Originating from Australia, the bearded dragon is a large species of lizard that is smaller than the green iguana. The bearded dragon will normally grow to about two feet in length. Given that it also has a more friendly nature with its keeper and will show clear signs of recognition, it is also more easily cared for than the iguana.
Bearded Dragon Behavior
Some of the behavior of bearded dragons is intriguing to watch, much of it being unique to the species:
- Bearded dragons perform some of their communication by slowly swaying their legs at each other. Though often performed towards males by adult females, young dragons will also do this.
- They can often be seen standing with their mouths wide open. This is generally a cooling mechanism.
- Threatening behavior consists of flattening their bodies with their legs positioned wide apart and puffing up their beards.
- Groups of bearded dragons form a hierarchy that usually leads to the largest one feeding first while the rest wait and exhibit behavior such as tail-raising.
- Males will hound females and females often are given little chance to recover from giving birth. It is advisable to remove males to a separate tank for a while if this is observed.
Bearded Dragon Cages
Active in the daytime, bearded dragons are best kept in a large desert terrarium consisting of rocks and sand, although a combination of bark and cork logs can be used. Bearded dragons like to both climb and burrow. They can be kept in a terrarium simulating woodland, as long as it is kept dry. A shallow water dish will be required.
The terrarium should measure 40x20x20 inches for a single dragon, and a minimum 60x25x25 inches for a group of one male and two females. Males should not be kept together as they will fight, being very territorial about habitat and females. The terrarium should be able to be heated to a range of between 86 and 120 degrees fahrenheit as the norm using full spectrum lighting and if required, an under-floor heated pad. Several areas for basking will be required if the terrarium has more than one occupant, to prevent squabbling. More than one feeding area is also advisable to ensure every occupant is fed appropriately.
Bearded Dragon Care
Tamed from young by being made familiar with handling in short sessions, the bearded dragon can often be fed by hand and will develop into a friendly pet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, eating both plants and meat. They can be fed using commercially available food or plants and some vegetables augmented regularly with supplements of vitamins and minerals. Plant leaves, especially dandelions, plus carrots are normally favorite parts of the diet of a pet bearded dragon. Insects, baby mice and even dog or cat food will be consumed by these slighty greedy eaters and meat should form at least two-thirds of the overall diet.
Being substantial eaters, bearded dragons also produce amounts of waste which will smell and should be removed. Areas that have been soiled will need cleaning to prevent any risk of infection and it will be necessary every few months to clean and replace the substrate of the terrarium. These pet lizards are unlikely to bite, tending to walk away if preferring not to be handled on occasion. Bearded dragons enjoy being bathed by their keeper and being sprayed with water mist.
