Bearded dragon – the friendliest lizard

Yes folks, we are not exaggerating with our title. Whoever walks close to a bearded dragon enclosure can observe how they curiously approach to greet the guest from the other side of the glass panel. The bearded dragon easily accepts the presence of humans and it’s easy to understand why they are the most common lizards used as pets. These lizards are common in the US and they are a first pick for a lot of reptile enthusiasts.

Bearded dragons as pets

They are relatively easy to maintain reptiles and are recommended to beginners when they choose to create a terrarium. The only condition is to be well informed beforehand. The difference between other animals and reptiles is that reptiles need special attention and a different level of care. Bearded dragon lovers say that these lizards can be a good pet choice even in households with small children. The curiosity and children’s pets and touches are things that these lizards enjoy. Let’s talk a bit about what it actually takes to maintain such a reptile.

Shelter

Bearded dragons are lizards that enjoy and need a lot of space. It has quite an accelerated growing rate and can reach 20in (50cm) in length. The young ones 10-12in (25-30cm) will require a 24-25 gallons terrarium. For a full adult, you will need to make a more important investment and get a 40 to 55 gallons terrarium. The bigger the better. Simple math says that the length of a terrarium should be at least 2.5 times bigger that the length of the reptile.

The terrarium can be from an array of materials: plastic, glass or acrylic. Try to avoid wooden terrariums or the ones that look like cages and have bars as the reptile can easily get hurt. The terrarium should always have a lid that can be securely closed to avoid any escapes. The bearded dragons can stand on their back legs and grip the top of the terrarium with their front legs and push themself outside. Of course you will need to ensure that the terrarium will have ventilation holes to make sure the reptile will be able to breathe. Bearded dragons are desert reptiles and they won’t agree with exaggerated humidity that comes with poorly ventilated terrariums.

Substrate

Nothing special here, related to any other reptile: newspapers, paper towels and other such things are enough (they are cheap and easy to change, although they are not that good aesthetically wise). You can choose a sand substrate or special lizard gravel that can be found at every pet-shop. Special terrarium carmets or ceramic pieces are also options to take into account. You should avoid any sort of wooden shavings, river sand or gravel. Some experts recommend sand and gravel but some prohibit using it as the reptile might eat it causing a gastro-intestinal blockage. On the other side, bearded dragons enjoy burrowing themselves in sand in some moments, plus it offers a natural aspect to the terrarium. As a rule, you should avoid sand for young reptiles and use it for adults as they will feel better on it and avoid eating it, but the choice is all yours.

Decorations

In their natural environment, the dragons spend a lot of time on top of tree branches or different rocks. Laying in the direct sunlight is one of their biggest pleasures. It is mandatory to place branches, wood chunks on which the lizard can climb. Make sure the branches are thick enough to sustain the weight of the lizard and offer them an acceptable place for them to rest. You can also try placing some big rocks with smooth surfaces on which the lizard can comfortably sit.

From time to time, the bearded dragon would like some alone time so placing a hideout inside the terrarium would help out a lot. Cardboard boxes, ceramic vessels or any other special decors from pet-shops are all great picks when choosing a hideout. If you see that the lizard is not using it, try changing its position inside the terrarium or try a different hideout type.

Light

This is one of the most important things you need to know when deciding to take a bearded dragon as a pet. They are desert lizards which spend a lot of time in the sunlight and their health depends on the amount of light they receive. Dragons need prolonged exposure to UV light to be able to synthesize D3 vitamin. The absence of UV light will make the lizard lack the D3 vitamin and as a result it can affect their bones, making them more fragile.

The best UV source is solar light. Sun exposure for a few hours each day is enough, BUT keep in mind that UV light doesn’t go through glass. As it could prove difficult to move the lizard daily in a place with direct sunlight, UV lamps are an option to consider. In pet-shops or specialty websites you’ll be able to find UV sources that you must place above the lizard, at least 10in (25cm). 

Food

Bearded dragons are omnivore and not pretentious at all. Living in the desert taught them to take advantage of every food source they can find. Depending on their age, the vegetable to meat ration may differ.

The young lizards need a diet made out of 80% animal and 20% vegetables. They should be fed 2 to 3 times a day because they are continuously hungry. A young lizard can eat up to 20 locusts a day. A vitamin and calcium supplement is also recommended.

As they get into their teens, worms can be added into their diets (mealworms, waxworms, silkworks and others), also bugs can be added. Do not give them insects and worms you find in nature as those can be carriers for a lot of diseases or parasites that can affect the lizard.

Adult lizards will prefer a mostly vegetarian diet. Give them locusts or worms only once every other day. Calcium and vitamin supplements are still necessary for adults, in pet-shops you will find such supplements that are made especially for reptiles. Vegetables are the base diet of the bearded dragons so they should always have fresh ones at their disposal and fruits should be given from time to time as a dessert.

Being docile and having a friendly character, these lizards became some of the most popular lizards all across the world. Bearded dragons as pets are great as they are not afraid of humans and they will approach the glass when the owner is nearby. They can be taken out of their terrariums and handled with care but keep in mind never to grab them by their tail as those are fragile and can easily break.