If you can put time and effort into taking care of your bearded dragon and giving it a quality-filled life for the reward of a buddy who will hang out on your shoulder, a bearded dragon may be an excellent fit for you.
If you’re thinking about buying a reptile, and you have your eyes set on a bearded dragon, there might be some things that your pet store may not tell you that you need to know.
If you have free time and want to take care of, research, are okay with handling bugs and spending time with a reptile, a bearded dragon may be the perfect pet for you. They like to spend their time hanging out with you while you take them on cool adventures or watch tv in your living room. Read on to find out if a bearded dragon would be the right pet for you.
Five Signs a Bearded Dragon is The Right Pet for Me
You aren’t squeamish.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they will require both fruits and vegetables and insects. If handling crickets, worms, roaches, etc., doesn’t sound like a big deal to you, you may enjoy a bearded dragon’s company.
Some people even find that experimenting with different foods to see how their bearded dragons react is a fun task. Some people also keep crickets around to feed their bearded dragons, but some don’t recommend this as crickets have a very short life span and can be pretty loud.
You can experiment with different insects until you find what your bearded dragon likes, and hopefully is convenient for you to obtain.
You’re a laid-back person looking for a pet to hang out with you.
Generally, bearded dragons aren’t the most exciting pet to have. They’ll be happy to just sit on your shoulder while you work, and you could also take them on walks.
If you’re laid back and looking for a friend that’ll want to hang out with you, unlike a cat, and won’t be rambunctious like a dog, a bearded dragon may be the perfect pet for you.
You have time on your hands to care for your dragon properly.
Many people are under the assumption that bearded dragons are easy beginner pets. In reality, they require the same, if not more care, than a cat or dog.
Bearded dragons require specific diets, specific heating, specific enclosures, lots of insects, lots of veggies and fruits, and more. They’re very prone to parasites, so something as simple as running through their feces can lead to parasites.
Being able to clean their enclosure whenever they defecate, cleaning out their food so it doesn’t smell and harbor parasites, cleaning out their water every single day, making sure their enclosure is properly heated are only some of the responsibilities that come with owning a bearded dragon.
You can give them the proper space they need for an enclosure.
Bearded dragons can get pretty big. They need at least double the space of their size.
They can get up to at least 24 inches if taken care of properly. They need space to go under the heat lamp and get away from it to regulate their temperature.
Bearded dragons also like to perch, meaning that you’ll want places for your dragon to climb up and hang out, especially where they can get more heat if they need to. Even though bearded dragons need a lot of heat, it’s best to stay away from the heat rocks at the pet store. Bearded dragons could potentially get burned without realizing it.
You’ve done all of your research, and you’re still set on getting a bearded dragon.
If any research has made you question whether you want a bearded dragon or not, you should maybe rethink your decision. Getting a pet is a huge commitment, and bearded dragons are no exception.
Not many people can handle their diet. They eat a ton of bugs, but they still require a portion of veggies and fruits. If changing up your bearded dragon’s food and feeding them insects sounds alright to you or even fun, this pet may be great for you.
Are Bearded Dragons Good for Beginners?
Bearded dragons can be an excellent pet for beginners, but this differs depending on the person. They can be great for first-time reptile owners unless you don’t have much time on your hands. There are smaller reptiles that require less maintenance and supplies.
If you’re someone who works a lot or wants a pet that doesn’t require too much attention, and will spend most of its time in a cage, don’t get a bearded dragon. They need a large amount of attention and special attention to keep them happy and healthy.
If you’re a beginner who’s excited to hang out with your lizard and take him on many adventures, make sure that you can also put in the effort to provide the essentials that they require.
Six Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Bearded Dragon
They are boring.
They don’t move all that much, and they mostly just lay around all day unless they’re eating. If you want an animal that will move around and entertain you all the time, a bearded dragon may not be for you.
While your dragon may surprise you once in a while, it won’t happen often. Occasionally, you may come across a bearded dragon that’s a little crazy, especially when they’re still young, but usually, they react like that due to stress and wanting to show dominance.
They are highly prone to parasites.
They need to be taken to vets, some dragons more often than others, and those bills add up quickly. Additionally, not every vet will take a bearded dragon, and some may not even specialize in reptiles. Research accordingly.
You’re busy.
If you’re working all the time and going to school, you’re probably never going to be home. You’re also probably going to feel tired and not want to take the time to clean the cage and cut up vegetables and fruits for them and feed them bugs.
Their diets can be complicated.
At different points in their lives, bearded dragons need a certain amount of fruits and vegetables and insects. It’s not just the amount of food. The ratio of insects to fruits and veggies will differ from when they are babies to when they’re full grown.
Some are very picky and can get tired of the same foods.
Not many bearded dragons are picky eaters, but if you end up with one, it could be a hassle to find foods your dragon likes. They also tend to get tired of the same foods and decide they’re not going to eat them. Switching out their food regularly can be frustrating, especially if your dragon is picky.
They are territorial.
You may find bearded dragons at pet stores in crowded cages, all sitting on top of one another. They’re not cuddling; they’re fighting over the heat and survival. Having more than one dragon in the same cage could result in one of them getting sick and possibly dying.
One will be getting all the food and resources while the other struggles. They also tend to fight with one another and can cause injuries such as losing a limb.
What to Expect When You Get Your First Bearded Dragon
- The first time you bring your dragon home, you may find that they’re stressed and worked up. Let them relax and get a little more comfortable with their new surroundings for a few days before you try handling them. Observe their behaviour and how they react to you. They may try to bite you, and you’ll need to know when you should back off and give them space.
- If it’s a baby bearded dragon, they may be a little more rambunctious and small. It’s best not to handle the babies too much for their safety, as they could get lost and injured in your home.
- They may act territorial and aggressively bob their heads at you. It may take a while for them to warm up to you, but when they do, it will be worth it. Some dragons warm up to people faster than others. Just take the time to get to know them. Eventually, they will realize that you are safe, and they will be more comfortable around you.
Bearded dragons are not for everyone. They are high maintenance, and many people don’t have the time or energy to take care of them properly. People often find that they can’t handle a bearded dragon; others get bored and pass them off to someone else.
Luckily, these guys usually don’t have too many issues when passed to a new owner. Before you get your dragon, take the time to research and prepare ahead of time. It’ll save both you and the animal from feeling more stressed out than you two need to be.