With more and more people owning pets and the interest in reptiles on the rise, you might find yourself asking, which small animal would make the best pet? Whether this is your first pet or you have owned many different kinds, pets bring a certain kind of warmness and sense of companionship to the home, and you may be wondering which pet would fit in the best in your home
While on the hunt for a small animal that would make a good pet, we usually look at how easy or difficult they are to care for, allergy possibilities, and the cost of care and supplies. If you have narrowed your search down to reptiles but are unsure as to what kind of reptile would work best for you, bearded dragons make a great first time reptile.
So, now you may be asking, do bearded dragons make good pets?
In short, yes, they absolutely do make good pets. Bearded dragons are relaxed and calm in their temperament, simple to care for, and not to mention they look really interesting and exotic as well.
If you have never owned or cared for a reptile before, bearded dragons are an amazing place to start. If properly taken care of, bearded dragons will provide you with years of companionship, endless affection, and a ton of personality.
You might have noticed the increase of reptiles hitting the shelves in your local pet shops, and more importantly how quickly they sell out of a specific species of reptile; the bearded dragon. Bearded dragons make the perfect pet for all ages due to their affordability, docile behavior, lifespan, simple maintenance, and their convenient size.
If you are considering your first or next pet and are interested in learning more about the bearded dragon, we will be discussing what makes them such an amazing pet and companion. Let’s sit back and relax while we discover all the wonderful aspects of owning a bearded dragon as a pet.
What Makes A Bearded Dragon A Good Pet?
Reason 1: Affordability
One of the main reasons a lot of people do not own pets is because they cost a small fortune to purchase, care for, and maintain; not bearded dragons. The majority of bearded dragon owners and potential owners are drawn to how affordable bearded dragons are to not only purchase but also in their everyday care as well as their veterinary care, if you should have to take them in.
Dog and cat owners could potentially spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on routine check-ups, possible medications, or even necessary surgeries to maintain the health and well-being of their pet. Bearded dragons on the other hand only need to see the vet if they become ill or injured, in turn acquiring a much smaller vet bill.
The diet of a bearded dragon will also run you a lot cheaper than that of most pets. Live containers of insects could cost you $10 to $50 depending on the type of insect, whether or not it is a farming set up, and how much you decide to purchase.
Bags or containers of dehydrated insects, vegetation, or mixes are also available and are quite affordable with a price range of $10 to $20. If this is your first time owning a bearded dragon, you could be out a couple hundred dollars to get the best and most appropriate set up and enclosure.
Providing a safe and proper environment for your bearded dragon will help ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Reason 2: Lifespan
If properly cared for, a bearded dragon can happily live up to 15 years. When you go in search of a pet, you’re more likely to be interested in an animal with a lengthy lifespan so you feel as if you are getting your money’s worth and won’t be shelling out more money in just a couple of years for a new pet.
Learning how to properly keep and care for your bearded dragon will ensure that they get the most out of life. On average a bearded dragon will live 8 to 10 years, if they are taken care of extremely well they could live to be 15 years old, and in some cases up to 20 years old.
Just like any other type of pet, a bearded dragon is a commitment to ensure they live a long and healthy life but it is completely worth it.
Reason 3: Temperament
If you have never owned or cared for a reptile before, you may be a little uneasy and curious about whether or not they would make a good and friendly addition to your home. This is a completely normal and fair feeling when it comes to reptiles, considering not all reptiles are docile and easy-going.
Bearded dragons, though, are extremely calm and completely easy-going reptiles that enjoy being handled and are happy to just sit on your shoulder and relax with you. Bearded dragons are known to make connections with their owners similar to that of a dog or cat, they will find comfort in you and show excitement when you go to retrieve them for some bonding time.
As long as you treat your bearded dragon with love and affection and kindness, then they will treat you with the same respect.
Reason 4: Simple To Care For
As far as reptiles are concerned, bearded dragons are one of the simplest reptiles to care for and maintain. Bearded dragons have an extensive diet that really simplifies their care, ranging from insects to vegetables to fruit.
Once you learn the basics of what they need daily, occasionally, and rarely, feeding your bearded dragon will be a breeze and will only require a few minutes of your time each day. As you have probably already guessed, there is a certain amount of research that is required before purchasing a bearded dragon to ensure they are properly cared for, including their environmental set up.
A large tank that mimics their natural habitat, proper lighting and heating, a water dish, and plenty of places to relax will have your bearded dragon thriving in no time. Once you have everything set where and how it should be, maintaining their enclosure will be extremely simple.
When it comes to making sure their habitat stays clean, it is important to note when and where they have defecated and to clean it as soon as possible. Easy to clean liners, such as reptile turf and carpet, will be the most efficient in ensuring cleanup is fast and easy.
As long as their enclosure is clean of any fecal matter, they have fresh water in their water dish, their heating and lighting has been set to the appropriate timing and levels, and they are fed daily, caring for a bearded dragon is an extremely simple process and only takes up a few minutes of your time each day. In the end these few minutes a day add up to many years of love and companionship from your beloved bearded dragon.
Reason 5: Size Convenience
Bearded dragons are the perfect size for any sized home, whether it’s a small apartment or a large house, a bearded dragon would make the perfect addition and would only require a small corner to properly thrive. Bearded dragons themselves will only reach around 24 inches, or 2 feet; males being larger than females.
As long as they are cared for properly and well fed and healthy, bearded dragons will reach their full potential in regards to size. While 2 feet may seem quite large for a reptile, they are actually on the smaller size, and their tails tend to be the longest part of their full length, so they are small enough that even smaller children can safely handle them.
Final Thoughts:
In regards to their convenient size, all around affordability, docile and loving nature, lengthy lifespan, and simplicity to care for, bearded dragons are an all-around amazing pet for all ages. If you are searching for a pet that will make a great companion to just relax with that also looks really awesome, the bearded dragon will be exactly what you need.
From younger aged children to the most experienced reptile owner, bearded dragons are among the most sought after in the reptile world and will make a great addition to your home. On another note, if a low maintenance and allergy friendly pet is something you are searching for, while also still being able to interact with and handle, bearded dragons will fit perfectly for you as well.
Go visit your local pet shop and take a look, bearded dragons make amazing pets and are happy and ready to be loved. There is plenty of literature and resources to ensure you offer your bearded dragon the most appropriate set up and enclosure.
Your local pet store will be able to assist you in finding everything you need to help your bearded dragon thrive and grow and live a long, healthy life.