Bearded dragons can live up to 15 years in captivity. So, if you are looking for a pet that will be around for years, you can consider them. Besides, they are cute, tiny, and adorable. But are bearded dragons good pets?
Yes, bearded dragons are indeed good pets. I am saying this for a number of reasons:
- They are small, cute, and easy to handle
- Eat a variety of foods
- Do not make much noise
- They have less demand compared to other pets
- Enjoy solitary, and
- You don’t need to be an expert pet owner to have them.
These are only a few of their many benefits. Let me explain why I love them as pets and why you should also have one.
Key points of the article:
- Bearded dragons are less demanding, quite, and easy to take care
- They are omnivores and so maintaining their diet is easy to maintain
- They enjoy solitary but sometimes form bond with humans
- Their price is expensive as they are exotic animals, however, low maintenance cost makes up for this.
- Keep them away from children as it can be harmful for both parties.
Bearded Dragon: An Overview
Bearded dragons make good pets for a number of reasons. However, before that, let me introduce you to this exotic animal.
| Scientific Name | Pogona vitticeps |
| Size | 16-24 inches long |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Diet | Omnivores |
| Habitat | Deserts, grasslands, woodlands of Australia |
| Temperament | Generally docile, can be socialized |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
How Do Bearded Dragons Make Good Pets?
You must have noticed their popularity as pets has increased significantly. There must be some reasons behind it. Having them is actually quite easy and pleasing. Let me explain.
1. Physical Appearance
Why don’t you have a good look at any bearded dragon pictures? Are they, by any means, less cute than other mammals? I will never take “Yes” for an answer. They are small, scaly, and have a lovely spiky beard. The beard looks pretty when they puff it.
Additionally, these reptiles come in different colors. Yes, they do. Red and brown, though, are the most common colors; they can also be white. Even blue bearded dragons exist as well.
It is not just colors. They can also have different patterns after they morph. There can be at least 10 different types of bearded dragon morphs.
2. Eat a Variety of Foods
When it comes to diet, bearded dragons are omnivores. It means this little creature can eat both insects and vegetables, as well as fruits and flowers. It makes it much easier to maintain a healthy diet for them.
Insects are the primary nutrition source for young beardies. However, once they become adults, their need for insects reduces. They show more interest in vegetables and other plant-based foods.
They can eat a variety of food. Click here to learn about what bearded dragons can eat.
Besides, bearded dragons are much smaller, and they do not need too much food. Once they grow up, feeding them every other day is enough. And you can feed them from your diet as well, I mean the plant based food. Thankfully, they can also eat chicken eggs and other meats in small amounts.
3. Do Not Make Much Noise
Did you ever have a husky? My god! These drama queens are too difficult to handle. They often leave a tantrum. So are different species of cats. But again, many people enjoy their drama and noise.
And then, there comes people like me, who are busy almost all the time. I don’t have a scheduled time for sleeping. Someday, I may sleep in the morning, while someday, I may sleep at night. And I need complete peace at home for that.
This is almost impossible to have with dogs and cats at home. Nonetheless, this does not mean that I cannot own a pet. In fact, I already have a bearded dragon, Spike. This little dude hardly makes any noise. It does not bother me at night or during the daytime. If you also feel the need for a quiet pet, then beardies are the right choice.
Do bearded dragons make no noise at all? They make some sort of noise sometimes. But those are not high enough to disturb anyone. Bearded dragons can make different noises if they are stressed or uncomfortable.
4. They Have Less Demand
As I already have said, I have to remain busy during most of the day. Thankfully, bearded dragons do not want much affection. They can amuse themselves in their own enclosure. Just build a proper enclosure for them, and they won’t bother you much. And oh, don’t forget about the food.
It is not that bearded dragons do not like to be handled. They do. But not as much as dogs and cats. Too much handling can stress them out.
When it comes to diet, they do not ask much. Give them a small amount of fruit, vegetables, or flowers. They will be happy. Only they show interest in eating too many crickets. Young ones can eat about 20 to 60 crickets in one feeding session.
If you are a busy person and spend most of the time outside, then bearded can be the ideal choice for you.
5. Enjoy Solitary
One bearded dragon does not get bored. If you want to put another one in the cage, it may rather be angry instead of happy. They enjoy their solitude. They may sometimes develop an emotional bond with humans but not with other lizards.
Bearded dragons can climb on your hand and shoulder if they feel safe. They never get along with other beardies in the same way except for the breeding season.
Since these lizards enjoy their solitude, you do not have to buy another one. It saves money for you.
However, these beardies are quite polite and gentle. They can also be friends with your other pets like cats.
6. They Are Not Expensive
You can have a bearded dragon for a very small price. I got mine for only $45! Many breeders breed them and sell them at different prices. Thankfully, it does not go over $100.
The maintenance cost for beardies is low. Some supplementary foods are available now for them, they are not a must, though. You can feed them household foods. The only expense is in maintaining their habitats and buying insects.
7. You Don’t Need to Be an Expert
Are bearded dragons good pets for beginners? Absolutely. It will teach you regularly about their diet and the cleanliness of their habitat. Since they do not demand much, you won’t get washed up in the process.
Beardies have a very easy diet. You can easily make a chart for them and follow that. One or two little mistakes won’t cause much hazard. Therefore, if you never had a pet before, now is the perfect time to have one.
Bearded dragons do not suffer from many physical health issues. Sometimes, beardies may not poop properly, scratch the glass wall, or eat less. These are due to stress mostly. You don’t have to take them to the vet for these issues in most cases.
What Are the Downsides of Having a Bearded Dragon?
Well, as a proud and happy owner of a beardie, I can hardly find any negatives about them. But I talked to my other friends and discussed what they find annoying about these lizard reptiles.
1. Not Ideal for Children
Beardies are great as pets for adults, not for children. Children may frequently touch them, causing stress on them. Moreover, these reptiles often contain salmonella bacteria. This can be a health concern for children. Sadly, there are no vaccines for them.
2. They Are Only Exotic
This is a double-sword feature of bearded dragons. Most people like them for being exotic creatures. However, there are exceptions, too. Since they do not like to be handled frequently, you cannot pass them on to your guests. You can watch them as much as you want. Touching and handling is not an option.
3. Lack of Interaction
Though it is a benefit for me, some of my friends find it a con. You could hug a cat or dog but can’t do the same with a reptile. They won’t be jumping around in joy upon your arrival. However, some of them often bob their heads to express happiness.
Cats and dogs often do silly things that may make you laugh. Beardies live on their own. So, there is little chance to have such moments with them.
4. You Need to Be Committed
Bearded dragons can live longer in captivity than in the wild. With proper care, they can survive at least a decade. This makes them responsible for a long time. Are you sure you can stay committed?
Alternative Exotic Animals to Have as Pets
So, what do you think? Does taking care of a bearded dragon sound too much? How about you look for some other exotic animals to keep as pets? Then think about the following ones:
- Guinea pigs
- Mice and rats
- Dwarf hamsters
- Leopard geckos
- Crested geckos
- Goldfish
- Bettas
- Hermit crabs
FAQ
A few more Q&As might help you make up your mind. Check the questions below for that.
Are bearded dragons friendly?
Bearded dragons are not aggressive. This part is obvious. To say whether they are friendly or not requires some thought. They are social, curious, docile, and active. But it does not mean that they will like to play with you. They love solitude.
Do bearded dragons like to be cuddled?
Yes and no, both. Some of them may like to cuddle their owners, while some of them might hate it. It depends on how much they trust in you. Once they find you safe, they may like to be cuddled for a short time. But too much handling can stress them out.
Is it OK to touch a bearded dragon?
You can touch bearded dragons with some caution. Make sure your hand does not contain any chemical substances while touching them. Always wash your hands after touching them to ensure no salmonella can infect you.
Do bearded dragons bite?
Yes, bearded dragons can bite sometimes despite not being aggressive. Anyway, their bites are not strong enough to tear human skin and cause bleeding. Use a regular antiseptic as a precaution.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Are bearded dragons good pets? It actually depends on your perspective. What I find pros, you may think they are actually drawbacks. Make up your mind and decide what kind of pets you want. If your requirements are an active, small, social, less demanding, and easy-to-handle pet, then yes, beardies are good pets.
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