Are bearded dragons suitable as pets? That depends on the type of pet you prefer. Although cats and dogs are popular pets, bearded dragons outclass both of these animals in terms of benefits and imperfections; for example, they don’t shed hair all over and make any noise!
Bearded dragons have an unusual but endearing appearance. Owning unusual pets like lizards also has a certain mystique to it. Due to their docile, laid-back nature, bearded dragons get along well with other pets and will not try to attack or eat them.
But, how do bearded dragons fare as pets? If you’ve never had one before, you’re asking what to expect. Continue reading to discover the advantages of beardies (and their drawbacks, too). You’ll immediately discover they can be just as entertaining as cats, dogs, rodents, and birds.
Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Make Excellent Pets:
What are the benefits of getting a bearded dragon? They are, indeed, among the most popular reptiles kept as pets. But is a bearded dragon the right pet for you? Consider the following advantages: Perhaps you’ve had a pet in the past and are ready for a change. Perhaps you saw a colorful beardie morph that made you want to bring it home.
· They’re Fantastic Ice Splitters
As a pet parent, you may be concerned about bringing someone into your home and introducing them to your fur or scale baby. But bearded dragons are great conversation starters, right from their name! Furthermore, as your beardie gets to know you or your guests, they will stop hiding and become more responsive — they might even wave! Your friends will be blown away!
· They are simple to maintain
They don’t require much else if you feed them the right food and vitamins, provide them with proper lighting, and keep them hydrated. Daily misting with water and providing a bowl of clean, fresh water keeps them hydrated without raising the humidity of their environment.
They’re also calm. Dogs frequently bark and beg for attention. At 3 a.m., cats tear up the house – loudly. Beardies typically chill and relax with their mouths open. Unless they are upset, they never make a sound. Even so, they emit a low hiss that rarely reaches beyond your reptile room. They’re ideal if you value peace in your home.
· They are less likely to cause allergies
Allergies can be triggered by pet dander if you have furry pets. It’s not their fur that creates this ‘pet dust’; it’s the mixture of shed skin cells, saliva residue, and urine traces. And bearded dragons don’t have pet hair.
· They come in a variety of good-looking colors
Many bearded dragon morphs, or color variations, make excellent pet animals. You’ll enjoy showing them off to your guests. Keep in mind that while brown or tan bearded dragons are the most affordable, rare-colored morphs can be costly. A solid white morph can cost more than $1,000!
· Their immune systems are resilient
While your beardie will need to see a vet once a year, they are difficult animals that don’t get sick often if cared for properly. Parasites are only an issue if you don’t buy insects from reputable sources, and they recover quickly from wounds or blood infections.
This is because their kidney and liver portal circulation system cleans blood from their legs before it is sent to the heart. Any injury to a limb or tail, which is usually when they run around in the wild in their enclosure, will not easily spread the infection to the rest of their body.
· They have a long lifespan
Bearded dragons have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years! The oldest one on record died at the age of 18. So, if you get your beardie as a baby at 6 to 10 weeks, you can grow together for a longer period than most other pets. They make an excellent first pet for teens, tweens, and even younger children who are mature enough to handle them properly.
· They Expel Skin in Pieces
Do you want to know How Far A Bearded Dragon Can Grow? Actually, Younger beardies shed about twice a month as they grow quickly, whereas adults shed about twice a year. And, unlike other reptiles, beardies shed their skin in patches rather than all at once. This gives you more reasons to handle your bearded baby by bathing them and assisting them in loosening their old skin.
· They’re inhaling with their tongues
When you take your beardie out of its cage or place them in a new environment, they flick out its tongue to sniff its surroundings. It’s a lot of fun to watch! Just make sure your beardie is curious and not anxious.
· They will not cause you harm
When other pets are upset, they frequently scratch or bite. Bearded dragons are docile and rarely bite. If they are angry enough to bite, they will give you plenty of warning (plus, beardie bites are non-venomous). Their beard may puff up, and squeal, or they may turn and try to escape.
· They can live everywhere and don’t necessitate a great deal of room
Bearded dragons are native to Australia. Depending on the species, their natural habitat is desert, semi-arid, or subtropical. When kept as pets, however, these lovely lizards spend the majority of their lives inside an enclosed glass tank.
It’s simple to regulate the temperature, humidity, and light levels inside their vivarium, so they’ll be equally at easiness in Alaska or Hawaii. Your bearded dragon will be satisfied as long as you keep it in a clean 55-gallon tank.
While some people have dedicated reptile rooms, a simple enclosure in the corner of your bedroom will be enough. If the tank lights are keeping you awake at night, you can replace them with a ceramic heat transmitter.
FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)
Will you be able to cuddle with bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons aren’t soft and cuddly, and they won’t lavish you with affection the way puppies do. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, can form meaningful bonds with their human companions. Knowing how to bond with your bearded dragon is an essential part of welcoming them into your home and providing them with a happy life.
Can I kiss my bearded dragon as a pet?
While kissing your pet bearded dragon is not harmful, it is not recommended because they have sensitive skin and it may stress them out. It is best to interact with your pet in ways that they are comfortable with, such as petting or giving them treats.