Bearded dragons are a popular pet choice for many people. They are relatively easy to care for and make great additions to any home. But before you decide to purchase one, there are some things you should know about bearded dragons.
In this blog post, we will discuss all of the important facts you need to know about bearded dragons, including their diet, lifespan, health conditions, and tips on how to care for them. We will also discuss the cost of owning a bearded dragon and provide a few baby-care tips for first-time owners!
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What Is A Bearded Dragon?
A bearded dragon is a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are part of the reptile family and can grow up to 24 inches long! Bearded dragons get their name from the spines or “hairs” on their chin, which resemble a beard. These lizards are also sometimes called “pogona” dragons.
Bearded dragons are popular pets because they are relatively easy to care for and make great additions to any home. But before you decide to purchase one, there are some things you should know about bearded dragons, including their diet, lifespan, health conditions, and tips on how to care for them.
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, small mammals, and leafy greens. In captivity, however, their diet can be a bit different.
Most pet stores sell special food for bearded dragons that is made up of dried insects and vegetables. This food is easy to digest and contains all of the nutrients your bearded dragon needs to stay healthy. You can also feed your bearded dragon live insects, such as crickets or mealworms. These should be dusted with calcium powder to ensure your lizard gets enough of this important nutrient.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live?
Bearded dragons typically live between eight and 12 years old in captivity. However, some bearded dragons have been known to live up to 20 years old!
What Is The Natural Habitat Of A Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons come from the deserts of Australia. In the wild, they can be found basking in the sun on rocks or hiding in burrows to escape the heat. Bearded dragons are ectothermic, which means they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.
What Are Some Common Health Conditions In Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons are generally healthy creatures. However, like all animals, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some common health problems in bearded dragons include metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and parasites.
Metabolic bone disease is a condition that affects the bones and is caused by a lack of calcium in the diet. Respiratory infections are common in lizards and can be caused by stress or a dirty habitat. Parasites are also common in bearded dragons and can be acquired from eating contaminated food or insects.
How Can I Prevent My Bearded Dragon From Getting Sick?
The best way to prevent your bearded dragon from getting sick is to take them to the vet for regular check-ups. Be sure to clean their habitat regularly and provide them with a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Bearded Dragon?
The cost of owning a bearded dragon varies depending on a few factors, such as where you purchase your lizard and what type of habitat you set up for them. However, on average, you can expect to spend around $100 on your pet lizard and another $50 per month on food and supplies.
What Kind Of Cage Do You Need For A Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons need a large cage that is at least four feet long and two feet wide. The cage should have plenty of ventilation and a basking spot for your lizard to sun themselves. The floor of the cage should be covered with sand, gravel, or another type of substrate that can retain heat.
Do Bearded Dragons Make Good Pets?
Bearded dragons make great pets for people of all ages. They are relatively low maintenance and can be easily trained to do tricks! Bearded dragons are also very social creatures and enjoy spending time with their owners. If you are looking for a pet that is both unique and rewarding, a bearded dragon may be the perfect choice for you!
How Do Bearded Dragons Breed?
Bearded dragons breed by depositing their eggs in a nest. The female will then guard the eggs until they hatch. Once the baby lizards hatch, they are on their own and must fend for themselves.
When Do Bearded Dragons Reach Sexual Maturity?
Bearded dragons reach sexual maturity at around two years old. At this point, they will begin to develop reproductive organs and will be able to mate, and produce offspring.
Do You Have Any Tips For Caring For A Baby Bearded Dragon?
If you are thinking about purchasing a baby bearded dragon, there are a few things you should know. Baby bearded dragons are delicate creatures and require special care. Here are a few tips for caring for a baby bearded dragon:
- Provide them with a small, shallow water dish to soak in.
- Feed them live insects that have been dusted with calcium powder.
- Handle them gently and avoid holding them for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Keep their habitat clean and free of parasites.
Do Bearded Dragons Shed Their Skin?
Bearded dragons shed their skin periodically to remove old scales and grow new ones. This process is called molting. Bearded dragons typically molt every few months, but the frequency can vary depending on the age and health of the lizard.
Bearded dragons make great pets for a variety of reasons. They are low maintenance, interesting to watch, and can be easily trained to do tricks! Bearded dragons are also very social creatures and enjoy spending time with their owners. If you are looking for a pet that is both unique and rewarding, a bearded dragon may be the perfect choice for you.
Do Bearded Dragons Need A Lot Of Attention?
Bearded dragons are relatively low-maintenance pets. They do not need to be walked or exercised like dogs and cats, and they can go several days without being fed. However, bearded dragons do enjoy spending time with their owners and should be handled regularly.
Do Bearded Dragons Smell?
Bearded dragons do not have a noticeable scent and are generally considered to be odor-free pets. However, if your lizard is not properly cared for, they may develop a mild musky smell. Regular baths and clean living quarters will help to prevent this from happening.
Can You Get A Disease From A Bearded Dragon?
There is always a risk of contracting a disease from any animal, but the risk is relatively low with bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are not known to carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
However, it is important to wash your hands after handling your lizard or coming into contact with their habitat. This will help to prevent the spread of any bacteria or parasites.
Do All Reptiles Carry Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can be found in the gut of many animals, including reptiles. While all reptiles carry salmonella, the risk of contracting the disease from a bearded dragon is low.
Bearded dragons are typically healthy animals that do not shed their skin or excrete waste in their environment. However, it is still important to wash your hands after handling your lizard or coming into contact with their habitat. This will help to prevent the spread of any bacteria or parasites.
Do Bearded Dragons Bite?
Bearded dragons are not known to bite humans unless they feel threatened. If your lizard does bite you, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as there is a risk of infection.
Bearded dragons have sharp teeth that can puncture the skin and introduce bacteria into the wound. Infections can be serious and even life-threatening if left without seeking medical attention.
Do Bearded Dragons Have Teeth?
Yes, bearded dragons have teeth. Bearded dragons have sharp teeth that can puncture the skin and introduce bacteria into the wound.
Can You Hold A Bearded Dragon?
Yes, you can hold a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons enjoy spending time with their owners and should be handled regularly. However, it is important to wash your hands after handling your lizard or coming into contact with their habitat. This will help to prevent the spread of any bacteria or parasites.
Can Two Male Bearded Dragons Live Together?
Bearded dragons are relatively low-maintenance pets. They do not need to be walked or exercised like dogs and cats, and they can go several days without being fed. However, bearded dragons do enjoy spending time with their owners and should be handled regularly.
Two male bearded dragons can live together if they are properly introduced and have enough space. However, it is important to monitor their interactions, as they may become aggressive towards each other if they feel threatened. If you notice any signs of aggression, it is important to separate them immediately.
Will A Bearded Dragon Eat Plants?
Bearded dragons are carnivores and will not typically eat plants. However, if your lizard is not getting enough nutrients from their diet, they may start to nibble on plants.
Bearded dragons need a diet that is high in protein and calcium to stay healthy. If you notice your lizard eating plants, it is important to speak with a veterinarian to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Bearded dragons are a great choice for pet owners looking for a low-maintenance reptile. They are not known to carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and they typically only bite if they feel threatened.
Bearded dragons also do not need a lot of attention and can go several days without being fed. If you are looking for a reptile that is easy to care for, a bearded dragon may be the perfect pet for you!