Bearded dragons can live a long life when kept as pets, often between 10-12 years with proper care. However, some bearded dragons can live well into their 20s, depending on the species, the living conditions and the quality of care they receive.
Proper care includes diet, proper habitat, cleanliness, UVB lighting, temperatures, humidity levels, and veterinary care. If a bearded dragon’s habitat is kept clean and their dietary, lighting and temperature needs are met, they can live a long, healthy life.
It’s also important to handle them regularly and gently, to help them become accustomed to being around humans and other pets.
Do bearded dragons get lonely?
Bearded dragons can be prone to loneliness, especially if they do not have a proper habitat or if they do not receive enough socialization. It is important to give them plenty of space and provide interactive activities to encourage positive socialization with the owner so they do not feel lonely.
Without the opportunity to interact with their owners, beardies may exhibit unusual behaviors such as depression, anxiety, aggression, and stress. Interacting with beardies through petting and holding can reduce loneliness and help form a bond with their owner.
Taking them outside for sunshine and wind, providing stimulating visual and physical environments that encourage play, and providing adequate environmental enrichment can also help revent feelings of loneliness.
If a second beardie is available, they may prove to be excellent companions for each other and help stave off feelings of loneliness, as long as both have enough space and resources.
How do I know my bearded dragon is happy?
One of the most obvious signs of your bearded dragon’s happiness is its behavior- if your bearded dragon is active and alert with its eyes open and is exploring their environment happily and expressing curiosity, they are likely happy.
Additionally, a relaxed body posture with relaxed legs and tail is a sign of happiness. Your bearded dragon might also display some friendly, gentle head bobbing, when interacting with you, which is a good sign that your bearded dragon is feeling relaxed and content.
If your bearded dragon is also eating and drinking regularly, that’s a great additional sign of happiness.
How often do you bathe a bearded dragon?
It is recommended that you bathe your bearded dragon at least once a week. Bearded dragons are naturally semi-aquatic animals, which means that they enjoy spending time in the water. Bathing your bearded dragon will help them stay healthy and clean, but also provide them with a chance to get some exercise and hydration.
Provide a shallow bowl or tub filled with warm (not hot) water, and a few inches deep, so your dragon can easily get out. They should be given 10 to 15 minutes to enjoy their bathtime. After they are done, you should use a towel to help dry off your dragon, or let them bask in their habitat until they are dry.
Make sure to clean out the bowl or tub after every use.
How long does it take for a bearded dragon to recognize you?
It depends on the individual bearded dragon, as some may take a shorter or longer amount of time to recognize you than others. Generally speaking, however, a bearded dragon can take up to several weeks to begin recognizing you and your presence.
In the early stages, a bearded dragon may seem fearful and have a defensive reaction towards you, but with time and consistent interaction, they will begin to recognize you. To speed up this process, you should handle and feed them regularly, so they can become familiar with your scent.
Additionally, talking softly to them and engaging in positive reinforcement will also help them to become more comfortable with your presence and recognize you faster.
Can bearded dragons feel when you pet them?
Yes, bearded dragons can feel when you pet them. Bearded dragons have very sensitive skin and can feel even the slightest touch. When you pet them, they will usually extend their neck, close their eyes, and may even start wagging their tail as a sign of pleasure.
Bearded dragons also enjoy being pet and will often become increasingly comfortable with handling the more you do it. Petting them can help to create a bond between you, and it can give them a sense of security.
However, it is important to always be gentle when petting a bearded dragon and to avoid areas like the vents, eyes, and head. Additionally, you should never grab them or pet them too roughly.
What does it mean when a bearded dragon cuddles?
When a bearded dragon cuddles, it typically means that they feel comfortable and secure with their owner. They may cuddle up to the owner as a sign of affection or trust. Cuddling is also a way that they can get warmth and protection from their environment.
Some bearded dragons may also enjoy cuddling as a way to bond with their human companion. When a bearded dragon cuddles it is a sign that they are comfortable and happy with their environment.
How smart is a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are surprisingly intelligent reptiles! While their brains are much smaller than those of mammals, they have demonstrated problem solving skills that allow them to remember, recognize, and interact with their environment.
For example, when presented with a problem-solving task, such as opening a box with food inside, they can often solve the task quickly by learning and adapting the best solution. On the other hand, they may not always live up to your expectations with an exciting personality and tons of interaction, but they can remember their keeper if they are handled frequently.
Bearded dragons also show signs of social interaction, such as head bobbing, breathing heavily, and being more responsive when in higher activity states. With enough patience and consistency, it is possible to develop a trusting bond with your bearded dragon!.
Are bearded dragons hard to keep alive?
No, bearded dragons are generally not hard to keep alive. They are considered one of the easiest reptiles to care for. Setting up a proper habitat and providing proper nutrition are the most important factors in keeping a bearded dragon happy and healthy.
When provided with the right environment, the appropriate diet, and regular veterinary care, a bearded dragon can live five to eight years or longer.
Creating a suitable environment includes offering an enclosure that provides both a warm and cool area, a UVB bulb and proper lighting for 12-14 hours a day, and basking and hiding spots that match their natural inclination.
Feeding your bearded dragon a variety of insects, greens, and a calcium supplement provide them with a balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals. Routine visits to a vet familiar with bearded dragons is also necessary for providing them with regular wellness care as well as monitoring for any disease or infection.
Overall, with the right setup and care, a bearded dragon may be one of the easiest reptiles to keep alive.
Do bearded dragons need a lot of maintenance?
Bearded dragons do not require a lot of maintenance, but they do need proper care in order to stay healthy and happy. Providing the correct habitat, appropriate diet and habitat maintenance, adequate lighting, and periodic health checks will all help keep your pet healthy.
The habitat should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your dragon and the necessary items, such as a hide, branches, and decorations. Regular substrate cleaning and full habitat maintenance is necessary to reduce the risk of disease and parasites.
Metal, rather than glass tanks, provide superior insulation, which helps to maintain optimum temperature and humidity.
A good diet for a bearded dragon consists of both live insects and greens. Live insects should make up about 55-70% of the diet, with the remainder consisting of dark green leafy vegetables, along with other fresh vegetables and fruit.
Bearded dragons fed a balanced diet usually require one or two meals a day.
Lighting is an important factor, providing both heat and UV radiation for your dragon. UVB radiation allows your pet to properly metabolize calcium from their food, so it’s important to use the proper lighting.
Depending on the type of fixture and how old your dragon is, they may need up to 12 hours of UVA/UVB light per day.
Routine health checks should be done by a qualified veterinarian to assess your dragon’s health. Any changes in appetite, activity level, or skin health should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian.
Periodic fecal checks can also help to identify any parasites or diseases before they become problematic.
Overall, while they do require some work, bearded dragons are fairly low-maintenance pets that can provide many years of companionship to their owners.
Is a bearded dragon a good house pet?
Yes, bearded dragons can make good house pets. In the wild, they are social, gentle animals that can easily adapt to living in captivity. They are generally quite low maintenance and can be easily taken care of with some basic attention and care.
Bearded dragons do require some specific conditions in order to be happy and healthy. They need UVB light to help maintain their health, and they should also be fed a combination of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
You will also need to create an environment that mimics the temperatures and environment found in the wild, so you may need to purchase some equipment such as a heat lamp.
Bearded dragons can also benefit from regular interaction and handling. If properly socialized and handled, they can become very friendly and even look forward to being handled by their owners.
Overall, if you are looking for a low maintenance pet that is easy to take care of and can provide you with lots of entertainment, a bearded dragon might be a great choice. They make beautiful, interesting house pets that can provide you with lots of joy and affection.
