New to how to care for a bearded dragon? Bearded dragons can seem daunting at first. There is so much to know, and you know what they say, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know until you know it’!
If you meet either of the criteria below then this page is for you:
- You do not yet own a bearded dragon but want to know if it suits you.
- You have no experience and want to know how to care for a bearded dragon.
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Are Bearded Dragons Good Pets?
Bearded dragons are good pets for the right people. If you think that sounded really non-committal then you are right. Here is why.
A bearded dragon’s personality and attitude is as individual as ours. Bearded dragons can be very friendly and many pet owners will share some really good fun stories with you. However, some bearded dragons can be much more difficult for their pet owners and that will take time to break through.
Are Bearded Dragons Easy to Take Care Of?
Bearded dragons are easy to take care of compared to some other reptiles. But bearded dragons are definitely not easy to care for compared to a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig.
Bearded dragons are often called beginner lizards and that is indeed true in the scale of reptiles. However, many bearded dragons end up suffering or dying at a young age from improper care. So while they can be easy to take care of, they do need to be understood and their needs catered for. Reptiles are very different from the mammals that we typically keep as pets.
It takes time and money to care for a bearded dragon. Let’s be honest, if you don’t have the time then this might not be the right time to take on a pet anyway.
What is the Best Age to Get a Bearded Dragon?
Outside of personality there is the right age to get a bearded dragon. Choosing the right age to get a bearded dragon—baby, juvenile, or adult—depends on the your experience, time, and commitment. When you are just starting out as a beginner an adult bearded dragon may be best. The adults behavior is already known and it is outside of the initial danger zone of metabolic bone disease which it is at higher risk of as a juvenile (it can still happen though).
Adults also need less care than a juvenile and a lot less insects. So if you don’t like the idea of insects, an adult may be better.
What About Gender: Is it Better to Get a Male or Female Bearded Dragon?
Whether you get a male or female bearded dragon involves understanding the differences between them. Males tend to be larger and more territorial, especially during breeding season, while females may be smaller and more docile but come with reproductive health considerations. Housing, dietary needs, and social interactions also vary by sex, influencing the decision.
Kids want a Bearded Dragon: Key Considerations for Parents
Are bearded dragons good pets for kids? If your child is keen on welcoming a bearded dragon into your home, it’s a wonderful opportunity to embark on an educational journey together. Here are some suggestions to ensure a joyful and enriching experience for your family and the new scaly friend. Guidance and Learning Together Encouraging […]
Best Age to Get a Bearded Dragon: Adult or Baby?
Deciding on the best age to buy a bearded dragon, whether an adult or a baby, is an important factor for beginners in reptile ownership. The choice between a baby bearded dragon and an adult bearded dragon comes with distinct care requirements, behavioral expectations, and bonding opportunities. Key Takeaways Best Age to Buy a Bearded […]
Which is the Best Pet, Male or Female Bearded Dragon?
Since you are here, chances are you are on the fence about whether to get a male or female bearded dragon, you’re not alone. This decision is more than just picking a pet; it taps into the deeper psychological fabric of our lives, reflecting our identity, desires, and the intricate dynamics of human-animal relationships. Whether […]
11 Facts About Bearded Dragons: Insights for Reptile Enthusiasts
There are many fascinating facts about bearded dragons, here are some of them. These laid-back lizards, known for their docile temperament and distinctive throat scales resembling a beard, are frequently chosen as pets. The genus Pogona, are a diverse group that thrives in the variable landscapes of their homeland, from deserts to subtropical woodlands. Their […]
Are Bearded Dragons Good Pets?
Bearded dragons are a very common reptile pet but are bearded dragons good pets? Bearded dragons are requently hailed as one of the best reptilian pets, especially for first-time reptile owners. Their manageable size and straightforward care routines make for a variety of pet lovers, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Why Bearded Dragons Are Considered […]
The Costs of Buying a Bearded Dragon
What Questions Should You Ask When Buying a Bearded Dragon?
There are many different ways to buy a bearded dragon. You can buy a bearded dragon from a breeder, private seller, or pet store. You could also get a bearded dragon through adoption. A vet checkup should be part of the initial purchase, also ask about the reptile’s history. Write down what you find out about, especially any dates such as hatching date, easy to forget them later.
How much does it Cost to Care for a Bearded Dragon, & What do you Need to Buy?
To care for a bearded dragon take money to set up well. Putting the money into the right setup will pay off by reducing the risk of vet bills or heartache. Ongoing costs include electricity and vet bills. The costs of owning a bearded dragon includes a calculator to help you discover the cost to own a bearded dragon:
- How Much do Bearded Dragons Cost?
- How Long Will it take to Save for my Bearded Dragon?
- How Expensive are Bearded Dragons to Maintain?
- How Much Does a Bearded Dragon Cost in Electricity?
To care for a bearded dragon requires the right enclosure and environmental conditions that are specific to these lizards to thrive. This includes enclosure size, heating, lighting, temperature control, diet, care, and so on. If you are keen on a bearded dragon, don’t let that put you off. We all started somewhere.
Buying a Bearded Dragon with 7 Point Checklist
There are various factors to consider when buying a bearded dragon, such as its health, age, and history. Understanding the origins of the bearded dragon, as well as the credibility and methods of the breeder, private seller, or pet store, is an important part of making a responsible and ethical acquisition. Looking past the initial […]
Electricity Costs for Bearded Dragons
The rewarding experience of being a bearded dragon parent can be challenged when unexpected electricity costs arrive. Electricity costs will be one of those added extra expenses on your budget. So, how much does a bearded dragon cost in electricity and how much electricity do bearded dragons use? The electricity costs associated with maintaining the […]
How Much Do Bearded Dragons Cost? Budgeting the Real Costs
Bearded dragons are a popular pet for reptile enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of personable behavior and manageable care requirements. But, how much do bearded dragons cost? Understanding what bearded dragons cost makes budgeting easier with a few less surprises along the way! Key Takeaways How Much Money do you Need to get a Bearded […]
The Next Steps in Owning a Bearded Dragon
How to care for a bearded dragon is quite a long list, and it is best to do research as much as possible before you start to prevent some of the most common issues.
The number one cause of illness in captive reptiles, and their subsequent presentation to the reptile veterinarian, is improper husbandry.
While many subjects are important, here are some key places to start:
Bearded Dragons and Friendships
Buying Two Bearded Dragons so They Have Friends
Bearded dragons do not need companionship for other lizards. We humans are meant to have companionship and so sometimes it can be difficult for us to not reflect that upon other animals. Bearded dragons do not need a companion, at least not in the same cage. Disasterous things can happen if it isn’t done well. However, two or more bearded dragons can be kept together in the right circumstances.
Can Bearded Dragons and Cats be Friends?
Bearded dragons and cats can be compatible in the right circumstances. The behavior of your animals is key to this relationship.
Can a Bearded Dragon and Cat be Friends: Relationships
A Bearded dragon and cat, is this a relationship that can work or a disaster waiting to happen? A bearded dragon and cat isn’t exactly the first duo that comes to mind when we think about special bonds between our pets. But in some homes, these two vastly different creatures have formed bonds that are […]
Can Bearded Dragons Live Together: Friends vs Risks & Success
As humans that thrive on friendships and supportive family units it is easy to see how we may also believe bearded dragons get lonely. Whether bearded dragons live together successfully is dependent on numerous factors. Bearded dragons have cannibalistic tendencies. Larger individuals may attempt to consume smaller ones of their kind. This behavior often results […]
The Habitat
Enclosure Size and Type
The enclosure size is important for a few reasons, the most important ones being:
- You can only provide a good thermal gradient in the right size enclosure, many are way too small, especially those recommended by pet shops.
- Environmental enrichment is part of providing for a healthy and balanced bearded dragon that can practice natural behaviors.
- Reduced hazard in high concentrations of pathogens.
Substrate
If there is a subject that can get everyone talking, it’s a substrate for bearded dragons. This hot topic is really important to get right. Getting it wrong can cause pain, suffering, health issues, or even death.
Lighting and Heating
Lighting and heating for bearded dragons is another one of those subjects that is a life or death matter. Setting it up can look a little difficult at first but you will get it, check out the post on how to set up the heating and lighting for your bearded dragon enclosure.
Humidity
Humidity is an important part of the habitat. If the humidity is too high or too low, all sorts of issues can occur, such as shedding problems, bacterial infections, and respiratory diseases.
Diet
Diet it super important and again one of those life of death subjects. There is a lot of things no one knows about what bearded dragons need, but there is also a lot of information that we do know. No need to reinvent the wheel on diet, just follow evidence based information.
Insects
Let’s not forget the insects needed for their diet as well. Caring for a bearded dragon requires you to be comfortable interacting with insects since this is part of their diet. I must admit, handling cockroaches is still something I find uncomfortable, but there are ways of doing it that means that you don’t have to directly touch them. On the other hand, keeping insect colonies can be interesting and rewarding.
Calcium
The diets that we feed bearded dragons require supplementation, with the most critical of supplements being calcium. If only it were that simple, though! Should you use straight calcium or calcium with D3? Which form of calcium is best? Powder, liquid, bone meal, and so on.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons is an all too common, painful, unnecessary disease caused by our care. Just be aware of it, what causes it, and the incredibly simple measures you can take to avoid it. Direct sunlight, unfiltered by any object, including glass, is one of those simple measures.
In Australia, you may need a Licence to Keep Bearded Dragons
In Australia, some states require a license to keep a bearded dragon. In ACT and NT, no license is needed, while NSW, QLD, and VIC require one, with specific conditions such as age limits and application fees. SA does not demand a license, but TAS prohibits bearded dragon ownership. WA requires a license for responsible bearded dragon care and ownership.
Names for your Bearded Dragon
Choosing a name for your bearded dragon is very personal, we all have our own quirks and preferences there. Bearded Dragons World offers a huge list of names from funny to country based, names that reflect the color or your reptile, mythical names or even food based names.