Bearded Dragon for Beginners – Frequently Asked Questions
We have heard several people stressing how they are not into raising pets. Ironically, what many of them mean is that they are not given to raising dogs and cats. This generalization is born out of the fact that canines and felines are the most common pets for pet lovers.
But beyond them, there are exotic animals and we will be discussing one of them here. If you are curious about knowing pets that fall under the class of exotic animals, you can visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exotic_pet
In this article, we will be answering a few frequently asked questions about bearded dragons. So, you should check out the questions and answers we have provided here if you want to know more about this exotic pet.
What Is a Bearded Dragon?
This exotic pet is a reptile that can be easily domesticated. The reason it is called the peculiar name is because of its spiny scales containing bearded spikes that are found right below the chin.
Astonishingly, the movement of the bearded spikes of this animal is determined by its mood. So, when it is happy, sad, anxious, shy… this part of its body sells it out. As a result, experienced owners of this animal have learned to take advantage of this knowledge.
Other than the name bearded dragon, it is also known as beardies. So, you should not be confused if you hear the names bearded dragon and beardies used interchangeably.
What Class of Animal are Beardies?
Bearded dragons are reptiles. This is something many of us will be able to figure out at first glance. They have facial similarities with animals such as lizards.
However, they are intelligent, submissive, and can easily be domesticated compared to many other reptiles. Beyond what they are popularly called, the scientific name of this pet is Pogona.
What Is the Size of a Bearded Dragon?
The size of this animal is somewhere between the 18 and 22 inches range. As with many other living creatures, the size is largely dependent on factors such as age, diet, species, and general wellbeing.
If you are considering the size of this pet as a yardstick for getting one, you should have no problems. This is because the size range of 18 and 22 inches is just ideal enough for you and your kids.
What Is the Weight of a Beardies?
The weight of the average beardies is less than 1 kilogram. This is regardless of age, diet, species, and general wellbeing. The weight factor is one of the advantages of raising this pet and is why we recommend it, especially for owners with kids.
By opting for this animal as a pet, you do not have to do heavy lifting and engage in rough plays when playing with your pet. As many experienced canine and feline parents can tell, the same cannot be said of dogs and cats, especially the larger breeds.
How Long can a Beardies Live?
Beardies can live between 4 and 10 years. The interval of 6 years as seen in the answer goes to show how important the care given to the animal determines its lifespan.
To ensure that Bearded Dragons live to their optimum, owners have to pay attention to giving the right diets, providing the right shelter with the right temperature, taking the animal for regular checkups, and generally seeing to the overall wellbeing of the animal.
By so doing, the parents/owners of this exotic pet will be able to share memorable moments for a very long time. We like to think the ability to live a little over 10 years is a good reason to raise this pet. This is because you get to have them as a companion for a very long time.
What Can You Feed Your Bearded Dragon?
You can feed your beardies a wide range of plant and animal meals. This is because they are omnivores. As a result, their digestive system is wired to derive nutrients from both plant and animal meals.
However, there are certain plant and animal meals that are toxic to this animal for certain reasons. To ensure that your pet is only exposed to the right diet, below are some safe animal and plant diet that your bearded dragon can feast on:
Kingworms, Parsley, Okra, Papaya, Clover, Green beans, Silkworms, Dates, Turnip greens, Cockroaches, Mustard greens, Yellow squash, Dandelion greens, Kiwi, Crickets, Melon, Earthworms, Grapes, Peas, Waxworms, Collards, Apricots, Butterworms, Raisins, Bell pepper, Phoenix worms, Butternut squash, Strawberries, Acorn squash, Dubia roaches, Asparagus, Guava, Crickets, Cabbage, Apples, Locusts, Rocket, Sweet potato, Figs, and several others.
If you observe critically, you will realize that the list above contains a wide range of vegetables, greens, fruits, and meat/insects.
Other than the examples given above, some other diets offer nutrients but have to be consumed in limited measures. Some also have to be offered based on the age of the bearded dragon.
For instance, we have super-worms and mealworms in the adult category. The nutrients derived from both are only suitable for adult beardies. Therefore, you should avoid offering these meals to infant and young breaded dragons.
Another example is Broccoli. This vegetable is a great source of nutrients for your beardies. However, you can only offer small bits every week at most.
Just as there are meals that benefit your bearded dragon, there are certain vegetables, fruits, greens, and insects you should never offer to your bearded dragon as food. If you want to know more about such meals, you can check here.
On a Final Note
Are you thinking about raising an exotic animal as a pet owner or parent?
If you are, we have shared some relevant information about bearded dragons. We advise that you go over the few questions and answers here and let them influence your decision to get a bearded dragon.
And should you choose to get one, you also have information about the right nutrition for your beardies.
