Bearded dragons are becoming more and more popular as pets in the United States. Many reasons contribute to it. They are cute, easy to handle, and small as well. But these are not the fun facts about bearded dragons; there are more.
Bearded dragon fun facts include, but are not confined to, the following:
- Their front teeth can regrow
- Their urine is not liquid
- Bearded dragons can change sex and color
- Running at human speed
- They have three eyes and see more color than us
- Their emotions are expressed through the spikes
Aren’t these odd, weird, and interesting at the same time? This is why I love them and have one as my pet. You will also want to have it by the end of the post.
Surprising Facts About Bearded Dragons
I will try to explain each fact in minimum words, respecting your time. Hopefully, your love for beardies will increase after reading them.
01. General Identity of Bearded Dragon
Let’s start with some textbook information to introduce bearded dragons.
- Bearded dragon scientific name: Pogona vitticeps
- Type: Lizard
- Family: Agamidae
- Habitat: Arid and semi-arid regions of Australia
- Size: Males grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, and females are smaller at around 20 inches (51 cm)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
02. Beardies Can Climb Trees
Believe it or not, bearded dragons are surprisingly good at climbing trees! They’re not quite like monkeys swinging through the jungle. However, they are classified as “semi-arboreal.” This means they spend some time climbing on branches and rocks.
In the wild, they use this skill to find food, bask in the sun from a high perch, or escape predators. Therefore, when setting up a DIY bearded dragon enclosure, you must add some climbing spots.
03. Australia Bans the Export of Bearded Dragons
During the 1960s, Australia banned the export of live bearded dragons. This decision was made to protect wild bearded dragon populations. However, between the 70 and 90s, a good number of beardies were exported.
The dragons that are bred in the USA these days are actually from Australia. The rising love for this lizard is demanding more exports. Nonetheless, Australia is still strict regarding this.
04. They Can Regrow Their Teeth
Bearded dragons are actually pretty lucky when it comes to teeth. They can continuously regrow their teeth throughout their lives. This is because their teeth are constantly being worn down as they chew on their food.
Sometimes, new teeth grow behind the old ones. The new ones push out the old ones, keeping these little dragons chomping happily. Maybe this is another reason why their bites don’t hurt.
05. Bearded Dragons Prefer Solitary
Bearded dragons are built for a life of solitude. In the wild, they live alone. This even includes other bearded dragons. They do not like to live with other beards either. You must never put two bearded dragons in one cage.
They are territorial creatures and prefer to have their own space to bask, hunt, and relax. Keeping multiple bearded dragons together can actually be stressful for them. They may compete for resources like food and basking spots.
Don’t think that your reptile friend will get bored alone. No, it won’t. It rather enjoys solitary. I have only one bearded dragon at home, and he seems happy and enjoying his solitude.
06. Females Can Store Sperm for Later
Female bearded dragons have a special talent that helps them be successful moms. They can store sperm from a male for a short period of time after mating. This means they don’t necessarily need to find a mate every single time they want to lay eggs.
Since bearded dragons enjoy solitary, this feature comes in very handy for them. Females keep these sperm in special compartments within the reproductive system. This stored sperm can then be used to fertilize eggs later on. It allows the female to lay multiple clutches of eggs even without having a male present.
07. Communicate With Nods and Waves
Bearded dragons may not chat with you, but they are excellent communicators! They use a variety of body language to express themselves. One way they talk is with head bobs and arm waves.
A slow head bob can be a sign of submission or greeting. In contrast, a fast bob with a puffed-out beard is a threat. Waving their arms can show they’re receptive to a mate. It can also mean that they are trying to appear smaller to a larger beardie.
08. They Can Change Color
Ever wonder how a bearded dragon is feeling? Check out its color! Bearded dragons can change color to communicate and regulate their body temperature. A relaxed beardie will typically be a light tan or beige color.
Their color gets darker when they are stressed or threatened. Sometimes, they’ll even puff out their throat pouch to appear larger and more intimidating.
09. They Can Sleep Standing Up
Bearded dragons can sleep in some pretty strange positions. And it includes their ability to sleep while standing up. They often sleep perched on a branch or rock with their eyes closed.
This position allows them to stay alert for predators and quickly escape danger if needed. For new owners, it may seem the beardies are uncomfortable. No, they are not. It is a natural behavior for them and allows them to regulate their body temperature.
10. Bearded Dragons Are Good at Running
Don’t underestimate the speed of a bearded dragon! These little lizards can be surprisingly quick on their feet. They can zoom around at speeds of up to 9 miles per hour in short bursts. It helps them escape a predator or chase down a tasty insect. Isn’t this a surprising fact about bearded dragons?
But wait, there’s more! In some situations, bearded dragons will actually run on their hind legs! This bipedal running is usually seen when they’re feeling threatened or need to get somewhere fast. While it might look a little comical, it’s a surprisingly effective way for them to get a move on.
11. Brumation in the Winter
Bearded dragons are adapted to seasonal changes. In their natural Australian habitat, winters are cooler. To cope with this, they enter a brumation period, a reptile version of hibernation. But technically, bearded dragons do not hibernate.
During brumation, bearded dragons show some unique behaviors, such as:
- Less active or no movement at all
- Eats less
- May sleep for weeks or even months
- They also stop pooping
You must not intervene in their brumation. It is a natural process and necessary for their well-being. This helps them conserve energy during a time when food might be scarce. It’s important to note that not all bearded dragons are brumate. Some of them may not brumate in captivity, depending on the weather.
12. They Can Carry Salmonella
This is not a unique feature. Many other animals contain salmonella, a terrible bacteria. While bearded dragons themselves can’t get sick from salmonella, they can carry the bacteria on their skin. This bacteria is harmful to humans.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans. This is why it’s very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your bearded dragon or cleaning their terrarium.
13. They Are Omnivores
This must be a very commonly known bearded dragon fact. What can a bearded dragon eat? Well, Bearded dragons are omnivores. It means they can eat insects, vegetables, worms, fruits, and even flowers. It’s not only that they can eat, but they also need it.
Feeding the same food is not recommended. It can bore them. They may reduce food consumption. They may suffer from a lack of nutrition and become ill. An ideal and balanced diet should have variation.
14. Bearded Dragons Can Bond with Humans
Bearded dragons may not cuddle like a cat or wag their tail like a dog. They can still form a bond with their human companions! How do they do it? Through positive interactions, such as:
- Gentle handling
- Offering tasty treats
- Providing a clean and enriching environment
Signs of a bond can include things like calming down when you hold them. However, excessive handling can also cause stress to them. They may even sometimes bob their heads to greet you.
15. Sunrays Help Beardies Digest Their Food
Sunlight is essential for bearded dragons! They are heliothermic, which means they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. They bask in UVB rays, which help their digestion.
If there is not enough sunlight in your place, then add UV lights to the bearded dragon’s enclosure. Sunlight is also important for them. It helps in:
- Helps bearded dragons digest their food properly.
- Provides UVB rays necessary for absorbing calcium. It is crucial for strong bones.
- Supports a healthy immune system.
- They rely on sunlight to regulate their body temperature.
16. They Have 3 Eyes
What really? Do bearded dragons have a third eye? Not actually, not in the traditional sense. There is a structure on the top of their head called the parietal eye. This isn’t a true eye and doesn’t allow them to see.
What does this eye do, then? I can’t give you a perfect answer to that. There are contradictions about it. It is thought to help them regulate their circadian rhythm. They can respond to changes in light with the help of this eye.
17. Bearded Dragons Are Venomous
This is an interesting fact about bearded dragons. You do not need to get scared. Relax champ. Yes, bearded dragons are venomous. But not like a rattlesnake. In 2005, scientists discovered a mild venom in their saliva. This venom is likely used to subdue prey and isn’t harmful to humans in most cases.
No need to be worried about your bearded dragon giving you a venomous bite. If bitten, remember these things:
- Stay calm. Don’t let panic seize you, as it can be fatal.
- Wash the bitten area thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop any minor bleeding.
- Look for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus.
- If the bite is deep or punctured, consider your tetanus vaccination status. If not, get a tetanus shot as soon as possible.
- See a doctor if the bite is deep, shows signs of infection, or you have concerns.
18. Bearded Dragon Morphs
Bearded dragons come in a wide variety of colors and patterns thanks to selective breeding. These variations are called morphs and can be quite stunning. Morphs can be of different types.
- Scaling Morphs: These morphs affect the texture or appearance of the scales. Here is what happens:
- Leatherback: Smooth, pebble-like scales instead of the usual spikes.
- Dunner: Scales appear dulled or frosted.
- Silkie: Silky smooth scales with a faint shine.
- Paradox: A combination of smooth and spiked scales.
- Visual Morphs: These morphs affect the color and pattern of the bearded dragon.
- Hypomelanistic (Hypo): Lighter color with reduced dark pigments.
- Translucent: Almost see-through spikes and scales, often with solid black eyes.
- Zero: Virtually no pattern or markings.
- Wero: Bearded dragons with mostly white bodies and dark patches.
19. They Can See More Color
Bearded dragons are like super-seeing lizards! They not only have a wider range of ultraviolet (UV) vision than us, but they also have tetrachromatic vision. This means they have four cones in their eyes. Humans only have four!
These extra cones allow them to see a broader spectrum of colors. It includes some shades of ultraviolet that are invisible to humans. It lets bearded dragon to have:
- See their prey better
- Navigate their environment
- Communicate with each other
20. Bearded Dragons Have Emotions but Not on Face
I saw people asking in different forums if bearded dragons can express emotions. Yes, they can. However, they do not show emotions on their faces. They are not humans. Instead, they communicate through body language and color changes.
- Relaxed: Slow head bobs, relaxed beard, and light in color.
- Alert: Raised head and body, eyes scanning surroundings, tail held high.
- Submissive: Slow bobs with lowered body; beard may be slightly darkened.
- Threatened: Puffed-out beard, dark coloration, mouth gaping open, hissing.
- Greeting: A slow nod towards another bearded dragon or human.
21. Their Sex Depends on Temperature
Unlike humans, bearded dragons have a unique way of determining sex. It all boils down to temperature during incubation!
- When incubated below 90 degrees Fahrenheit, bearded dragons with ZZ chromosomes develop into males. This is the typical outcome.
- But here’s the twist! If the incubation temperature climbs above 32° Celsius, something fascinating happens. Even those ZZ chromosome embryos can develop into females! The warm temperatures override the genetic predisposition.
22. Their Urine Is Not Liquid
Urine is supposed to be liquid. That is what we usually see. But for bearded dragons, it is an exceptional case. Bearded dragons pee solid powder urine. This is often called urates.
As they like to live in hot, dry environments, they need to retain as much water as possible. Solid urine helps them achieve this. Solid urine is an adaptation that allows them to survive in their arid habitat.
FAQ
Here are some interesting questions people often ask on the internet.
Do Bearded Dragons Have 3 Hearts?
No, bearded dragons don’t have three hearts. They have one 3-chambered heart, unlike humans who have a 4-chambered heart. This simpler design is efficient for their cold-blooded metabolism.
Can Bearded Dragons Fall In Love?
Bearded dragons likely can’t experience love in the same way humans do. Their brains are simpler, and emotions less complex. They can bond with their caregivers, but it’s not quite love.
Can Bearded Dragons Love Owners?
Bearded dragons likely don’t feel “love” like humans do. However, they can form a bond with their caregivers through positive interactions. They can recognize them and show signs of comfort.
Are Bearded Dragons Loyal?
Bearded dragons aren’t typically considered loyal in the way a dog might be. They’re solitary animals and bond with their caregivers for comfort and positive experiences, not unwavering devotion. They are like showpieces in your house. They are not going to show devotion or love towards you.
Conclusion
These are some fascinating facts about bearded dragons. How many of them did you already know? I bet you must have found at least five new facts about these reptiles. Why don’t you share it with your friends then?
Reference:
https://www.avianexoticvetcare.com/handouts/reptiles/bearded-dragons.pdf
https://www.allcreaturesanimalhospital.com/pdf/reptile-bearded-dragons/bearded-dragon.pdf