Not many people know this but reptiles are very empathic animals. They can be cute, unique, full of personality and character. That, in my opinion, is what makes them wonderful pets and amazing companions. So that’s why here in this article I’ll be talking a bit about reptiles and more specifically, bearded dragons, and why they makes great pets.
Their Origins
Bearded dragons originate from Australia exclusively the southeastern Australian desert. They were introduced to the United States in the 1990s when they grew in popularity, becoming one of the next common household pets in America. Due to Australian laws bearded dragons are no longer allowed to be imported here hence why there are now reptile breeders in the US. If you get a bearded dragon from a proper and reputable breeder, their lifespan can be as long as 10 to 15 years and they can grow up to 2 feet long in length. There many different types of bearded dragons and they can come in many different colors such as: orange, yellow, gray, brown, and red. Bearded dragons can also change colors as they grow.
Enclosure Set up
As far as their enclosures go I’m gonna give you some tips on equipment and setting up their enclosures. Here’s a list of the basic equipment you would need to get started with:
Heating/basking lamps should be placed on top of one side of the tank. It should be hot with a temperature between 101°F to 105°F and the UVB light should be on the other side of the tank with a temperature below 100°F and above 80°F (the cooler side of the tank). Also the temperature in the tank should be at least 70°F at night. Lights have to be turned off at night as well. Humidity should remain between 40 to 50% at all times. Misting (spraying water into the enclosure) can be used to adjust the humidity of the tank as well as assist bearded dragons and other reptiles in shedding. If the humidity is not properly maintained it can cause health issues in the bearded dragon. Juveniles and babies shed very frequently. It can range from weeks to months in between sheddings depending on how old they are and how often they are bathed.Thermometers should be placed on the hottest side of the tank and humidity meters should be placed near the middle of the tank. Also when setting up their tank be sure not to overcrowd the tank with decorations so that it doesn’t stress out your bearded dragon, especially when the tank is small.
Feeding/Diet
As far as feeding, it depends on the age of the bearded dragon and how big they are. Juveniles should be fed frequently throughout the day, ideally 2 to 3 times a day. Babies/newborns should be fed five times a day and adults should be fed once a day. Juveniles and babies are fed 80% bugs and 20% vegetables and fruits while adult bearded dragon should be fed 80% vegetables and 20% bugs. Adult Dragons are usually 14 months and older. Also another thing to note is that bearded dragons must be fed supplements including vitamin C, calcium and multivitamin powder with their food.
Behaviors common/uncommon
in Bearded dragons
If the enclosure is ideal for the bearded dragon they will display a number of positive and content behaviors such as:
Those are some of the behaviors of a healthy and content bearded dragon, so now let’s move onto behaviors that are seen in sick bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are also known to hide signs of illness and unfortunately they are really good at it. so here are some of the early signs that you can pick up on so that you can ensure that your bearded dragon gets the Care they need in a timely manner.
Signs of illness and bearded dragons can include:
Another thing to note is that signs of illness can also be signs of brumation. Brumation is what bearded dragons or a lot of reptiles do in the colder seasons to conserve body fat since food is scarce in the winter. In brumation they can sleep for weeks to months. During these times they can stop eating and moving their bowels due to them needing heat to digest their food. Not all bearded dragons do this, especially bearded dragons that are raised in captivity and with proper heating fixtures.
Times that they can display these behaviors are in the following instances:
If your bearded dragon has any of the symptoms I listed above please do not hesitate to consult an exotic animal vet. Bearded dragons are considered exotic animals in the United States therefore not all veterinary offices can treat them. So you would have to find a vet that treats and specializes in exotic animals such as bearded dragons and other big reptiles.
Ways to improve the health in your bearded dragon is adjusting the temperature and humidity in their tanks, offering a variety of veggies and bugs, and adjusting the lights in their enclosures.
Closing Statement
I hope this article was helpful and informational as articles and blogs such as this one was for me. My bearded dragon’s name is Aether and he’s 4 going on 5 months old. Having Aether was and still is a journey. Everyday he grows there’s something new and fun everyday and its truly a joy. I want to close this off by saying, taking care of a pet can be a daunting task and its not for everyone. Please, if you are considering getting a bearded dragon or any pet for that matter make sure its something you can fully commit to.
Their Origins
Bearded dragons originate from Australia exclusively the southeastern Australian desert. They were introduced to the United States in the 1990s when they grew in popularity, becoming one of the next common household pets in America. Due to Australian laws bearded dragons are no longer allowed to be imported here hence why there are now reptile breeders in the US. If you get a bearded dragon from a proper and reputable breeder, their lifespan can be as long as 10 to 15 years and they can grow up to 2 feet long in length. There many different types of bearded dragons and they can come in many different colors such as: orange, yellow, gray, brown, and red. Bearded dragons can also change colors as they grow.
Enclosure Set up
As far as their enclosures go I’m gonna give you some tips on equipment and setting up their enclosures. Here’s a list of the basic equipment you would need to get started with:
- For juveniles and babies a tank anywhere between 25 to 40 gallons should be big enough (it also depends on their age group)
- UVB lights (lights that mimick natural sunlight)
- Basking lamps/heating lamps
- Paper towels/substrate/sand
- Hiding spots
- Greenery
- Enrichment
- Thermometer/humidity meter
- Misting bottle
Heating/basking lamps should be placed on top of one side of the tank. It should be hot with a temperature between 101°F to 105°F and the UVB light should be on the other side of the tank with a temperature below 100°F and above 80°F (the cooler side of the tank). Also the temperature in the tank should be at least 70°F at night. Lights have to be turned off at night as well. Humidity should remain between 40 to 50% at all times. Misting (spraying water into the enclosure) can be used to adjust the humidity of the tank as well as assist bearded dragons and other reptiles in shedding. If the humidity is not properly maintained it can cause health issues in the bearded dragon. Juveniles and babies shed very frequently. It can range from weeks to months in between sheddings depending on how old they are and how often they are bathed.Thermometers should be placed on the hottest side of the tank and humidity meters should be placed near the middle of the tank. Also when setting up their tank be sure not to overcrowd the tank with decorations so that it doesn’t stress out your bearded dragon, especially when the tank is small.
Feeding/Diet
As far as feeding, it depends on the age of the bearded dragon and how big they are. Juveniles should be fed frequently throughout the day, ideally 2 to 3 times a day. Babies/newborns should be fed five times a day and adults should be fed once a day. Juveniles and babies are fed 80% bugs and 20% vegetables and fruits while adult bearded dragon should be fed 80% vegetables and 20% bugs. Adult Dragons are usually 14 months and older. Also another thing to note is that bearded dragons must be fed supplements including vitamin C, calcium and multivitamin powder with their food.
Behaviors common/uncommon
in Bearded dragons
If the enclosure is ideal for the bearded dragon they will display a number of positive and content behaviors such as:
- Basking: Basking is when they sit on the hottest side of their tank and regulate their body heat by “gaping”. (In order for bearded dragons to digest their food, they must bask.)
- Gaping: when they open their mouths to cool down their body temperature. kinda like opening a window when it’s too hot in the room.
- Beard flexing: bearded dragons also flex their beards. They can either do this when they first wake up, when they are shedding, or when they are upset and feel threatened. (Beard flexing is normal especially if they are in a new environment.
- Head bobbing: another behavior that healthy better dragons can display is head bobbing. Just the act of bobbing their heads up and down. This behavior is mostly seen in Male bearded dragons though. They can do it when they feel threatened or they can do it when they are asserting their dominance.
- Waving: arm waving is when a bearded dragon, mostly females, wave their arm. Majority of the time its to show submissiveness to more dominant bearded dragons. Sometimes they even do it to their own reflections.
- Wiggling: most bearded dragons snuggle, better known as “wiggle”, as they fall asleep. It’s something they do to put themselves in a comfortable position as they rest.
Those are some of the behaviors of a healthy and content bearded dragon, so now let’s move onto behaviors that are seen in sick bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are also known to hide signs of illness and unfortunately they are really good at it. so here are some of the early signs that you can pick up on so that you can ensure that your bearded dragon gets the Care they need in a timely manner.
Signs of illness and bearded dragons can include:
- Lethargy
- Blackbeard
- Little to no appetite
- Dark in color (bearded dragons change colors depending on how they feel)
- Sunken eyes
- No bowel movement
- Staying on the cooler side of the tank
- Head shaking or leg twitching
Another thing to note is that signs of illness can also be signs of brumation. Brumation is what bearded dragons or a lot of reptiles do in the colder seasons to conserve body fat since food is scarce in the winter. In brumation they can sleep for weeks to months. During these times they can stop eating and moving their bowels due to them needing heat to digest their food. Not all bearded dragons do this, especially bearded dragons that are raised in captivity and with proper heating fixtures.
Times that they can display these behaviors are in the following instances:
- Temperature in their tank needs to be adjusted
- Brumation
- Diet is not balanced or correct for their age group or in general
- Other underlying issues that may require a vet visit
If your bearded dragon has any of the symptoms I listed above please do not hesitate to consult an exotic animal vet. Bearded dragons are considered exotic animals in the United States therefore not all veterinary offices can treat them. So you would have to find a vet that treats and specializes in exotic animals such as bearded dragons and other big reptiles.
Ways to improve the health in your bearded dragon is adjusting the temperature and humidity in their tanks, offering a variety of veggies and bugs, and adjusting the lights in their enclosures.
Closing Statement
I hope this article was helpful and informational as articles and blogs such as this one was for me. My bearded dragon’s name is Aether and he’s 4 going on 5 months old. Having Aether was and still is a journey. Everyday he grows there’s something new and fun everyday and its truly a joy. I want to close this off by saying, taking care of a pet can be a daunting task and its not for everyone. Please, if you are considering getting a bearded dragon or any pet for that matter make sure its something you can fully commit to.
