Caring for a bearded dragon and meeting their unique needs to ensure they lead healthy, fulfilling lives is an enjoyable part of pet care. New pet owner or experienced, this guide will help you navigate the essentials of bearded dragon care and delves into fascinating subjects such as emotions and communication.
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Optimal Health & Care for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles with specific health needs that must be carefully managed to ensure they thrive. There is so much to understanding such as:
- How to sex a bearded dragon
- Unique dental structure and its care
- Recognizing signs of unhealthy weight
- Femoral pores and the messages the communicate
- The Third Eye and how it influences your care
- How spaying or neutering affects behavior
- Shedding and how you can help
- Care during brumation
- Bathing for hydration and cleanliness
Hydration, Humidity and Bathing
Your bearded dragon’s health is dependent on proper humidity control and hydration. Giving your bearded dragon a relaxing and safe bath also plays a role in hydration techniques.
Housing Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons do well in environments made to mimic their natural habitat. From basking to shady retreats the right enclosure, lighting, and heating is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis. In turn the environment aids in digestion and overall health.
An outdoor enclosure as well as an indoor enclosure helps to mitigate issues with the setup of indoor artificial heating and lighting.
Housing Insects: Key to a Healthy Diet
The quality of food you provide is as important as the quantity. Caring for feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, and silkworms ensures they are nutritious and safe for your dragon.
Insect Care Tips:
- Housing: Keep insects in a well-ventilated container with appropriate substrate.
- Feeding: Provide a nutritious diet for your insects to enhance their value as feeders.
Breeding Bearded Dragons
Breeding bearded dragons can be fun. Bearded dragons are prolific breeders and need no encouragement but there are considerations such as:
- Preventing harm to the female
- Care of a gravid female
- Housing all the young
Understanding Zoonotic Diseases in Bearded Dragons
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans and conversely (can you make your bearded dragon sick?). Bearded dragons, like many pets, can be carriers of certain pathogens. Being aware of these potential risks helps prevent issues with both their own health and the wellbeing of their reptilian companions. Some zoonotic diseases associated with bearded dragons are:
Safely Moving & Transporting Your Bearded Dragon
Short term and long term trips with bearded dragons whether taking it to the vet, moving to a new home or considering importing and exporting can have some complexities. Bearded dragons are sensitive to changes in their environment, and improper handling during transit can lead to stress or injury.
Posts on Caring for Bearded Dragons
How Do You Care for a Bearded Dragon: The Beginners Guide
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: Are Bearded Dragons […]
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 […]
Bearded Dragon Constipation Guide with Action Plan
Constipation in bearded dragons is a common concern for pet owners. If not treated, it can progress into impaction, which may lead to paralysis of the back legs and eventually death. Both constipation and impaction are uncomfortable, painful and preventable with proper care, though severe cases may require surgery. Both bearded dragon constipation and impaction […]
Bearded Dragon Poop Guide: The Ins and Outs of Poop
Your bearded dragon’s poop plays a role in monitoring its health. As a bearded dragon owner, keeping an eye on your pet’s poop is an essential part of care. Bearded dragon poop can reveal a lot about your pet’s overall well-being. From the frequency of bowel movements to the color and consistency of the poop, […]
Can my Reptile Make me Sick? Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial illness caused by Campylobacter bacteria, it is considered a zoonotic disease (Uzal, 2022) and its prevalence in humans is increasing (Masila, 2020). Campylobacteriosis is associated with many animals including kittens, puppies, lambs and cattle (Minnesota Department of Health, 2023). Bearded dragons, like many reptiles, can also carry these bacteria in their […]
Can my Reptile make me Sick? Reptile Associated Salmonella (RAS)
Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) has been connected to bearded dragons as with other reptiles. Even healthy bearded dragons can pass on Salmonella which has significant zoonotic potential (Scheelings et al., 2011). Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) is a “primary pathogen of reptiles” (Scheelings et al., 2011) can cause serious illness (Salmonella Infection from Frogs, Turtles and Lizards, 2011). […]
Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon: Licences in Australia
Embarking on the journey of becoming a bearded dragon owner is an exciting venture filled with anticipation and joy. However, it’s essential to start this journey by complying with state regulations. A licence to keep a bearded dragon varies across Australian states and territories. The information below is a guide. Care has been taken in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bearded Dragon Shedding: A Comprehensive Guide on Care
The bearded dragon shedding process is scientifically known as ecdysis. Bearded dragons shed their skin periodically to accommodate growth and maintain their health. This natural process can be a straightforward affair but sometimes may present challenges. The frequency of bearded dragons shedding largely depends on their age and growth rate. Young and rapidly growing bearded […]
The Bearded Dragons Third Eye: Anatomy & Influence on Care
The bearded dragons third eye, known as their parietal eye, is one of the most intriguing features of these reptiles. The parietal eye is a very important part of a bearded dragon’s anatomy and plays a significant role in their behavior and care. In this article, we delve into the details of the bearded dragons […]
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 […]
Where Can I Take My Bearded Dragon?
Can I take my bearded dragon to the beach, shops, park, plane…integratating our scaly companions into various aspects of our lifestyle can open up a special bond. When it comes to bearded dragon travel, planning is paramount. Integrating bearded dragons into the family will include taking them to all sorts of destinations that welcome these pets. […]
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 […]
Mastering the Art of Handling Bearded Dragons Without Stress
Handling bearded dragons, known for being fascinating and popular pets, requires careful attention to ensure their well-being. There’s been limited understanding of how handling reptiles impacts them, especially the gentle kind typically encountered by pets. Research by Stockley, Wilkinson, and Burman (2020) explored how gentle handling duration affects bearded dragons in terms of their behavior. […]
How to Train a Bearded Dragon: Teaching Commands and Tricks
To train a bearded dragon, it’s essential to understand their cognitive abilities. Recent scientific studies have illuminated the mental capabilities of bearded dragons. Research shows that these reptiles possess a level of intelligence that facilitates their ability to learn and respond effectively to training methods. For example, a study conducted by Herndon in 2021 delved […]
Bearded Dragon Femoral Pores: Secrets Revealed & How to Care
Bearded dragon femoral pores are one of the distinctive features of these reptiles. The femoral pores are found on the inner thigh as with many lizard species. Underneath the femoral pores are the epidermal glands. These small openings located on the underside of the lizard’s thighs play a significant role in the life of a […]
Bearded Dragons Swim [swim gym, pools and ponds]
Can Bearded Dragons Swim? Bearded dragons swim surprisingly well for creatures that couldn’t look less like they belong in water. There are different opportunities for swimming including 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 […]
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 […]
13 Fun Things To Do With Your Bearded Dragon
There are many things to do with your bearded dragon! Playing with your bearded dragon is an incredibly special part of your relationship. With so many important pet care responsibilities, the simple pleasures of spending time with your pet can slip to the back of your mind. However, it’s worth putting some thought into. Just […]
Lifespan: How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live?
Pet bearded dragons can live for longer than a pet rabbit and, with exceptional care, potentially as long as a dog or cat! Bearded dragons are amazing companions, but their time with us is limited like all pets. A bearded dragon’s life expectancy depends on a few important factors, but they can live for 12 […]
References
O’Rourke, D. P., & Lertpiriyapong, K. (2015). Biology and Diseases of Reptiles. Laboratory Animal Medicine, 967–1013.
Stahl, S. J. (1999). General Husbandry and Captive Propagation of Bearded Dragons, Pogona vitticeps. Bulletin of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, 9(4), 12–17.
