Bearded Dragons are a species of lizard that can thrive and lead a healthy, active life in captivity. They are social creatures and benefit from interacting with both their owners and other Bearded Dragons. Here are some interesting facts to help ensure proper care and promote a happy and healthy life for your Bearded Dragon.
The Bearded Dragon is a species that originated in Australia, with six to seven different species found there. The most common species is the Pogona vitticeps, also known as the Amphibolurus vitticeps. Nearly all Bearded Dragons bred in captivity that are found in the United States come from Germany, as there are no legally exported Bearded Dragons from Australia.
Bearded Dragons bred in captivity reproduce very well, with proper egg nesting and incubation. The female can produce multiple clutches of eggs per year. Captive-bred Bearded Dragons tend to be healthier and free of pesticides than their wild counterparts.
Birth defects in captive-bred Bearded Dragons are rare, and the population generally survives well. Bearded Dragon breeding has produced numerous colors, but they are all still of the same species. Inbreeding can cause problems in captively bred Bearded Dragons, leading to stunted growth. If you plan to breed your Bearded Dragons, ask the breeder about the lineage to avoid inbreeding.
Bearded Dragons, like other reptiles, can carry Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning and be lethal, especially to immunocompromised individuals. Proper handling and care can help prevent this, and regular vet checkups are crucial. Finding a vet familiar with reptiles is essential, and you can check with the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Vets for recommendations.
Bearded Dragons undergo a molting process like other reptiles, and adults may exhibit signs of depression. A warm bath can help remove the shedding skin and make the Bearded Dragon feel better. Additionally, a warm bath can help them eliminate before handling, preventing accidents.
Bearded Dragons need a diverse diet, but avoid feeding them meat such as beef or chicken, which contains too much protein and can cause kidney problems or failure. When feeding crickets, make sure they are not too large, and baby Bearded Dragons should only be fed one-quarter-inch crickets. Juvenile Bearded Dragons can eat half-inch crickets, generally around two weeks old.
Feeding crickets to your Bearded Dragon can be tricky, but placing the cricket box in a plastic bag can help. Shake the crickets out into the bottom of the bag, then remove the box and place the bag in the tank. The crickets will slide out of the bag easily. Bearded Dragons’ feeding patterns change with age, so be aware of their eating habits.
Bearded Dragons may be tempted to eat your houseplants, but only a few are safe for them to eat, such as ficus, geraniums, hibiscus, petunias, pothos, and violets. Some houseplants are treated with systemic pesticides, which can take six to twelve weeks to remove from the plant’s system.
By following these care tips, your Bearded Dragon can live a long and healthy life. You can also read more comprehensive article about bearded dragons on taphibians.com