Understanding Your Bearded Dragon

Unlike iguanas, monitors, water dragons, and the flightier lizards of the exotic pet trade, bearded dragons tend to enjoy human contact and to be handled by humans. As a by-product, bearded dragons are a suitable reptile for younger children (always with proper supervison). When provided with the proper habitat, temperatures and UVB lighting, bearded dragons are hardy lizards.

Males are often slightly larger than females, with a larger head in proportion to their bodies, but females are often slightly more heavily set. Bearded dragons have a distinctive series of lateral spines (specialized scales) radiating horizontally from the head to the base of the tail. Bearded dragons live about 10 years.

A Beardie's Natural Habitat

All species are from Australia, but they have been exported worldwide and bred widely in captivity. Many Bearded dragon habitats are dry and sparsely vegetated, so food may often be difficult to find. In the wild, the various species are widely distributed throughout different regions of Australia. Bearded Dragons occupy a large range of habitats from the desert to dry forests and scrublands.

So Make Them Feel at Home

Basic rule of thumb is to never keep any dragons housed together. Bearded dragons also like to bask on rocks, and they use the edges of rocks to shed their skin as well. The cage should be at least 16" wide to avoid problems turning.

Do not use electric or battery powered heating devices such as HotRocks because they can cause stomach burns and flesh tearing on bearded dragons and pretty much every basking reptiles, especially babies. Do not put caves or shelters in with your bearded dragon until it is full size.

A 100 watt should be 10-12 inches away minimum, the 160 should be 16-18" minimum and the other wattages should be listed when you buy it. An example of a good brand of florescent bulbs is Repti-Sun 10. A UVB light is needed as well. The Repti-Sun bulbs usually have both variations of light, UVA and UVB, in one bulb.

ReptiSun UVB Flourescant Bulbs

Bearded Dragon Eating Habits

An adult will eat a huge quantity of food, although it will be spread out over the week. Also, a baby needs a daily salad, but may be reluctant to sample unmoving food. The insects being offered should not be any larger than the space between the lizard's eyes to ensure safe digestion.

Waxworms can be given as a treat, but no more then 3-4 a week in most cases as they are extremely fatty, and in some cases very addictive. Superworms are a better choice for older lizards, especially after the insect molts. A significant portion of the Bearded dragon's diet must consist of leafy greens.

Due largely to their animated, highly social behavior, mild temperament, ready willingness to breed in captivity, flexible diet and robust nature, Bearded dragons are popular among reptile enthusiasts as pets. Have a great time raising your beardie!

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