Bearded Dragons

Life of A Bearded Dragon: Get to Know About their Health, Actions, Colors and Movements

Bearded Dragons (Pogona) are a type of lizard native to Australia. They are also known as the Inland or Central Bearded Dragon. They are omnivorous and will eat both plant and animal matter. They have an average life span of 4 to 10 years and reach up to 24 inches in length and weigh up to 18 ounces.

They are quite interactive reptiles, and they love head scratches and being hand-tamed. In the wild, they use body language and color changes to communicate, and they’re also capable of swimming.

These fascinating lizards can be found in various habitats, from the desert to woodlands, and they bask in the sun when the conditions are just right. They’re a great pet for those who want to experience a unique connection with an animal.

Bearded Dragons are not currently threatened, but their populations are monitored and managed due to their popularity as pets, as well as the loss of their habitat.

Bearded Dragons are known for their ability to puff out their throat area when threatened, which is known as “burdening”. They also have a unique way of drinking by soaking up water droplets through their skin.

They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day and sleep at night. They have a third eye, known as the parietal eye, which is located on the top of their head and helps them to detect movement. Also, they are capable of changing color to communicate with each other and regulate their body temperature.

Habitat

Bearded dragons are native to Australia and parts of the Northern Territory, but they can also be found in the pet trade, in many different countries. They are a popular choice for pet lizards because of their relatively easy care, docile nature, and amusing behavior.

Bearded dragons are found in a variety of different habitats in the wild, depending on the species. For example, the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is found in open woodlands, grasslands, and arid scrublands.

The Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata) is found in more moist habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. The Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona microlepidota) lives in dry habitats, including deserts and rocky areas.

In captivity, bearded dragons should be kept in an enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. This means providing them with the appropriate temperature, humidity, plants, and hiding places. A good enclosure should have a basking area with temperatures between 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit, a cool side around 75-85 degrees, and a UVB light source. The enclosure should also have plenty of hiding spots and plants for the beardie to hide in. Humidity should be kept between 30-40% in the enclosure.

Bearded dragons are omnivores and should be fed a variety of foods including vegetables, fruits, and insects. They should be offered a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and superworms. Fruits and vegetables should make up a large portion of their diet.

Bearded dragons need to be provided with adequate exercise and enrichment to keep them healthy and happy. This can include providing them with objects to climb on, branches to climb, and hiding spots. They should also be handled regularly and given time to explore their environment.

By providing your bearded dragon with the proper habitat, diet, and enrichment, you can ensure that your pet has a happy and healthy life.

Diet

The diet of a Bearded Dragon should consist of a variety of items, including live prey such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, and some fruits and vegetables. Live prey should make up the majority of the diet, with occasional treats of fruits and vegetables.

When it comes to fruits, the bearded dragon should only have a few pieces of fruit at a time, and should never exceed 10% of the total diet. Vegetables should make up 20-30% of the diet and should be varied to ensure a balanced diet. Live prey should be offered every day, with the exception of a weekly fast day.

Bearded dragons should also supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals. A good vitamin and mineral supplement should be given twice a week and should contain calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3. It is also important to dust the prey items with a calcium supplement before feeding.

Finally, water should be available at all times for your bearded dragon. A shallow dish should be provided, and the water should be changed daily.

Behavior

Bearded dragons are well-known for their active and inquisitive nature. They are generally calm and docile animals, but they can become defensive and aggressive when they feel threatened. Bearded dragons are most active during the day, often basking in the sun to stay warm and to help digest their food.

Courtship and Breeding

Male bearded dragons have a showy courtship ritual to try and capture a female’s attention. This includes pounding their feet into the ground, waving their arms, and bobbing their heads. To cement the attraction, males will even bite the back of the female’s neck during mating.

It’s said that female bearded dragons possess a rare ability to store sperm, meaning one mating can result in two separate clutches of eggs, each containing 11-30 eggs.

Color And Movements

Bearded dragons are medium-sized lizards that are native to Australia. They are often brightly colored, with a background of yellow, orange, or sandy brown. Their heads and necks are typically highlighted with a series of spines and a dark, triangular beard.

These lizards move quickly on their short legs, and they are known to be quite agile, as they can climb, dig, and swim. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, and they prefer to bask in the sun or hide under rocks or logs.

Bearded dragons can also move quickly when startled, running to hide or to seek shelter. They are also capable of running bipedally for short distances, hopping with both feet off the ground.

Let us talk about the senses of sight, smell, and hearing. They are able to detect movement from a considerable distance and can be trained to respond to their owner’s commands. They can also recognize their owners and will often approach them when they enter a room.

I got to know that, they have the ability to distinguish between different colors and can accurately judge distances. It is no wonder that they are expert climbers and can ascend vertical surfaces with ease.

What Does Bearded Dragon Eat?

Young bearded dragons have an appetite for both insects and plants, so they can get all the nutrition they need as they grow. As they reach adulthood, they’ll start to lean more towards plant-based foods, such as bearded dragon pellets, and consume around 90% plant matter. To ensure your pet is receiving the best care, here are some dietary tips:

  • Insects – Feed your bearded dragon gut-loaded insects like crickets once a day. This means they have been fed with ingredients like calcium to increase their nutritional value. You can also give them mealworms, super worms, and waxworms, but in small amounts. To prevent escapes, there are special storage containers for these little critters.
  • Vegetables and Fruits – Offer your pet dark, leafy greens, carrots, squash, and peas daily. Fruits such as melons, berries, and citrus should be given once a week, but remember to remove any uneaten food after a few hours.
  • Vitamins – An adult’s food should be dusted with calcium and Vitamin D3 powder two to three times a week. For juveniles, this should be done four to five times a week. A reptile multivitamin should also be dusted on their food once a week for juveniles and twice a month for adults, or as instructed by your vet.

Things You Should Put in Your Bearded Dragon’s Terrarium

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard native to Australia that are popular with reptile enthusiasts. They need a terrarium that is properly equipped with everything they need to stay healthy and happy. Here are some of the essential items you should have in your bearded dragon’s terrarium to keep them healthy and comfortable:

  • Substrate – Add a reptile carpet or tile to the bottom of your bearded dragon’s terrarium. This is a must for younger dragons as they can accidentally swallow the bedding materials. Waste should be scooped up right when spotted and bedding should be changed at least once a month.
  • Heating – Bearded dragons are ectotherms, so they require both a warm and cool side in their terrarium. Heat lamps or basking bulbs should be used to create a temperature gradient.
  • Temperature – Make sure the cool side of the tank is between 75-85° Fahrenheit, and the warm side should be 95-100° Fahrenheit. The nighttime temperature should be between 65-75° Fahrenheit.
  • Humidity – Humidity levels should be kept between 20-30%. A reptile water dish, habitat fogger, or mister can be used to increase humidity. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
  • Lighting – Use UVB light bulbs to mimic a 12-hour day and night cycle. Bearded dragons are active during the day and sleep at night. A UVA/UVB bulb with a timer should be used for about 12 hours a day.
  • Reptile Decor – Give your dragon some habitat decor like a piece of driftwood or rock and a few branches to climb, bask, or hide behind. Make sure everything is secure and in place.

How To Take Care of Them: How Do I Know I Should Call the Vet?

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards in the world and with good reason. They are easy to care for, have friendly personalities, and can even recognize their owners with time and patience. But, like all animals, they require special care to stay healthy and happy. Taking the time to learn how to take care of your bearded dragon is essential for their well-being, as these reptiles can live anywhere from 8 to 15 years.

  • Housing: Bearded dragons need an adequately-sized enclosure, preferably with a mesh cover. The enclosure should be at least 20 gallons for a single dragon and should be equipped with a secure lid. The enclosure should be well-ventilated and should include a basking spot with a temperature of 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lighting: Bearded dragons need both UVB and UVA lights. Make sure to place the UVB light at the appropriate distance from the dragon and replace it every six months.
  • Diet: Bearded dragons are omnivorous and need a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and insects. Offer a variety of different foods to ensure your dragon is getting all of the necessary nutrients.
  • Handling: Bearded dragons should be handled carefully, in order to avoid stressing them out. Allow your dragon to become accustomed to your presence before attempting to handle them.
  • Hygiene: Be sure to keep your dragon’s enclosure clean by wiping down the walls and substrate weekly.

How to Know When to Call the Vet

Pets are an important part of the family, and when they get sick or injured, it can be heartbreaking. Knowing when to call the vet can be a difficult decision, but it is important to pay attention and act quickly when your pet is in need. Luckily, recent studies have shown that early medical intervention can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and a speedy recovery. Therefore, it is important to know when to call the vet in order to ensure the best outcome for your pet.

  • Change in Appetite: If your dragon stops eating or drinking, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem and you should call the vet.
  • Lethargy: If your dragon is unusually lethargic or unresponsive, this could be a sign of an illness or injury and you should call the vet.
  • Respiratory Problems: If you notice your dragon is having difficulty breathing, or if its breathing is labored, this could be a sign of a respiratory infection and you should call the vet.
  • Change in Behavior: If your dragon is displaying unusual behavior, such as excessive scratching or biting, this could be a sign of an underlying health problem and you should call the vet.
  • Unusual Growth or Lump: If you notice any unusual growths or lumps on your dragon, this could be a sign of an underlying health problem and you should call the vet.

How Are Bearded Dragons As a Pet: Should You Get One?

Bearded dragons make great pets. They are friendly, easy to care for, and can be handled by most people. They also have a wide variety of personality traits, making them entertaining to watch and interact with.

They require a warm environment and a diet of insects and vegetables. Bearded dragons are also fairly low maintenance, meaning they don’t require a lot of special attention. If you are considering getting a pet, a bearded dragon is definitely worth considering.

Bearded dragons can live up to 10 years with proper care. They are also relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain. With regular vet checkups, proper nutrition, and a clean environment, your pet will stay healthy long into its life.

Who Should Avoid Getting Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are wonderful pets, but they require a lot of care and attention. Therefore, they may not be the best option for people who do not have the time, money, or resources to provide the necessary environment and care for these reptiles.

If you’re allergic to dust and pet dander, then a bearded dragon isn’t the pet for you. Their skin produces a lot of dander, and it can trigger a reaction. So, consider another pet instead.

It’s important to consider these things before deciding to adopt a bearded dragon. Allergies can be a real problem for some individuals, and it’s best to avoid them altogether.