Bearded Dragon Beginners: The Ultimate How to Guide

Bearded dragons are popular among reptile enthusiasts and beginners due to their docile nature, manageable size, and relatively straightforward care requirements. This introduction covers beginner-friendly bearded dragon articles on care, enclosure, and habitat.

Articles on Bearded Dragons for Beginners

Are you thinking of welcoming a bearded dragon into your home? These fascinating reptiles make excellent pets, but you should know a few things first. These articles are perfect for beginners, covering essential topics to help you start your bearded dragon journey.

Articles on Bearded Dragon Enclosure and Habitat for Beginners

Creating a suitable environment for your bearded dragon is essential for their health and happiness. From choosing the perfect terrarium size to understanding the proper lighting and humidity levels, these articles will guide you through everything you need to set up the ideal habitat for your reptile.

Articles on Bearded Dragon Care for Beginners

Caring for your bearded dragon properly requires knowledge, dedication, and research. With articles on feeding schedules and helpful bathing techniques, these articles provide all the essential information you need to ensure your bearded dragon thrives in their new home.

Why Bearded Dragons Are Popular Pets

Bearded dragons are becoming increasingly popular pets worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. They have unique personalities and interactive behavior and are often compared to the reptile version of dogs and cats. These friendly reptiles can even recognize their owners and look forward to interactions. Though relatively low maintenance compared to other pets, they still require proper care. Their long lifespans of 10-15 years make them a long-term commitment, perfect for beginners ready to invest time and resources into their care.

Time Commitment: Daily & Weekly Care Tasks

Daily Responsibilities:

Feeding: Feeding appropriate insects and vegetables daily. The feeding frequency and the portion of insects and veggies will vary depending on your bearded dragon’s life stage.
Habitat Maintenance: Regularly check the humidity levels and temperatures and adjust if necessary.
Spot Cleaning: Spot clean the enclosure daily or every other day, which includes removing sections of soil bedding, washing food and water dishes, and removing leftover food.
Fresh Water: Wash the water dish and refill it daily with fresh water.

Weekly/Monthly Tasks:

Deep Cleaning: Every 2-3 weeks, your bearded dragon’s enclosure should be deep cleaned. This involves thoroughly cleaning, replacing substrate, and disinfecting surfaces.
Bathing: Occasionally, you may need to bathe your bearded dragon, usually only to clean poop off their body. Other reasons might be for hydration, if they drink the water, or as occasional enrichment. Bathing should only be done when necessary.
Health Checkups: Regularly monitor your bearded dragon’s health and behavior and consult with an exotic veterinarian if you suspect something could be wrong.

Personality Traits & Behavior: What to Expect

Docile and Friendly: Bearded dragons are docile and friendly reptiles, especially if they have been tamed and socialized from a young age. Over time, they can recognize their owners and look forward to playtime or handling.
Diurnal: Like humans, bearded dragons are active during the day and sleep at night. They enjoy basking, exploring, and eating their daily meals.
Behavioral Signs: Bearded dragons communicate through behavior and body language.
Head Bobbing: A sign of dominance, territorial behavior, or a mating ritual for males to impress females.
Arm Waving: A sign of submission done by a submissive bearded dragon. It is typically observed in younger beardies and involves raising their arm and waving it in a circular motion.
Glass Surfing: A common sign of stress, usually when the enclosure is too small or the living conditions are unsuitable (such as incorrect temperature and humidity).
Beard Puffing: Territorial behavior when they feel stressed, scared, or want to attract a mate.
Black Bearding: A sign of stress, fear, illness, or incorrect temperatures (usually chilly conditions).

Is a Bearded Dragon Right for You?

Best Suited For:

First-time reptile owners who are willing to learn proper care techniques.
Families (with older, responsible kids).
Those seeking a long-term, interactive pet.
People who can commit to caring for a pet for 10-15 years.

Not Recommended For:

Those unwilling or financially unable to invest in a proper enclosure setup, diet, and vet care.
People who travel often or lack time for daily care and interaction.
Owners expecting a pet that requires little attention or no daily maintenance.
Young children (under 12) unless they receive assistance from an adult.

Creating a Bond with Your Bearded Dragon

Building Trust Through Handling:

Bearded dragons are generally very friendly towards their owners; however, some take a while to get comfortable being handled. Bonding with your new pet doesn’t usually happen immediately, so it’s important to be patient and start slowly to earn their trust.

Handling is a great way to bond with your bearded dragon. Always make sure that you are supporting their body when picking them up. Never pick them up by their tail or limbs or high above the ground if they fall. You can reinforce good behavior while handling them by hand-feeding their favorite treats.

Providing Enrichment:

Playtime: Allow your bearded dragon to explore outside the enclosure, supervised, of course. The area should be secure, with no other pets.
Climbing: Bearded dragons love to climb, so encourage this behavior by giving them various climbing structures such as vines, driftwood, rocks, and elevated platforms in the enclosure.
Digging: These reptiles are natural diggers, so add a deep layer of a safe sandy substrate to a section of the enclosure.
Daily Interaction: Interact with your bearded dragon daily to build confidence and familiarity.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons make excellent pets for those who provide proper care, time, and commitment. They are a 10-15-year commitment and require proper care throughout their lifetime. Proper husbandry prevents health issues and ensures they can live a long, happy life.

If you’re ready for the responsibility, a bearded dragon can be a wonderful, rewarding pet!