Bearded dragons can enjoy a variety of fun activities and toys! For example, they can play with non-toxic plants that you can purchase at pet stores, as well as non-toxic vines, rocks, and logs that will keep your dragon entertained.
You can also purchase other items such as cardboard tubes, paper towel rolls, and other small things that can provide stimulation for your dragon. Additionally, providing your dragon with a play area can help them to explore, which can help to keep them active and their minds stimulated.
Ultimately, it’s important to make sure that anything you provide your dragon is non-toxic and safe for them to play with.
Are there toys for bearded dragons?
Yes, there are many toys that can help keep bearded dragons physically and mentally stimulated. Popular choices often include tunnel mazes, hammocks and ladders. These can help your bearded dragon stay active, and even provide mental stimulation if placed strategically around their enclosure.
Additionally, bearded dragons can often benefit from objects such as branches, rocks and hides that can be found from pet supply stores, or safely collected from outside. These items provide warmth, hiding places, and challenges that can help keep your bearded dragon engaged and content in their environment.
How can I play with my bearded dragon as a pet?
Playing with your bearded dragon is a great way to bond with them and help them become more comfortable around humans. Additionally, it can help provide enrichment and stimulation to their environment.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
• Give them some lap time – Just like cats, bearded dragons enjoy some nice warm laps to lounge in and they love being petted and scratched. Just be careful around their spines and be careful to not overdo it.
• Let them curl up on a blanket with you – Some bearded dragons also enjoy being wrapped up in a blanket with their human companion. Just be sure to keep an eye on them if you decide to do this.
• Put some pieces of their food in their enclosure for them to forage for – This is a great way to give them the stimulation and enrichment they need. Make sure the pieces are small enough for them to swallow easily.
• Try some Interactive Toys – Bearded dragons love playing with interactive toys. This can include things like ping-pong balls, cardboard boxes, and even puzzle feeders that require them to solve puzzles to get their food.
• Play some Hide-and-Seek – Your beardie may enjoy some hide-and-seek games. Try hiding some food or treats around their enclosure and see if they can find them. Just be sure to supervise them while they search.
• Tug of War – Buy a small plush toy and see if your dragon is willing to play some tug-of-war with you. This is a great way to help them become more comfortable with handling.
Overall, playing with your bearded dragon is a great way to bond with them and help make them feel comfortable in their home. Just remember to be gentle, use interactive toys, and make sure they are properly supervised while they’re exploring.
How often should you handle a bearded dragon?
It is important to handle your bearded dragon regularly to provide the physical and psychological contact necessary to help it better adapt to their environment. You should make contact with your bearded dragon at least once or twice a week.
You should handle them for 15-20 minutes, so they become used to your presence, but do not handle too much as you could stress them out. When handling your bearded dragon, it is important to have patience, as they can be skittish and need time to get used to you.
When making contact, they should be held gently, with both hands placing one hand under the belly from behind and then carefully scooping them. Make sure their body is supported and their tail is clear of any gaps.
Move slowly, smiling and talking to them in a calming voice if possible to soothe them and make them feel safe and secure. Positive reward systems can also be adopted when giving treats to reinforce good behaviors.
If your bearded dragon displays signs of stress, such as hissing and puffing out their beard, it is best to put them back in their terrarium until they are relaxed and calmer.
Do Beardies watch TV?
Beardies, more properly known as Biewer Terriers, are a fairly new hybrid breed, so there is not definitively established research or knowledge base on behavior. However, informally, most Beardies do enjoy watching TV.
It is a great form of mental stimulation for them, especially with shows and movies that have interesting visuals and sounds which keep their attention. Additionally, many owners find that if their Beardie is particularly anxious or aroused, classical music or particular shows can help to calm them down and keep them relaxed.
As with all animals, it is important to monitor your Beardie’s television viewing to ensure it is not becoming an unhealthy obsession or distraction from other important activities. Furthermore, TVs use electricity, so care should be taken to ensure no part of the animal comes in contact with any exposed wires or sockets.
It is always sensible to make sure the volume is not too loud and to provide periodic breaks from the screen. If done in moderation, Beardies are capable of thoroughly enjoying TV and the entertainment it can bring.
Can you potty train a bearded dragon?
Yes, it is possible to potty train a bearded dragon. Potty training any animal can take a lot of patience and consistency, but it is doable. To potty train a bearded dragon, you will need to create an area in their cage designated for them to use as a toilet.
Depending on the size of the cage, you may need to provide two areas – a main area for them to explore and a smaller section for them to use as a toilet.
To encourage the bearded dragon to use the designated toilet area, you may consider adding bedding material that smells like the reptile’s own droppings. This will help them build the association that this area is the place to go.
Once the bearded dragon is using this area consistently, you will need to set up a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. Giving the bearded dragon rewards and treats when they use the toilet will help reinforce the behavior and make it easier for them to remember what is expected of them.
Finally, it is important to be patient with your bearded dragon, as potty training may take some time for them to get used to. However, with consistency and patience, you can successfully potty train a bearded dragon.