Reptiles do not, in general, make good pets, which is another specific criticism. This idea is based on the stereotype of snakes as ponderous, uninteresting creatures. But nothing could be farther from the truth than this.
There are some examples of reptile agility. Crocodiles can use their teeth to move their young and eggs without harming them, while basilisks may sprint on two legs for 20 meters. Some lizards can solve food puzzles, while tortoises and bearded dragons may learn from one another to complete tasks. These skills were supposed to be seen in birds and mammals.
Even though affection is more difficult to demonstrate using modern scientific techniques, experiments have indicated that certain tortoises (presumably depending on personality) prefer to have familiar humans scratch their shells for food or toys when given the option.
Five Signs a Bearded Dragon is The Right Pet for Me
A bearded dragon could be an excellent match for you if you have the time and resources to care for it and provide it with a quality life in exchange for a friend who will hang out on your shoulder.
There may be some information that you need to know that your pet store may not be telling you if you’re considering purchasing a reptile and having your heart set on a bearded dragon.
A bearded dragon can be the ideal pet for you if you have spare time, enjoy caring for animals, enjoy learning about them, don’t mind handling insects, and want to spend time with reptiles. While you take them on exciting travels or watch television in your living room, they like spending their time hanging out with you. If a bearded dragon seems like your ideal pet, continue reading.
You Don’t Have Any Fear.
As omnivores, bearded dragons need fruits, vegetables, and insects in their diet. If handling crickets, worms, roaches, and other insects don’t seem like a huge problem, you could love spending time with a bearded dragon.
Some enjoy experimenting with various meals to observe how their bearded dragons respond. Others advise against keeping crickets around since they have a minimal lifespan and may be somewhat noisy, yet some people do it to feed their bearded dragons.
You can try with various insects until you discover one that both your bearded dragon and you can hopefully easily access.
You’re a Chill Individual Seeking a Companion Animal.
Bearded dragons often aren’t the most exciting pets to own. They’ll be content to rest their heads on your shoulders while you work, and you may even take them on strolls.
A bearded dragon could be the ideal pet for you if you’re laid back and want a companion who will want to hang out with you, unlike a cat, and won’t be boisterous like a dog.
You have Plenty of Time to Take Care of Your Dragon Correctly.
The misconception that bearded dragons make simple starting pets is widespread, and they need as much attention as a dog or cat, if not more.
Bearded dragons need specific diets, warmth, enclosures, quantities of insects, portions of vegetables and fruits, and other things. Running through their excrement can introduce parasites since they are particularly susceptible to them.
One of the duties of owning a bearded dragon is to clean its habitat anytime they poop, clear out its food, so it doesn’t smell and house parasites, clean out its water daily, and ensure its enclosure is heated appropriately.
You May Provide Them With the Area They Require for an Enclosure.
Bearded dragons may grow to be quite large. They require at least twice as much room as they do.
If properly cared for, they may reach a height of at least 24 inches. To maintain their temperature, they require a room where they may hide beneath the heat light and escape from it.
Bearded dragons also like perching, so you should provide your pet with opportunities to do so, especially in areas where they have access to additional heat if necessary. Even though bearded dragons require a lot of heat, avoiding the pet store’s heat rocks is recommended. Bearded dragons can burn themselves without recognizing it.
You’ve Done Your due Diligence but are Still Determined to have a Bearded Dragon.
You should reconsider getting a bearded dragon if any study has caused you to have second thoughts. Bearded dragon ownership requires a significant commitment, as does own any pet.
People need help managing their nutrition. Even though they consume a lot of bugs, they still need some vegetables and fruit. This pet could be ideal if you think switching up your bearded dragon’s diet and giving it insects sounds acceptable or enjoyable.
Six Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Bearded Dragon
They are boring.
They hardly ever move and spend most of the day lying about, save when they feed. A bearded dragon might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a pet that will constantly entertain you and move about.
While your dragon could occasionally surprise you, it won’t happen frequently. Bearded dragons can sometimes behave a little wild, especially young ones. Still, their behavior primarily results from stress or a desire to assert their authority.
They are highly prone to parasites.
Some dragons require more frequent veterinary visits, and those expenses quickly increase. Furthermore, only some veterinarians will accept a bearded dragon, and others may need to be more knowledgeable about reptiles. Investigate appropriately.
You’re busy.
You will likely only return home if you work full-time and attend school. Additionally, you’ll probably feel exhausted and not want to spend the time cleaning the cage, chopping up fruits and vegetables for them, or feeding them bugs.
Their diets can be complicated.
Bearded dragons have diverse nutritional requirements at different stages of their lives, including fruits, vegetables, and insects. Not simply the number of food matters; when they are young compared to fully grown, the ratio of insects to fruits and vegetables will change.
Some are Very Picky and Can Get Tired of the Same Foods.
Even though fussy eaters are uncommon among bearded dragons, it may be challenging to locate dragon-like meals if you have one. Additionally, kids frequently opt against eating the same items because they become bored with them. If your dragon is fussy, changing its diet often might be frustrating.
They are Territorial.
Bearded dragons are sometimes found in pet stores in overcrowded cages stacked on top of one another. They are arguing over survival and the heat, not snuggling. If there are many dragons in the cell, one of them may become ill and perhaps pass away.
While the other struggles, one will receive all the food and resources. They frequently fight among themselves, which can result in wounds like amputations.
What to Expect When You Get Your First Bearded Dragon
- You could discover your dragon is anxious and working up when you first bring them home. Let them have a few days to get accustomed to their new environment. Keep an eye on their actions and responses to you. You’ll need to know when to back off and give them room if they try to bite you.
- If it’s a young bearded dragon, it can be smaller and more boisterous. Avoiding handling them too much for the infants’ safety is advisable because they might become disoriented and hurt within your house.
- They may act territorial and aggressively bob their heads at you. It may take a while for them to warm up to you, but it will be worth it when they do. Some dragons warm up to people faster than others, and they will realize they are safe and will be more comfortable around you.
- Not everyone enjoys owning a bearded dragon. They require a lot of upkeep, and many individuals lack the time or energy to do so. Many discover they cannot care for a bearded dragon; others become bored and give them to someone else.
- Fortunately, when transferred to a new owner, these men often don’t have too many problems. Make sure to do your homework and get ready before acquiring your dragon. It will prevent you and the animal from experiencing more stress than necessary.
5 Fun Activities for Bearded Dragons
You can understand how a bearded dragon feels in a terrarium if you can picture living in a glass enclosure. Your bearded dragon could occasionally be caught clawing the glass, and this conduct is typically linked to boredom and restlessness.
You want to amuse and enjoy spending time with your bearded dragon as much as he appreciates you.
What kinds of enjoyable things can I do with my bearded dragon? This is a question you could have.
Here are five entertaining things to do with bearded dragons to prevent boredom and improve your bond with them.
Take Your Bearded Dragon for a Walk
Using a specific leash to walk your bearded dragon is a terrific way to get him out. This is a great way to exercise while also giving your bearded dragon some downtime.
A stroll around your neighborhood park or along the ocean is always enjoyable. When people see that cute bearded dragon on a leash, you’ll also be the talk of the town.
Take Your Bearded Dragon for a Ride
Next time, bring your bearded dragon! Many bearded dragons enjoy taking long drives. Just make sure you keep him on a leash and in a securely closed car. For his protection, keeping him in a Kritter Keeper when riding in a moving vehicle would be a good idea.
Long on your excursion, always include some food and clean, dechlorinated water, especially if it will last for a while.
Make sure to maintain a comfortable inside temperature during one of the colder seasons of the year. Your bearded dragon should spend less time in relaxed environments.
Take Your Bearded Dragon for a Swim
Most bearded dragons like having fun in the water, and it’s a fantastic method for children to have fun and stay hydrated simultaneously.
The ideal swimming hole is a big plastic storage container twice as long as your bearded dragon, and a little kiddie pool is also adequate.
Ensure the water is no more profound than the bearded dragon’s elbows and at least 80 degrees (or knees). If using tap water, dechlorinate the water using ReptiSafe or a comparable water conditioner. Although spring water is an option, stay away from distilled water.
Please give him a few little toys to play with in the water. The ideal toy is a little rubber duck or something similar. Place the swimming hole outside on hot days so he can play in the sunlight.
Give Your Bearded Dragon a Ball
Give your bearded dragon a little ping pong ball or small rubber bouncy ball to play with, even though they might not play with a ball the same way a dog might. It depends on whether the individual dragon will accept a ping-pong ball.
Some prefer to grab the ball, shove it back and forth with their snouts, or push it around. Look for a bright ball to encourage your bearded dragon to investigate and interact with it.
You and your bearded companion could enjoy hours of entertaining fun with this!
Handle Your Bearded Dragon
Interaction with its owner is one of the bearded dragon’s favorite pastimes. Try to spend an hour a day petting and handling your bearded dragon. This will help your bearded dragon develop trust in you and a sense of security around you.
Slide your hand carefully beneath the belly of your bearded dragon to lift it. Put your forefinger beneath its breast and gently wrap your fingers around its midsection. Start raising your bearded dragon slowly so it can leave the enclosure. Do not tighten your hold if the bearded dragon tries to escape. Let him go, then try again after a little while.
Use both hands once you start lifting him out of the terrarium if he attempts to jump away unexpectedly. Your bearded dragon shouldn’t fall from this height, you say, and a limb might break as a consequence.
Put your bearded dragon on your lap as you sit down. He’ll probably start “licking” items with his tongue to investigate them. That is how they check to see whether everything is okay.
Gently and slowly massage them on the head, under the chin, and down the back. You can let them run around on the floor for a while. However, bear the following in mind:
- It is better to let bearded dragons roam freely in an enclosed space. If there are hiding spots, they will discover them (ex., behind the TV, under the couch, etc.).
- Bearded dragons shouldn’t be allowed to roam around carpeted spaces. Most carpets include undetectable threads around their fingers and toes, and these strands may stop circulation, leading to the ultimate amputation of the toe or leg. The ideal flooring is concrete or hardwood.
- Ensure that there are no other animals in the neighborhood, such as cats or dogs that might harm your bearded dragon.
- Allowing your bearded dragon to go around after it uses the restroom is a smart idea. You don’t want to scrub feces off of your lovely floors (or off yourself).
- After touching any reptile, wash your hands thoroughly and use a good hand sanitizer.
- When your bearded dragon is out and about, always keep an eye on it. Never leave it unattended in a room.
The most crucial thing is to enjoy yourself with your bearded dragon, but always put its security first. Try a few different things to see what he likes and dislikes. Put an end to the action and put your bearded dragon back in his terrarium if he ever exhibits signs of stress.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that bearded dragons may become bored, and some of them may even show signs of despair. In this article, we’ve looked at various methods you can use to help your bearded dragon avoid boredom, including some new tank furnishings, taking them for a bath to keep them moving, and, of course, some toys they can play with.
When selecting toys for your bearded dragon to keep them from becoming bored, remember that some items, such as those that are too small, rough, or soft, might harm them. Decide wisely, then
