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If you’re a fan of reptiles, then you’ve most likely had your eye on a bearded dragon at least once in your life. These friendly and social reptiles, also known as “beardies”, love being handled but its important to know the amount of responsibility that comes with owning a bearded dragon.
Before you pick up one of these lizards for sale, make sure that you understand the needs of your bearded dragon so that the two of you can have a happy relationship. Bearded dragons can live up to 15 years, so consider this long-term commitment before buying bearded dragon lizards for sale.
What to Expect From a Bearded Dragon
By nature, the bearded dragon is a pretty easy-going reptile. They’re incredibly curious, always watching with clear, alert eyes. During the day, they’ll be awake and should either be basking, eating, climbing, or just moving around. A lack of activity is a sign that they’re not getting the proper amount of light or heat, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
Handling your bearded dragon is a great way to establish a relationship and get to know its body language. Bearded dragons should be handled daily for at least half an hour. They can roam freely in secured environments or be just as content sitting on their owner’s shoulder and hanging out with them. As you can probably tell, they’re a very low-maintenance pet in comparison to other exotic reptiles.
When handling a bearded dragon, it’s important to remember good hygiene practices. Although these are very welcoming critters, bearded dragons can carry diseases with them which can be passed on to humans, like salmonella. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap after handling a bearded dragon.
What Does a Bearded Dragon Need to Survive?
Make your bearded dragon feel at home with a few key considerations.
Its habitat should be spacious enough where it can fit comfortably. Bearded dragons typically grow between 12 and 24 inches long. A tank up to 70 gallons should be enough but keep in mind that as the beardie grows, it may need more space and a larger tank. Keep the tank clear of any excrement to maintain good quality of life for your reptile. Make sure you have proper bedding for your dragon and a screen for the enclosure, as well.
Another way to make your bearded dragon feel at home is with the right lighting and temperature. Use UVB lighting to prevent bone and growth deformities and keep the tank at 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also want to keep a separate area between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit for basking. These lizards love heat!
When it comes to food, you should treat your beardie as you would any other household pet. Regular and consistent feeding is essential, especially for the babies. Keep a shallow dish for water easily accessible to your dragon and provide a mixture of vegetables and insects in their diet. Younger bearded dragons should eat more insects than adults. Once they mature, you can expand their diet to include silkworms, earthworms, and mealworms along with green, leafy vegetables and fruit.
Now that you understand the basic needs of a bearded dragon, you should have a better idea of whether or not this reptile is right for you. See our selection of lizards for sale and get your very own dragon for a low-maintenance and gratifying pet.