Bearded dragons are a type of lizard known for their distinctive beard-like throat structure, which gives them their name. Their scientific name is Pogona, and they are often referred to as beardies. Native to Australia’s warm desert regions, they are omnivores, feeding on insects and plants.
In terms of behaviour, bearded dragons are calm and not aggressive, making them easy to handle. These traits have contributed to their popularity as pets. Both beginners and experienced reptile keepers particularly favour them because they are relatively low-maintenance while still being affectionate and interactive.
The key question is whether bearded dragons make good pets. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of owning one.
Do Bearded Dragons Make Good Pets?
Bearded dragons are great pets due to their manageable care requirements. However, one must understand a few key aspects before owning one. While their habits, lifestyle, and diet make them relatively easy to care for, some challenges may arise compared to other beginner-friendly reptiles. In this guide, you’ll learn about the benefits and difficulties you might face as a first-time bearded dragon owner.
8 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Are Good Pets
Owning a bearded dragon comes with many benefits. Here are eight great reasons to consider getting one:
1: Their Calm Nature
Bearded dragons are known for their calm behaviour, often opting for passivity over aggression. They enjoy the company of their owners and typically don’t harm unless they feel threatened. Their gentle nature makes them suitable for handling children. This calm temperament sets them apart from other reptiles, making them a popular choice as pets.
2: Caring is Simple
Bearded dragons make excellent pets due to their simple care requirements. To ensure they thrive, create an appropriate environment by maintaining the right temperature and providing fresh water, food, and proper care.
Their diet includes a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits. Be sure to research what foods are safe for them.
Maintain a clean environment by removing any uneaten food from their tank weekly. This helps prevent the spread of disease and ensures they stay healthy.
3: Their Size
Bearded dragons are medium-sized lizards, making them an excellent choice for pet owners. They can adapt to any living space, no matter how small. These lizards can grow up to 24 inches long, with males typically larger than females. While their size is considered medium, they are large enough for children to handle independently. However, it’s important to note that the lizard might get injured if your child carries them without supervision.
4: They Live Long
Bearded dragons have a lifespan of 8-15 years, offering ample time to bond and get to know each other. With proper care, they can live a long, healthy life.
5: Their Diet Is Easy to Follow
Bearded dragons are omnivores, eating various insects, vegetables, and fruits. Young beardies should be fed twice daily, while adults only need one meal daily. They can enjoy bananas, grapes, watermelons, and apples. Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and spinach are also suitable. Additionally, they can consume animal-based foods like spiders, fish, and beetles.
6: Availability And Low Cost
Bearded dragons are widely available in pet shops and are affordable. However, there may be times when your bearded dragon falls ill, requiring a visit to the vet. It’s essential to be prepared for unexpected vet bills.
7: They Have Unique And Fun Personalities
Bearded dragons have distinct personalities, making each one unique. They don’t always want to stay in their tank. They enjoy being outside and often run around inside their tank, climbing branches to get your attention. Their behaviour is fascinating to watch. To enhance their environment, decorate their tank with rocks or branches. This makes the space more interesting and provides them with fun activities.
8: They Don’t Get Lonely
Bearded dragons are solitary creatures and do not require companionship. Due to their dominant nature, they do not thrive when housed with another bearded dragon. While they may not get lonely, they prefer living independently. It is advised against keeping two bearded dragons in the same tank, as they become territorial when forced to share their space.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Own a Bearded Dragon
With good comes bad. Every pet has its drawbacks. It all depends on the owners and how they care for their pets. The same applies to bearded dragons. There are a few reasons why you might reconsider owning one:
1: They Carry parasites
When you buy a bearded dragon, it’s unlikely to have any parasites. However, wild-caught lizards are more likely to carry parasites, which can cause serious health problems. Pinworms affect the intestinal tract and are a common parasite in bearded dragons. Ask the pet shop owner about the breed and special conditions before bringing your beardie home.
2: They’re Not Clean
Bearded dragons eat a lot, which means they also poop a lot, causing their tank to get dirty quickly. It’s essential to clean their tank regularly. Harmful bacteria can grow without proper cleaning, posing a risk to your pet’s health and yours. Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in their tank is crucial.
3: The tank Needs Special Lighting
When setting up your tank, it’s crucial to do it correctly. As cold-blooded animals, reptiles cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on their environment to function correctly. You must provide a consistent source of UVA/UVB light. They may develop a vitamin D deficiency without the proper heat and light.
4: Fecal Smell
They have one of the worst faecal smells of any pet you may have had. The odour of their faeces is powerful and can linger for hours. Because of this, some people recommend keeping them outside to avoid making it difficult for you to stay in your own home.
5: Baby Beardies Need a Lot of Live Food
When you get a bearded baby dragon, be ready to feed them live food. Their diet changes as they grow but require minor bugs or crickets for the first 7-8 months. The cost of feeding them can add up, depending on the type of bugs you purchase. Maintaining their health is essential.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are among the most popular pets worldwide. They are calm, easy to care for, and enjoyable to have around.
These medium-sized reptiles have strong bones that can withstand being held without breaking, so they’re not fragile.
To ensure they live long and healthy, bearded dragons need specific care. This includes maintaining the proper tank temperature, feeding them nutritious meals, providing clean water, and regularly cleaning their tank.
Are bearded dragons good pets? Yes, they are, but their suitability depends on the owner’s ability to care for them. If you invest time and attention, your bearded dragon can be an excellent companion for years, with a lifespan longer than many other pets.
FAQs
Are bearded dragons hard to care for?
No, they are not difficult to care for, but pet owners need to try to maintain their health.
Are bearded dragons good pets for beginners?
Bearded dragons make great pets for beginners. They have a calm temperament and generally don’t become aggressive unless threatened. Additionally, they are more affordable compared to many other types of pets.