Are Bearded Dragons Good Pets?

Bearded Dragons are considered to be one of the better lizards to own. They have a better temperament live 7-10 years and grow up to 24 inches in length.

They are called bearded dragons because they can extend the skin on the underside of their throat and blacken the color, which makes it appear as though they have a beard.

Dragons are semi-arboreal (tree dwelling) and are active by day. Bearded Dragons in the United States are available in several colors, including red, yellow, and sand fire. Bearded Dragons can be amazing pets for Older children and adults.

Why Do They Make Great Pets?

They make great pets because they are easy to care for and have a calm temperament. You can hold them and love on them and many of them even return some affection.

You do want to watch them around other pets, but if they are an only pet, they like to run around and hide in some of the craziest places. Better make sure to block those hard-to-reach areas.

Bearded Dragons are also hypoallergenic and don’t require a lot of attention. And, what’s better than a kid telling his friends that he owns a dragon!

You do need to keep in mind that the dragon can protect itself if necessary. They can puff themselves up and look larger to intimidate predators.

They also have protective scales and spikes along the side of their beards that act as armor.

Setting Up Their House

Bearded dragons will need to have a home that grows with them. If you want to use a tank, it should be 20 gallons for hatchlings, but an adult will most likely need a 50-gallon tank.

The length is much more important than the height of the tank. If you have the room for an indoor vivarium, you should definitely do it.

They tend to need about 6 feet in length 17 inches wide and at least 16 inches high. You’ll also need a secure top and ventilation while still being able maintaining heat levels.

Dragons come from rocky, arid, semi-desert regions, so make sure you have a UV light and a fixture to supplement heating. Don’t use basking lights at night and make sure they have enough humidity to aid in shedding skin.

You can use peat moss to help with humidity but make sure the enclosure isn’t wet.

You can use butcher paper on the bottom of the enclosure as well as paper, tiles, or lizard carpet. Sand isn’t recommended for several reasons, but the main reason is that it can lead to a continuously dehydrated lizard.

Bearded Dragons don’t like to be on display all the time. Make sure they have objects to climb on and hide behind to help them feel secure.

You can find hideouts at most pet stores, or you can make one out of cardboard. Food and water bowls need to be accessible and changed daily.

It is important to separate adults, as they are territorial creatures.

Diet:

Bearded Dragons are omnivores. (They Eat Vegetation and Meat) Variety is important to overall wellness and nutrition.

Most of their diet should consist of vegetables you would serve as a chopped salad. Dark, leafy greens such as romaine, mustard greens, bok choy, Swiss chard, and chicory should make up more than half of their diet.

Squash, zucchini, sweet potato, etc. should make up around 20% of your dragon’s diet. Beet Greens and collard greens are high in calcium oxalates and should be fed sparingly.

It is said that parsley and spinach should be avoided as they can prevent the absorption of calcium and other trace minerals.

Animal products should comprise about 20% of an adult dragon’s diet. It should include earthworms, appropriately sized crickets, mealworms, king mealworms and pink and fuzzy mice.

Crickets should be about 2/3rds the size of the dragon’s head. Make sure that you feed any insects a couple of days before feeding your dragon so that their nutrition is passed on to your dragon.

There are also powders and supplements that can be sprinkled on insects before feeding your dragon.

Bearded Dragons love their treats too. Things like papaya, melon, and banana as well as non-toxic flowers such as hibiscus can be offered. Don’t overfeed fruits and flowers.

No more than 5% of your dragon’s diet should be treats.

Fresh water should always be available for your dragon. It should be in a bowl or dish shallow enough for your lizard to see into and drink out of

Your dragon will appreciate being soaked in warm water once a week as well.

Housekeeping:

I know, everybody’s least favorite part about pets! Your dragon’s enclosure should be scrubbed once a week. Make sure you use non-toxic soap such as dawn dish washing soap. Be sure to rinse well.

It’s also important to sanitize the enclosure as well. Use a 1:10 ratio of water and bleach and do an extra good job of rinsing. Make sure the enclosure is completely dry before returning your dragon to it.

In Conclusion:

Bearded Dragons do make good pets. Even Great Pets! It’s great to know that they don’t need a lot of attention but are happy to receive it often if you are able.

They have a calm demeanor and don’t tend to be aggressive unless mistreated. Once you have their environment set up, there is very little to do other than regular cleaning and feeding them properly.

Each dragon is unique in both color and personality. They have a long lifespan and will be your companion for many years to come.