Bearded dragons originated from the desert areas of Australia. These species are also one of the most important pets in the United States. Their friendly nature, personality, and lifespan make them a good option as a pet.
Their scientific name is Pogona vitticeps because of their ability to puff out their throat which is covered with spikes and seems like a beard. Hence, they are called bearded dragons. Their beard can change its colors during the breeding season and change to jet black.
The shape of their head resembles a triangle and has two rows of spikes, which gives a thorny crown appearance. These are the most dormant members of the reptile family.
Pros of owning a Bearded Dragon
These reptile species are the most promising, rewarding, and interesting lizards of their family. They are very friendly with humans and enjoy their company by sitting on their shoulders or their head. They act so intelligently when you pay with them.
If they are feeling comfortable or uncomfortable, you can depict their expressions from their eyes. Their interaction usually makes them unique and people feel love to be with them.
Social and welcoming
These are the most easily handled and friendly reptiles. Due to their finest nature and moderate temperament, these are considered as best reptiles. This is the reason why people adopt them as their pets.
Once your pet reptile entered your house, he will love your company and always welcome you if you are close to the cage, and he can see you. Sometimes, they show some extraordinary behaviors such as waving their hands. Waving means lifting one forearm and waving it in the air to make communication better.
Extensive life expectancy
These reptiles have a long expectancy of life. An average dragon can live up to 12 years in custody if they are handled properly.
Easy to handle
As these reptiles are docile, they usually allow one or more 1 other lizard species in their cage. At the start, one should avoid handling dragons for longer periods. At the start, one should handle them for shorter periods.
The age of dragons is directly proportional to their enviousness. It will help in developing trust with this reptile. Once the dragon becomes relaxed, you can handle him for longer periods. Always pick him up from the underbelly or side. Never pick him up from the top.
Lighter weight, quiet with no odor sense
Bearded dragons’ average weight is 500 grams. That’s why they are easy to play with and handle. Some people take their dragons’ pets to picnics, with them. These reptiles are very disciplined and less talkative.
They usually make little noises in their groups, as needed. They required less attention as compared to cats and dogs. If you play with them, they will feel happy. They don’t have a sense of odor. If you keep their cage clean and offer regular baths to them, they will not fuss about your premises.
Beautiful appearance and inexpensive
These dragons are bred in captivity most of the time. They have a variety of colors depending on the choice of the buyer. The color range can be red, white, yellow, purple, or other morphs. Some of their breeds are colorless, without scales, and many sizes are available.
They cost between 25 to 75 dollars. Their price can vary depending on the age and size of the reptile. If you are looking for a rare color, their price can be much higher.
No drop of the tail during stress
They do not drop their tail if they are facing a stressful condition. It is a distinctive feature of bearded dragons unlike other lizards such as leopards and crested geckos.
If this reptile is getting stressed, it will swell his beard, run away, or can bite on very rare conditions. If your pet loose its tail due to any infection, bite, or some other reason, then it is not dropping.
Easy to train and hand-fed
In the initial stages, it is very important to develop trust with them. If you succeed in developing trust with your lizard, you feel a connection. These are so intelligent. There are some cases when these dragons are quicker to get trained as compared to other pets such as cats and dogs.
People wonder about the performances of these dragons, they obey tasks related to obedience, the same as puppies. If you have a bearded dragon as your pet, you can show off to your family friends, or neighbors due to their unique habits, colors, and certain characteristics.
Diurnal species
These species are called diurnals because they are active during the day and sleep peacefully during the night. While most of the other lizards are crepuscular such as crested geckos, and leopard geckos.
Crepuscular means these are active during the evening. Being diurnal is beneficial for owners because their sleep schedule matches the owner’s sleep hours. If you have children at home, the bearded dragons don’t irritate them at night.
Cons of owning a Bearded Dragon
More requirements for space
Both cost and sense of responsibility should be there before adopting a bearded dragon. The average length of this creature is 12 to 24 inches. The cage of this dragon should have enough space for its free movement.
A tank of 55 to 70 gallons capacity is enough for it which has a partitioned lid. To overcome growth and bone deformities, UVB lighting should be installed. The temperature should be maintained in the range of 75 to 80ºF. other necessary items are rocks, branches, and certain plants for purpose of climbing.
More fragile
They are lazier being a small creature is considered as a pro to keep a bearded dragon but it can be a drawback for some owners. They are more prone to get injuries or accidents. They can easily get some bone diseases if their diet is not proper.
The best method to overcome diseases related to bones, make sure to get them vitamin D either from the environment or UV light maintenance in their cage should be optimum.
Maintenance requirements
To maintain the tank including its safety and cleanliness, time is required. The daily routine includes washing his bowls containing water and food. These bowels should be washed in warm water having soup in them.
All the items in the cage such as branches, any rocks, or some decorative things should also be cleaned. After washing bowels should be kept dry and then place back. Feces and remaining food should also be removed on daily basis to overcome diseases.
The sand in the cage is removed after every month in the case of 1 bearded dragon. If more than 1 bearded dragons are there in the cage, the cage should be cleaned more frequently. As buying these lizards is very cost-effective, but they require much care and devotion. Their maintenance and food costs can range from 250 to 300$.
Temperature sensitive
Their tank or cage temperature should be maintained between 75 to 80ºF to feel comfortable at home. The area for basking should be separate from the cage. The temperature of the basking area should be between 90 to 100ºF.
Health issues
These are very susceptible to some health issues. If they are caught directly from the wild, they can contain certain diseases such as bacterial, viral, and bone related. Due to this factor, their life span can be reduced.
These dragons have improper bone densities. Their bone structure is brittle and is easy to develop fractures or other issues related to bones. These reptiles can suffer from some respiratory problems. To ensure their fitness, special care and attention are required.
Balanced diet requirement of Bearded dragons
They are omnivores which means they can eat vegetables, fruits, and meat. Their diet consists of 60% vegetation and 40% insects. To ensure good digestion, the size of the insect should not be larger than the mouth of the dragon.
Food items required
If you want to buy a baby dragon, you have to manage a heavy amount of live food including different types of insects. Their diet plan changes with their surroundings and age. At the age of 7 to 8 months, they require to eat 2 to 4 times a day.
Small bugs and insects should be used to feed them. Choking should be avoided. When their age exceeds 8 months, they eat some vegetables and fruits. They prefer to eat bugs only 2 days a week. A dragon usually eats 100 small crickets per day and its weekly cost is almost 20 dollars.
They require diversity in their diet. They usually get bored if the same food items are offered to them again and again. Diversity of food can be much more expensive. Costs related to fruits and vegetables are very less as compared to a bug’s diet.
To manage the expenses of food, there is a way to breed 1 or more 1 types of feeder bugs in your backyard. The type of bug should be rich in nutrients, which will indirectly benefit your pet dragon.
