humidity levels drop significantly outdoors.
4. They’Re Intelligent
Bearded dragons make excellent pets, and one of the reasons why is their intelligence.
As an owner, you’ll find that these reptiles can be trained to recognize certain sounds and respond to them differently.
These intelligent creatures are also very curious and will explore any new space or object they encounter. Some beardies love to climb up anything they find interesting such as rocks, logs, branches, etc., which makes them a lot of fun to watch.
Plus, bearded dragons show affection in ways other than physical contact. They often look directly at you with those big eyes and cuddle close when you”re nearby.
Here are some activities that demonstrate how smart your pet can be:
• Learning tricks:
- My beardie learned how to roll over pretty quickly.
- He was soon able to do more complex behaviors like standing on two legs or giving ‘high fives’.
- Even though he doesn’t always get it right away, once he does understand what I want, he remembers it perfectly.
• Understanding commands:
- When I say ‘no’ or ‘stop’, my reptile stops whatever behavior he was doing immediately.
- He knows exactly which toys belong to him and if he sees another dog playing with them, he will bark until they leave his toy alone.
• Solving problems:
- Bearded dragons have been known to figure out puzzles by themselves with minimal guidance from owners – this speaks volumes about their intelligence level!
- Even simple tasks like finding their way around obstacles are easily accomplished by these lizards because of their natural curiosity combined with problem-solving skills.
The intelligence of bearded dragons means that not only can you enjoy watching them explore and learn but you can also teach them many things too! It’s amazing how much personality they have – truly making them enjoyable companions who add life into our homes every single day!
5. Bearded Dragons Can Show Affection
Yes, bearded dragons can make great pets! They love snuggling up with their owners and even show affection in other ways. I’ve owned a few of these cuties over the years, and each one has been so special to me.
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
| Affectionate | Needs Attention |
| Calm | Can be pricey |
| Low maintenance | Not suitable for small kids |
They are quite calm animals, which makes them perfect if you’re living in an apartment or don’t have much time on your hands. Plus, they don’t require too much upkeep; just regular cleaning and feeding will do.
Although they may not need as much care as other pets, like cats or dogs, that doesn’t mean they don’t need attention. Bearded dragons still need plenty of love from their owners!
It’s important to remember that while bearded dragons can make wonderful companions, they aren’t always the best pet choice for everyone.
For starters, they tend to cost more than some other types of animals due to their specialized needs. Also, because they can become aggressive when threatened or scared, they might not be the safest option for households with young children who could unintentionally frighten them.
Overall though, if given proper care and attention, a bearded dragon can make a fantastic companion for many years to come!
6. Feeding Them Is Straightforward
Feeding them is straightforward and often enjoyable. According to the Bearded Dragon Manual, a single bearded dragon can eat about 15-30 crickets in one week.
With such numbers, it’s no surprise that they are popular pets for those who want to get started with reptile care without too much fuss or hassle.
As an owner, you’ll likely find yourself buying a variety of foods to give your pet plenty of nutrition and variety.
Crickets are one staple food item and other items like worms, mealworms, waxworms, roaches, shrimp and more can be added in as snacks or occasional meals too. Vegetables such as collard greens and kale should also make up around 20% of their diet; these will provide essential vitamins that help keep your beardie healthy.
It’s important to remember not to overfeed your beardie – they need just enough food each day which means sticking to the correct serving size according to their age and size.
By taking these simple steps into consideration when feeding your pet you can ensure that your bearded dragon stays happy and healthy for many years!
7. Their Size Is Very House-Friendly
Yes, bearded dragons make excellent pets! One of the reasons why is their size. Bearded dragons are generally small enough to fit in most homes and don’t require a lot of space to live comfortably.
Bearded dragons can grow up to 2 feet long from head to tail when fully grown, but that’s still quite manageable for an indoor pet.
Some people opt for outdoor enclosures if they have the room, but it’s not necessary unless you’re looking to create a larger habitat with more plants or other features.
They also tend to be very calm creatures which makes them great companions even in smaller spaces.
All in all, beardies are great little critters who can easily adapt to any home environment without taking up too much space.
8. They’Re Affordable
Bearded dragons are great pets for those on a budget. They’re relatively inexpensive to buy and maintain, making them an attractive choice for anyone who wants an exotic pet without breaking the bank.
The initial cost of buying a bearded dragon can range anywhere from $25-$200 depending on where you get it and its age. Once purchased, there are only minimal costs associated with caring for your new pet – such as food, habitat supplies, and vet visits. Most people spend no more than $80 per month on their beardie’s basic needs.
This makes caring for your pet financially manageable while still providing him or her with everything they need to thrive in captivity. Plus, you won’t need any fancy gadgets or gizmos that other reptiles require, so you’ll save even more money!
All-in-all if you’re looking for an affordable yet enjoyable pet experience then a bearded dragon is definitely worth considering!
9. Bearded Dragons Are Fun To Observe
I can confirm from personal experience that bearded dragons make excellent pets! They are incredibly fun to observe, and I love watching my own dragon.
Bearded dragons come in many different shapes and sizes, making them even more fascinating creatures. Some have cool patterns on their bodies while others may be solid-colored or striped. You can also find variations of scales on their heads, legs, tails, and bellies. It’s amazing how diverse all these features are between each individual dragon!
It’s easy to become captivated by the beauty of bearded dragons as they move around gracefully with such charisma – they really are majestic creatures.
Owning a pet like this is truly rewarding because there is always something new to learn about them every day!
10. They’Re Good Pets For Kids
Bearded dragons make great pets for kids. They’re active, social animals that can be quite friendly and interactive with their owners – even more so when they’re raised from an early age.
Here are some of the reasons why a bearded dragon is a great pet for children:
- Bearded dragons are easy to care for, not requiring much maintenance or special attention beyond regular feedings and occasional cleaning of their cage.
- Their diet consists mostly of vegetables and insects, making them relatively inexpensive to keep fed.
- They live anywhere between five to ten years on average, allowing your child to form a lasting bond with their pet over time.
- Unlike cats and dogs, there’s no need to take them outdoors for walks or potty breaks.
Plus, owning a bearded dragon offers educational opportunities too! Your child will learn responsibility by providing appropriate care and habitat conditions as well as gain knowledge about reptile anatomy, behavior, and nutrition through hands-on observation.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to discovering new things about this amazing creature. Not only does interacting with nature help foster creativity in young minds but also helps teach empathy toward all living creatures.
In short, if you want your kid to have a unique pet experience then look no further than a bearded dragon!
These fascinating reptiles provide entertainment as well as educational benefits that any parent would be proud of – plus they’re just plain fun!
11. They Look Neat!
Yes, bearded dragons are great pets! They look absolutely stunning with their spiky beards and colorful scales. Not only do they come in a variety of colors, but they can even change color depending on their mood or temperature.
It’s fascinating to watch them as they transition from one hue to another.
Bearded dragons make great pets due to their easy care and low maintenance requirements – they just require an occasional bath and clean food and water.
Therefore, if you or your family are planning to get a pet, then you might want to consider them as the best choice for you.
Bearded Dragon As A Pet: Challenging and Hassle Part
Proper Lighting Is a Challenge: Bearded dragons require specific lighting to stay healthy, including a source of UVB light.
This can be challenging for owners to provide, as the bulbs need to be replaced regularly and placed at the correct distance from the dragon.
They Are Voracious Eaters: Bearded dragons have a healthy appetite and can eat a lot, which means owners need to provide them with a variety of foods and ensure they don’t overeat. This can be expensive and time-consuming, as owners need to prepare and source fresh food regularly.
They Are Quite Dirty: Bearded dragons can be messy pets, and their enclosures require frequent cleaning. This includes removing feces and uneaten food, as well as wiping down surfaces and replacing substrate.
Parasite Carriers: Bearded dragons can carry parasites, including mites and worms, which can be difficult to detect and treat. Owners need to monitor their pets closely for signs of illness and have them checked regularly by a veterinarian.
Space Requirements: Bearded dragons need a lot of space to move around and exercise, and their enclosure needs to be large enough to accommodate their size. This can be a challenge for owners who have limited space or live in apartments. Additionally, they need a basking spot and a cool spot, which means the enclosure needs to have multiple temperature zones.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are truly the ideal pet for any home. They have a peaceful and calm temperament, making them easy to care for and manage.
They also have a good life expectancy so you’ll get years of joy from your bearded dragon. Plus, they look neat!
What more could you ask for? Well, maybe some affection – but don’t worry – bearded dragons can show that too!
They’re affordable on almost any budget. Plus, they’re fun to observe as their personalities emerge over time.
So if you’re looking for an all-around great pet, I recommend getting yourself a bearded dragon right away! Not only do they make excellent companions, but they can provide hours of entertainment while taking up minimal space in your home.
