Your First Reptile: A Bearded Dragon
Sam with Buddy the “Beardie”
Bearded Dragons are a classic first reptile for both children and adults. Chances are you have met one of these cool Aussies at one of my reptile shows or at a reptile shop. I recommend these lizards as a great beginner lizard because they are so hardy and friendly. If you haven’t cared for a reptile before these little dragons will require a different set of care skills than your family dog or cat does.
Personality
One of the main draws of owning a Beardie is their personality. When they are young they behave much like the lizards you find outside your home. They can be skittish and quick moving. As these lizards mature they become less flighty and generally are happy to be frequently handled. Some males can exhibit territorial and dominate demeanors and may be less accepting to being handled. If you remain consistent with handling them when they are babies this can give you the greatest chance to develop a trusting bond with these interesting lizards.
Housing
Bearded Dragons spend much of their time lounging on rocks under their heat lamp. Even though they are generally lazy lizards, they do require an appropriately sized enclosure. When they are young you can house them in a much smaller glass enclosure than when they are considered full-sized adults. See my Bearded Dragon Caresheet for more information and caging size requirements.
Food
As babies, these reptiles need more protein than they do as adults. By the they time they become 4 years they will be eating a diet that mostly consists of veggies and salad. It is important to always dust their food items with Calcium and D vitamins to inhibit Metabolic Bone Disease, a common yet potentially life threatening medical condition many reptiles develop without the proper care. Follow this link to find out more about Bearded Dragons and their food requirements.
Longevity
Beardies have a fairly long life. They generally live 6-10 years and are 18 - 24 inches long. These lizards should be considered family members for many years to come and their care should researched prior to bringing one home. My SnakesonSam Bearded Dragon Caresheet is a great place to start and will provide you all the information and supplies you need to effectively care for your bearded dragon.
If you have any questions please contact me on Instagram (@snakesonsam) and I will be happy to answer any questions about they wonderfully friendly dragons!
Buddy the Bearded Dragon is a fixture at Sam’s reptile shows in Los Angeles County and Ventura County! Book your very own reptile show HERE to experience a Bearded Dragon and learn all about them at your next party or event!
Photo by Pablo Franco on Unsplash