Imagine sharing your home with a fascinating creature that boasts a unique appearance and a calm demeanor. Are bearded dragons good pets? Absolutely! Bearded dragons, a popular reptile species, could be the perfect addition to your family, especially for older children. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the world of bearded dragons, discussing their characteristics, pros and cons, and essential care tips to ensure a healthy and happy life for your scaly companion.
Key Takeaways
- Bearded Dragons are a popular pet choice that require proper care and external heat sources.
- Owning a Bearded Dragon can provide companionship, but there are potential health issues to consider.
- Responsible ownership involves understanding the needs of your pet and providing them with proper diet, temperature control, lighting & regular veterinary care.
Bearded Dragon Basics
Bearded dragons are small to medium-sized lizards, widely regarded as a suitable pet for all ages. Hailing from the arid to semi-arid regions of Australia, the central bearded dragon is the most widespread species among the eight species found in the wild. As bearded dragons grow, these captivating creatures, including young bearded dragons, can reach up to 22 inches in length and live for an impressive 7-12 years when properly cared for in captivity. With many bearded dragons available, they have become a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts, especially those interested in wild bearded dragons.
These cold-blooded animals have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal-based foods. As ectothermic creatures, bearded dragons rely on external heat sources to maintain their body temperature, basking in the sun or burrowing to evade extreme temperatures in their natural environment. Captive bearded dragons require UV lamps or other artificial forms of heat to thrive, and a reptile carpet can provide a comfortable surface for them to rest on.
The Pros of Owning a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are often considered good pets and amazing pets due to their placid disposition, low noise levels, and suitability for older children who can manage them responsibly. Their calm and easy-going nature makes them an attractive choice for a pet lizard, offering companionship and entertainment for their human caregivers.
Good for Older Children
Children aged 8-10 years and above can handle bearded dragons with care, making them a suitable pet for this age group. These gentle reptiles can provide companionship and entertainment for older children. They can help with their care by:
- Feeding them
- Maintaining their enclosure
- Observing their behavior and health
- Engaging in handling and socializing activities under adult supervision.
When handling bearded dragons, older children should take certain precautions, such as:
- Avoiding holding the reptile by its tail
- Exercising caution with young and agile dragons
- Ensuring they are old enough and responsible enough to handle a reptile as a pet
By following these guidelines, older children can enjoy a rewarding and educational experience with their bearded dragon companion.
The Cons of Owning a Bearded Dragon
Despite their many desirable qualities, bearded dragons may also face health problems such as metabolic bone disease, mouth rot, and other issues that can be exacerbated by poor conditions in pet stores. Additionally, their natural behaviors, such as roaming, basking, and tunneling, may be restricted in captivity, potentially impacting their well-being.
Metabolic Bone Disease and Other Health Problems
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a common and serious health condition affecting bearded dragons. It is caused by a lack of calcium in their diet, resulting in weakened bones and other symptoms such as:
- paralysis
- deformities
- weakness
- tremors
MBD can be fatal if not treated properly, making it imperative to provide a balanced diet with adequate calcium to prevent this disease in bearded dragons.
Preventing MBD in bearded dragons requires maintaining the right temperatures and ample UVB exposure, a diet high in calcium, and a suitable environment. If diagnosed with MBD through blood work and X-rays, treatment may involve medication, a balanced diet, appropriate husbandry, and calcium supplements, with the specific approach determined by the severity of the disease.
Bearded Dragon Care Essentials
Providing adequate care for your bearded dragon is crucial to avoid health issues and ensure their overall well-being. Essential care tips include:
- Offering a proper diet of insects and vegetables
- Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels in their enclosure
- Ensuring they have a suitable living environment with proper lighting and ventilation
Proper Diet and Feeding
A balanced diet is key to maintaining the health of your bearded dragon, with a variety of insects and vegetables making up their daily meals. Suitable insects include:
- Dubia roaches
- Crickets
- Hornworms
- Waxworms
- Superworms
- Mealworms
Dark, leafy greens such as romaine, dandelion greens, and collard greens should also be provided.
Daily feeding of your bearded dragon, supplemented with calcium, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, helps ward off health problems such as metabolic bone disease. Treats such as:
- hibiscus
- squash blossoms
- strawberries
- blueberries
Can be offered in limited quantities to add variety to their dark brown diet, including exotic species.
Regular Veterinary Care
Scheduling regular veterinary check-ups is necessary for maintaining your bearded dragon’s optimal health. A comprehensive physical examination involves:
- Assessing the animal’s weight
- Examining the oral cavity
- Checking the eyes
- Evaluating the skeletal condition
- Assessing overall alertness
- Conducting blood work
- Performing a microscopic examination of their feces to check for gastrointestinal parasites.
It is recommended that you take your bearded dragon to the vet annually for a regular check-up and examination. These visits can help detect and address any health issues early on, ensuring a long and healthy life for your scaly friend.
Safe Handling and Interaction
Place one hand under the chest of your bearded dragon near its front legs. Use your other hand to carefully cradle its tail for support. Allowing your bearded dragon supervised outdoor time can also be beneficial, as the exposure to natural sunlight can aid in their overall well-being.
As bearded dragons are known carriers of salmonella, thorough hand washing after handling them is required to prevent bacteria spread. By practicing proper hygiene and handling techniques, you can safely interact with your bearded dragon and minimize the risk of illness.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Owning a bearded dragon necessitates considerable time, space, and resources, given their lifespan of up to 15 years and daily care needs, including:
- Proper lighting
- Temperature control
- Supplements
- Diet
Comprehending your bearded dragon’s specific needs and providing proper care are key components of responsible pet ownership.
If you decide on a bearded dragon as a pet, choosing a captive bred juvenile is advisable, as they are more amenable to life as a pet and adapt more readily to their new environment. By being a responsible pet owner, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your bearded dragon.
Adoption vs. Purchase
If you’re considering a bearded dragon as a pet, it’s worth evaluating the advantages and drawbacks of adoption versus buying from a breeder or pet store. Adopting a bearded dragon has the advantage of rescuing an animal in need, while purchasing from a breeder or pet store can be costly and may involve unethical practices within the pet trade industry.
Bearded dragons in the pet trade often experience abuse, neglect, and a lack of veterinary care. By choosing to adopt or purchase from a reputable breeder, you can help to address the plight of bearded dragons and other animals in the pet trade, ensuring a better life for these captivating creatures.
Summary
In conclusion, bearded dragons are fascinating and unique reptiles that can make wonderful pets for the right owner. Their calm and docile nature, combined with their captivating appearance, make them an attractive choice for many households. However, it is crucial to understand their specific care requirements, such as proper diet, temperature control, and veterinary care, to ensure their health and happiness.
By being a responsible pet owner, providing proper care, and considering adoption versus purchasing, you can positively impact the life of your bearded dragon and enjoy a rewarding experience with your scaly companion. So, if you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey, prepare to welcome a bearded dragon into your life and create lasting memories together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pet bearded dragons like to be held?
Bearded dragons do enjoy being held and may even show signs of affection towards their owners, such as remaining calm when handled or sitting on their laps.
Is a bearded dragon a good house pet?
Bearded dragons make good pets due to their easy-going personalities, sturdy body structure, and long lifespans. They are docile creatures and rarely bite, plus they require limited care and are inexpensive and readily available. However, complex nutritional and environmental needs must be met in order to keep them healthy.
How much do bearded dragons cost?
Bearded dragons cost anywhere between $60 and $120 for babies, while adults can go for up to $150. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the price of a tank or cage, which can range from $200 to $300. It’s important to remember that these prices are just the first purchase costs, and ongoing care and shelter are essential for your pet’s wellbeing.
What is the average lifespan of a bearded dragon in captivity?
On average, bearded dragons in captivity have a lifespan of 7-12 years with proper care.
What should be included in a bearded dragon’s diet?
A bearded dragon’s diet should include a variety of insects, dark leafy greens, fruits and flowers.
