Bearded dragons can swim surprisingly well for creatures that couldn’t look less like they belong in water. There are many ways for us to offer our bearded dragons ways to swimming such as a container, bathtub, pond or even a puddle.
Creating opportunities for swimming activity can provide environmental stimulation and fun. A swim gym is especially set up to provide exactly that.
What’s in store for you…
Can Bearded Dragons Swim?
Absolutely, bearded dragons can swim! In fact, when bearded dragons swim, they use a mix of wiggles and paddles. They’re not marathon swimmers by any shot, but a short splash session can be fun and beneficial for some. Here’s why it’s worth seeing if your bearded dragon will swim:
- Helps with shedding that stubborn old skin.
- Provides mental stimulation.
- A great way to sneak in gentle exercise.
- Improves hydration (through drinking, not any other way).
- And let’s face it, it’s ridiculously cute to watch.
Setting Up a Bearded Dragons Swim Gym
Making a swimming place for our bearded dragons, or “swim gym,” is super simple. Our bearded dragons swimming arena can be a bathtub, kiddie pool, or even a large container, the options are endless. Here’s how to get started:
- Water depth: Keep it shallow enough for your bearded dragon to touch the bottom while holding its head above water. Confidence is everything!
- Temperature check: Aim for lukewarm water. Too cold, and your bearded dragon might not be able to move properly and it won’t be great for it either, especially not if it has eaten recently. Too hot? No bueno (not good).
- Rest stops: Make it into swim gym or simply give your bearded dragon some security by adding branches, rocks, or floating platforms as little islands for breaks. These safe zones help them feel secure.
Got a sunny spot in your yard? Ooo my gosh, try letting your bearded dragon swim outdoors. Now they are getting all the benefits of swimming plus sunshine!
Melbourne Zoo’s Reptile Swim Gym
Ever wondered how professionals get reptiles to swim? At Melbourne Zoo, they’ve created an innovative “Reptile Swim Gym” to help their reptiles stay fit and healthy. The setup features a temperature-controlled, filtered water tank with adjustable currents. Reptiles can swim against or with the current, giving them a chance to exercise in a way that mimics natural challenges.
The swim gym is also designed with platforms where reptiles can rest whenever they’ve had enough. Each session is carefully monitored, usually lasting about five minutes. The goal? To keep reptiles active, prevent obesity, and offer them enrichment that keeps their minds and bodies engaged. It’s a great example of how swimming can be both fun and functional for our reptilian friends.
So there you go. Bearded dragons aren’t the only reptiles swimming!
Do Bearded Dragons Like to Swim?
Some bearded dragons love to swim and others clearly don’t like it. It’s really not something you can predict but you can make their experiences in water a good thing so they don’t get put off next time.
A bearded dragon will often pancake out (flatten out) when it swims to help them float. Others might paddle happily for a bit and then decide they’ve had enough. The trick is to pay attention to their cues. If they’re relaxed and exploring, great! If they’re trying to escape or seem stressed, it’s time to wrap it up.
Keep your bearded dragons swimming sessions short and provide plenty of “rest stops”.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Swim?
Yes, even the little ones can swim! Just keep the water shallow and add lots of resting spots to help them feel secure. A supervised swim gym is perfect for boosting their confidence.
How far can Bearded Dragons Swim?
You wouldn’t believe if it we didn’t see, but check out this video. Spud, the bearded dragon swims long-distance! Ok, we are only talking about minutes at a time, but still Spud is quite impressive as he paddles steadily through the water, showing just how capable these reptiles can be.
Can Bearded Dragons Swim in Cold Water?
Bearded dragons should not swim in cold water, they are ectotherms. This means that they are dependent on the environment for heat. Cold environments slow reptiles down and the colder it gets the less they can move. This could become quite disastrous when swimming.
If it is a hot day and there is some water in or very near the sun that is easily accessible then bearded dragons swimming in cool (unheated) water should not present an issue. Otherwise, it is best bearded dragons do not swim in cold water, especially if they have eaten within the last couple of hours. If the water is cold, limit the exposure to prevent their body temperature cooling down and provide some time in warm sunlight immediately afterwards.
Can Bearded Dragons Swim in Chlorinated Tap Water?
For amphibians tap water is a no go, however bearded dragons may swim in tap chlorinated water. There is no scientific research available at this stage that indicates the effects or tolerance of bearded dragons to tap water.
It is a common practice by many bearded dragon owners to provide tap water for their pets to swim in and drink with no reported harm. Of course, be conscious that each country, even different regions, will have different levels of chemicals in the water. 💦💦🌞🌡🌞💦💦
Can Bearded Dragons Swim in Chlorinated Pools?
As with tap water, there is nothing to say that bearded dragons can’t swim in a pool however pools are far more heavily chlorinated than tap water.
The purpose of putting chlorine in pools is to disinfect the water, prevent bacterial growth. Not something bearded dragons need to be exposed to. In humans heavily chlorinated pools can cause irritation of the eyes, and stripping the skin and hair of oils leaving them feel dry.
Outside of possible drying of a bearded dragon’s skin there is also the potential for them to drink the water. Lightly chlorinated water may not cause a problem however it is not ideal regardless of the level. Strongly recommend avoiding pools.
In addition, pools are a large body of water for an animal not known for its swimming in the wild. Although Spud in the video earlier kind of blew that theory out of the water (pardon the pun).
Swimming in a pool may well cause undue stress. Stress levels are not always obvious in behaviours to humans and they have limited communication.
Bearded Dragons Swimming: Final Thoughts
Not all bearded dragons will enjoy swimming. But, for those that do, it’s an awesome way to add variety and enrichment to their lives. Start slow, keep sessions short, and always watch for signs of stress.
Whether it’s a gentle splash in the bathtub or a sunny kiddys pool adventure, a bearded dragon swimming is a fun activity. Ready to help your reptile buddy make a splash?
References
- Health Line. Chlorine Poisoning
- Live Science. Stacy Sampson. Aug 16, 2017. Yasemin Saplakoglu. June 12, 2018. What Does Chlorine Really Do to Your Body?
- Pet Poison Helpline. Wildlife and Exotics Poisoning Concerns
