Bearded dragons are hardy creatures that can live for up to 15 years in captivity, although most generally have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. The life expectancy of a bearded dragon is often influenced by the quality of its diet, the amount of exercise and activity it receives, and the amount of love and affection it receives from its owner.
Proper attention to proper husbandry can often extend the life of a bearded dragon significantly. Bearded dragons kept in captivity typically require more attention than other lizards, and should be provided with a stable environment and a balanced diet.
Proper nutrition, rest, and a gentle hand must be provided consistently to ensure the health and well-being of these reptiles.
Is it cruel to keep a bearded dragon as a pet?
The question of whether it is cruel to keep a bearded dragon as a pet is a complex one with no clear right or wrong answer. There are both those who believe it is cruel to keep an animal captive, and those who believe that intelligent, attentive and caring pet owners can provide a loving home and enrich the lives of their pets.
One of the strongest arguments in favor of keeping a bearded dragon as a pet comes from the fact that in captivity, bearded dragons are able to live longer and healthier lives, often with veterinary care and other help.
In the wild, bearded dragons face a variety of predators as they age and they also tend to live much shorter lives than those in captivity. In captivity, with the help of knowledgeable and attentive owners, a bearded dragon can live up to 8 to 12 years.
However, keeping a bearded dragon as a pet also has its drawbacks. It is important to remember that even though bearded dragons may appear docile, they are still wild animals and have natural instincts that sometimes need to be respected.
Keeping a bearded dragon in an environment that does not meet their needs or provide them with adequate stimulation can lead to a number of behavioral issues and health problems. Additionally, it can also be expensive to keep a bearded dragon, as they require specialized food, lighting and housing.
Therefore, whether it is cruel to keep a bearded dragon as a pet is ultimately a decision that is up to the individual. If a person is informed, responsible and willing to provide the care and attention needed to keep a bearded dragon healthy and happy, then it can be a very rewarding experience for both the dragon and the owner.
How do I know my beardie is happy?
The first is that your bearded dragon should be very active during the day and should take regular naps or hide away in their shelter at night. They should be responsive when you approach them, raising their head and looking at you.
They should also appear happy when you feed them, following you eagerly and taking their food with enthusiasm. If they appear sluggish and uninterested in food or their surroundings then this could indicate that they are bored or stressed.
Bearded dragons also have some quirky body language which can give away how they are feeling, such as bobbing their head up and down or curling their feet. Finally, you should be aware of their defecation habits – if they are having regular bowel movements then this indicates that they are healthy, eating well and generally content.
Can you hold a bearded dragon everyday?
It is not recommended to hold a bearded dragon every single day. They need time to rest and to explore their environment. Additionally, handling them too frequently can become stressful for them, leading to behavioral issues such as aggression and fear.
You should only handle your bearded dragon as much as it will tolerate, and never force it to stay in your hand or lap for an extended period of time. It’s important to remember to always provide a safe and comfortable environment for your reptile and to monitor its behavior to ensure that it is healthy.
Does it hurt to hold a bearded dragon?
Holding a bearded dragon should not cause pain. Beaded dragon’s have small claws and have no known venom or potential to cause injury to a person, so there’s no need to worry. It is important to note that a bearded dragon is not as snuggly and friendly as a pet such as a cat or dog and is considered to be a semi-wild animal.
As such, they should be held with gentle and caution and realistically, handling should be kept to a minimum. Even if you don’t hurt them, handling can be stressful for them and can even lead to health issues.
The best way to hold a bearded dragon is to place your hand gently beneath them, and provide a secure but not restrictive support for their body. This is especially important for babies and juvenile bearded dragons, as they can easily be injured due to their fragile bones.
If you’re nervous about handling your bearded dragon, you can also use a towel to provide an extra layer of protection for them. By following these steps, you will be able to hold your bearded dragon without causing them (or yourself) any pain or discomfort.
What are the benefits of owning a bearded dragon?
Owning a bearded dragon can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, as they make great pets. Many people are drawn to having a reptile in their home because they are relatively easy to care for, require minimal space, and are generally low maintenance.
Some of the benefits of owning a bearded dragon include:
1. They Are Low Maintenance: Bearded dragons are fairly low maintenance and require minimal daily care. They require a UVB light to stay healthy, an appropriate sized tank, and a healthy diet.
2. They Offer Sociable Interaction: Bearded dragons’ personalities can vary, however many of them eventually become accustomed to being handled and often enjoy interacting with people – offering a different type of pet-owner bond capabable of providing comfort and companionship.
3. Good for Families: Bearded dragons make a great family pet. They are generally gentle and easy to handle, and large enough for all family members to enjoy.
4. Living Long Lives: Bearded dragons can live up to 10 to 12 years with proper care. This means that you and your family will be able to enjoy their companionship for a significant amount of time.
5. Minimal Space: Because they are relatively small, they don’t require a lot of space. A 40- to 50-gallon tank is generally sufficient for a single adult bearded dragon.
Finally, owning a bearded dragon can be a great educational experience for children and adults alike. From their behavior to their diet, there is a lot to learn about bearded dragons.
Why shouldn’t you kiss your bearded dragon?
Kissing your bearded dragon is not recommended for a few reasons. First, you should never put your mouth close to your pet’s face, as fecal and bacterial contaminants present in the environment can find their way into your beardie’s mouth, resulting in illness or infection.
Also, because bearded dragons tend to be quite timid and sensitive animals, a kiss may startle or frighten them, leading to anxiety and potentially aggressive behavior. Finally, the stress of being touched and handled, even in an affectionate manner, can add a tremendous amount of stress to your pet’s life that, if stretched too far, can be dangerous.
So, rather than kissing your bearded dragon, it’s best to opt for affectionate gestures like gentle strokes on the head, or you can also offer them treats as signs of friendship.
Can a bearded dragon live for 30 years?
No, a bearded dragon generally lives for 10-12 years depending on the species, care, and diet. Several records exist of bearded dragons that have lived longer than the average life span though, such as a 20-year-old Morroccan Uromastyx that was seen at a reptile expo in 2012.
Additionally, a breeding pair of bearded dragons in France was reported to be 30 years old in 2008. While it is possible for a bearded dragon to live for 30 years or more, it is generally not expected for a bearded dragon to live that long due to their relatively short life span.
How old is bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons can live between 8-12 years when they are properly cared for. They typically reach adulthood at 2 years old and can easily be distinguished by the spikes or “beard” that appears on their throat when they reach maturity.
Bearded dragons will typically reach their full size at around 18-24 months of age. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they have an adequate diet and environment to ensure they reach their maximal lifespan.
Additionally, it is important to take them to regular veterinarian visits to ensure their health is monitored and optimal.
Are bearded dragons as old as dinosaurs?
No, bearded dragons are not as old as dinosaurs. Bearded dragons belong to the Agamidae family and are a type of lizard species that is native to Australia, which has been around for only about 40 million years — a much shorter time than the dinosaurs, which have been in existence for over 200 million years.
Bearded dragons are part of the reptile family and were biologically classified in 1768 by the Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus, who named them Physignathus genus, which meant ‘big-jawed’. Today, the bearded dragons can be found in the wild in parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
How many times a week do you have to clean a bearded dragons cage?
Bearded dragons should have their cage cleaned at least once a week to maintain good health and hygiene. It is important to clean the cage thoroughly each week, including thorough cleaning of the substrate, water bowls, and furnishings.
The cage should be completely emptied of all furnishings, the substrate should be completely removed, and the entire enclosure should be wiped down and sanitized. All decorations, furniture, and toys should be washed in a mild dishwashing detergent and then rinsed in hot water prior to being put back in the cage.
Additionally, any food and water bowls should be emptied and washed as well. Finally, the substrate should be replaced. Doing all of these steps at least once a week will help keep a bearded dragon’s cage clean and hygienic.
How do I keep my bearded dragon cage clean?
Keeping your bearded dragon’s cage clean is essential for their health and happiness. Here are some tips for keeping their cage clean and healthy:
1. Clean the cage at least once a week by removing any fecal matter, uneaten food, and other debris. Make sure to use a safe, all-natural cleaning product such as a natural vinegar or baking soda solution.
Also use a non-abrasive cloth, paper towel, or sponge to wipe down all surfaces in the cage.
2. Give your bearded dragon a “bath” by putting them in a shallow bowl of lukewarm water once a week, or as needed. This will help keep their skin and scales clean and hydrated.
3. As needed, replace the substrate (bedding material) in the cage. This should be done at least twice a month and can be done when giving the dragon their bath (provided you are using a water-safe substrate).
4. Spot clean any water or food spills immediately and remove any uneaten food from the cage.
5. Make sure to keep the temperature and humidity of the cage within the optimal range for your specific breed of bearded dragon.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your bearded dragon’s cage is kept clean and comfortable for them.
Where do you put a bearded dragon when cleaning the cage?
When cleaning your bearded dragon’s cage, it is important to ensure that the dragon is in a safe and secure place while you are cleaning. You may put the dragon in a secure tank or tub, in a separate room, or even temporarily in the bathroom.
It is important that the environment is free of drafts and temperature fluctuations as a sudden change in temperature can be dangerous for the dragon. Make sure that the dragon is also secure in the area you place them, as even if you line the area with a towel, they may escape if the container is not secure enough.
Ensure that you know where the dragon is at all times and put them back in their clean cage as soon as possible to reduce stress.
Should bearded dragons be covered at night?
Yes, bearded dragons should be covered at night to provide them with a sense of security and darkness which helps promote a restful sleep. Bearded dragons that do not have enough darkness during their sleeping hours often suffer from sleep deprivation and related health issues.
In the wild, bearded dragons hide in burrows during the night so providing them with another dark area may help them to feel more secure. Depending on the size of the enclosure, you can use a towel, blanket, or sheet to cover the beardies cage at night to simulate the natural environment.
Be sure to remove all coverings during the day so your dragon has plenty of natural light, as well as room temperature in the enclosure. Additionally, it is important to ensure adequate ventilation, as bearded dragons are susceptible to respiratory illnesses in an enclosed environment.
How often should you change lizard bedding?
It depends on the type of lizard you’re caring for, as different species have different needs. Generally, the bedding should be changed out completely at least once a month, or more often if the bedding has started to become discolored or if you notice a strong odor.
That being said, spot cleaning can be done more regularly with disinfectants that are safe for reptiles and also monitoring your lizard’s bathroom habits can be helpful. It’s important to pay attention to your lizard’s health, since unclean bedding can reduce their physical and mental well-being.
It’s also possible to clean the bedding while the lizard is still in the tank. Just make sure to use a safe cleaner—never a cleaner that may pose any risk to your reptile—and never more than once a week to avoid over-cleaning.
