Bearded dragons are attractive and intriguing pets, which can make them tempting to own. However, bearded dragons have several specific needs that can make them difficult to care for and not the best choice of pet for novice pet owners.
Bearded dragons require a large living area that is custom-made to ensure they have the best environment they can grow and thrive in. It also requires a proper enclosure setup that includes the right temperature, substrate, lighting, and humidity levels.
Furthermore, they require a specialized diet, as they are mostly insectivorous, and live insects can be hard to source and feed. Additionally, they do require frequent veterinarian care, as they can suffer from a variety of health conditions and diseases.
Finally, bearded dragons can be sensitive to loud noises and are more suited for a more quiet environment, which means they may not be the best pet for households with young children or other animals.
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What are the cons of having a bearded dragon as a pet?
Owning a bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience for any pet owner, but it can come with some downsides as well. One of the biggest cons of owning a bearded dragon is the expense. Not only will you have to purchase the initial set-up which includes an enclosure, heating lamps, food and bedding, but you will also need to invest in regular food, vitamin supplements, and vet visits.
In addition, having a bearded dragon as a pet may require a significant amount of dedication and responsibility. Bearded dragons require specific cage temperatures and lighting, as well as regular cleaning of the enclosure.
They also need a varied and balanced diet consisting of both live insects, like crickets and mealworms, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Lastly, when it comes to handling, bearded dragons can be rather skittish and easily stressed out. Although they can become accustomed to their human caretaker, there is still a risk of being bitten or scratched if not handled properly.
As a result, it’s important to be cautious when picking them up and never force them to interact if they appear unwilling.
Can I handle a bearded dragon every day?
Typically, it is not recommended to handle your bearded dragon every day. They need time to themselves to rest and digest their food. Too much handling could stress them out and disrupt their daily routine.
If you would like to handle your bearded dragon, it is best to limit it to about 1-2 times a week, and each session should be no longer than 15 minutes. Be mindful of your dragon’s mood and behavior.
If it seems anxious, put it back in its home. If a bearded dragon hasn’t had much experience around humans, it is a good idea to start off with short and gentle handling sessions to help it become accustomed to being handled.
Take care to use slow and gentle movements, as sudden or jerky movements may be frightening. Make sure to always supoort the bearded dragon’s body and legs, particularly when lifting them up, as they may be prone to injury.
Finally, never grasp your dragon around the neck and be sure to wash your hands before and after handling your dragon.
Are bearded dragons hard to keep alive?
Bearded dragons can be relatively easy to keep alive as long as you understand their needs and create the right setup. They require a basking light, UVB light, proper temperatures, diet, enclosure and cleaning that can all be easily provided.
A diet of live food, such as crickets, dubia roaches, and gut-loaded superworms along with a well-rounded variety of veggies should be fed to keep your dragon healthy. A wide enough enclosure should be provided that the dragon can bask and walk around, as well as hiding spots.
Other important things to maintain a healthy environment are to keep the temperatures regulated with a basking light, UVB light, and cooler area with proper thermometers as well as regularly clean the enclosure.
Properly caring for a bearded dragon requires some dedication but it’s not overly difficult. Following the steps above will help ensure your dragon stays healthy, happy, and thriving for the years to come!.
Can I walk around with my bearded dragon?
Yes, you may walk around with your bearded dragon in certain circumstances. Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions to ensure your pet’s wellbeing. You’ll want to make sure your clothing is loose and comfortable, with no drawstrings or openings that could snag your dragon’s claws.
Additionally, you should ensure that the place you are walking to is not too cold or too hot, as extreme temperatures can harm your dragon. Don’t forget to provide your dragon with water and regular efforts to hydrate it.
If you are going to be outdoors, you should provide your dragon with a shady place to rest. Furthermore, you’ll want to be extra diligent about watching out for anything that can be a potential hazard to your dragon such as fast-moving bicycles, large dogs that could scare your pet, and any other potential dangers.
Finally, make sure there are no sharp objects or steep surfaces, as these can cause injury to your pet. If you take the necessary steps and follow these precautions, you and your bearded dragon should have a safe and enjoyable experience walking around together.
How long do pet bearded dragons live for?
Bearded dragons have a fairly long lifespan compared to other types of pet reptiles and can live up to 8 or 10 years when properly cared for. They are a desert species and their native habitat is Australia; this means providing a warm and dry environment for your bearded dragon is key for promoting a long life.
In the wild, beardies can live up to 20 years, but combined with the stress of captivity, a lower-quality diet, and improper care, the average life expectancy for captive beardies is usually between 8 – 10 years.
Besides providing a suitable environment, providing your bearded dragon with the right diet and ensuring their health through regular vet checkups can go a long way in making sure your dragon lives a long and happy life.
Is it a good idea to get a bearded dragon?
Getting a bearded dragon can be a great idea for a pet, but there are a few things to consider first. Bearded dragons need a large enclosure to accommodate their growing size, as well as proper lighting, heat, and decor.
Bearded dragons also need well balanced, nutritious diets that include live insects, veggies and even some fruits. They also require daily maintenance for their enclosure and weekly cleaning to remove waste products and shed skin.
Additionally, bearded dragons are social animals that need attention, so they should not be left alone for prolonged periods of time. Finally, it is important to research and develop an understanding of their care needs before making a commitment to a new pet.
With the right care, a bearded dragon can become a beloved, long-term companion.
Do bearded dragons get used to their owners?
Yes, bearded dragons can become very attached to their owners and display personality traits when they are around them. By creating a positive environment, such as providing good lights, food, and interaction, bearded dragons can become docile and even recognize their owners.
Because of the gentle and passive nature of bearded dragons, owners can maintain a bond with them and build trust. If a bearded dragon has been handled regularly and provided with positive reinforcement, it can even display a shy but content demeanor when its owner enters a room.
Through this trust and bond, bearded dragons may even enjoy being around their owners and follow them around when given the opportunity. As they continue to interact with their owners, they can grow increasingly used to being around them and enjoy being handled.
When should I worry about my bearded dragon?
You should worry about your bearded dragon if you start to notice any changes in their physical appearance or behavior. This could include rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, changes in feces or urates, changes in skin color (darkening in more mature beardies), labored breathing, lethargy, prolonged period of being in the same spot, or issues with shedding.
These could be signs of underlying disease or infection, and it is important to seek veterinary care for your bearded dragon if you observe any of these changes. You should also be wary of any sudden spike or drop in temperature or humidity, as bearded dragons are easily stressed out by these changes.
Additionally, bearded dragons need adequate access to UVB exposure, as well as regular feeding, misting, basking, and temperature monitoring in order to maintain proper health and growth. If you remain vigilant and attentive to these needs, then you should not have to worry about your bearded dragon.
How often should you hold your bearded dragon?
It is important to establish a good relationship with your bearded dragon by slowly acclimating them to regular handling. When first introducing your bearded dragon to being handled, it should be done gently and slowly, keeping in mind that stress can be detrimental to their overall health.
On average, it’s recommended that a bearded dragon is handled two to three times per week, usually for short periods of time. As your bearded dragon becomes familiar and comfortable with your handling, the frequency of handling can increase.
However, it’s important to remember that all bearded dragons have different personalities and temperaments, so the frequency and intensity of handling should be tailored to your individual pet. Additionally, during periods of brumation it’s advised to minimize handling, as during these periods your bearded dragon will be less active and more sensitive to human interaction.
In summary, it is important to handle your bearded dragon regularly in order to create a good relationship between the two of you, but to avoid over-handling or handling during brumation.
Do Beardies like baths?
Bearded dragons do enjoy baths from time to time, though they do not need them like other animals do. Almost all bearded dragons love to soak in shallow warm water. This type of activity can provide relief for your bearded dragon from any skin irritation, joint stiffness and even boredom.
As long as the water does not cover their nose/chin, most beardies will happily drink, splash and even swim around in the water. When giving your bearded dragon a bath, ensure the water is not too hot or cold.
Make sure to monitor them while they splash around. They should not be in the water for more than 10-15 minutes. Additionally, after the bath is done, leave your beardie in a warm dry area to let them dry off naturally.
Will bearded dragons cuddle with you?
Bearded dragons may or may not cuddle with you, depending on the individual animal and its level of comfort with people. As a friendly and gentle reptile, bearded dragons are generally happy to be handled and petted when comfortable.
Some bearded dragons may even enjoy cuddles given on their own terms. In order to create a bond with your bearded dragon and make it more likely that the animal will cuddle with you, it is important to handle it regularly and give frequent gentle physical affection.
This will help the creature to associate pleasant sensations with being close to humans. Additionally, providing your bearded dragon with plenty of enrichment items and places to hide, as well as spending time in the enclosure with it a few times a week, can help it to become more relaxed and willing to interact with people.
With enough patience, trust, and practice, some bearded dragons may eventually develop an affinity for cuddling with their owners.
Do bearded dragons fall in love?
Bearded dragons, like many other animals, have their own way and unique display of showing affection. While it is difficult to definitively say if they “fall in love” in the same sense as humans do, they do show signs of attachment to and interest in their chosen mates.
Female bearded dragons may court males by pacing around them and bobbing their heads up and down. When stimulated, a male may become aroused and rub his beard and spines on objects in an attempt to attract the female.
This is often accompanied by arm waving or arm thrusting. He may also vocalize his desire for the female.
Bearded dragons will sometimes form strong emotional bonds with each other, often causing them to become inseparable. Some bearded dragons may even refuse to mate with other dragons after developing their emotional attachment.
Overall, while “love” is a complicated emotion and difficult to attribute to animals, it is clear that bearded dragons are capable of forming strong, emotional bonds with each other and that attachment contributes to their overall well being.
How long does it take for a bearded dragon to bond with you?
The amount of time it takes for a bearded dragon to bond with you depends on a variety of factors. Some of those factors include the age of the beardie, their level of trust in you, and the amount of interaction and love you give them.
Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a beardie to bond with their new owners.
The best way to speed up the process is to create a safe, friendly environment and interact with them every day. Try introducing a few treat food items, such as blueberries and mealworms, and hand-feed them, as this will help build trust over time.
Spend a couple of hours each day talking to, petting, and interacting with your bearded dragon.
It is also important that they have plenty of clean, fresh water, as well as temperatures and humidity levels that stay within the optimal range for their comfort. Over time, your beardie should become more and more comfortable with you, and eventually you will be able to trust each other.
