Bearded dragons are gentle reptiles. Caring for your beardies is relatively easy once you know how to keep one happy and stable.
If you’re planning to purchase one for yourself or your kids, you are probably wondering: Are bearded dragons a good pet?
Keep reading ahead as we explore the answer to that in this article.
Are Bearded Dragons a Good Pet?
Bearded dragons are good pets for several reasons. Since they are medium-sized reptiles, they easily fit into enclosures or artificial habitats you might create for them in your house.
They are intelligent and quirky too, which can easily impress a guest or a friend who’s come over to take a look at your new pet.
People who own bearded dragons usually report that their pet is not very demanding. Apart from food, exercise, and sleep, a bearded dragon won’t ask for a lot from you.
Bearded dragons, or beardies, are also considered good pets for kids. Besides, having a dragon in your house is fantastic; they are very subtle and make excellent pets.
Having said that, like any other pet, it is necessary to know how they need to be cared for. Regular and balanced meals, plenty of exercise, careful consideration of their habitat, and some love can extend a bearded dragon’s life.
So, considering everything, it is right to say that beardies make good pets.
Is It Worth Getting a Bearded Dragon?
The Wildlife Informer says that in North America and Europe, the number of people who keep beardies as pets is escalating on an unprecedented scale. And this is primarily for the following reasons.
Easy To Care For
Unlike parrots or cats, beardies are quiet, and they won’t ask for attention all the time. Most people don’t have much time on their hands, and this is where a beardie makes an excellent pet.
Like other reptiles, a bearded dragon would like to complete its sleep cycle, and an occasional walk, exercise, or some play time is all it needs to stay happy.
The initial setup is the most important thing you need to watch out for. Proper lighting, heating, a safe and robust enclosure, a high-quality substrate, and a leash are all you need in the beginning. Once you have made this investment, you don’t need to spend much on your new pet.
You can take your new bearded dragon out of its cage every few days. It won’t mind staying inside, but don’t forget to interact with the poor fellow, or it will end up miserable and sad.
Long Life
Perhaps the most popular reason people refrain from having pets is a fear that the animal will die under their care.
Bearded dragons are resilient and can live for more than 10 years if given proper care and attention. Once you know how to do it, caring for your beardie will be a piece of cake.
Setting up a proper routine is essential. This includes meal times, interaction, and some time outside the cage for exercise.
They Are Attractive
This is the closest you’d ever get to adopting a dragon, and having a dragon as a pet is pretty cool.
Bearded dragons come in various colors: yellow, purple, red, yellow, and white. Thanks to special breeding techniques, beardies can be found in different colors, breeds, and varieties.
They Are Inexpensive
You can conveniently purchase a bearded dragon for less than $100. It depends on where you buy your pet, but compared to other pets, these lizards are inexpensive.
If you want to purchase a special breed, the prices will surely go up.
You Can Train Them
Not many people know this, but beardies are very clever. This means you can train them to do simple or even advanced tasks.
With the help of a clicker, you can train your bearded dragon to wow your guests or friends instantly. You can even put one on a leash and take it for a walk to impress your neighbors.
What Are the Cons of Having a Bearded Dragon As a Pet?
Here are a few disadvantages that we’d like you to consider before buying a bearded dragon.
Initial Cost
Buying a bearded dragon is inexpensive, but creating its habitat can cost you a buck.
The enclosure alone will cost you anywhere from $150 to $350, depending on its size and quality. That’s not where it ends, though. You will also need to purchase lighting and a heating source to keep the beardie stable and regulate its body temperature.
Since you are keeping one in captivity, creating an artificial environment mimicking the wild is necessary.
Furthermore, you would need to purchase and replace the substrate over time. This can be a hassle if you’re not used to it. Plus, bearded dragons eat insects. So you need to find a reliable seller who can provide you with a decent number of worms and insects regularly.
All of this can become a pretty huge investment.
Poop
A bearded dragon’s poop generally contains salmonella, something you don’t want on your hands at all costs. After handling one or cleaning its feces, you will need to wash your hands properly.
Maintaining health and hygiene is essential if you want to pet a beardie. It is also important to keep them away from the kitchen and teach good hygiene to your kids.
Unsafe For Kids
Speaking of kids, having a reptile in your house is risky. While cats and dogs are popular among children, there’s a reason why people keep kids away from reptiles.
During the initial phase, the beardie will take time to settle in. This is when you should keep kids away from your pet bearded dragon.
Health Concerns
Even though they are dragons, beardies can be a little fragile. If you don’t handle one properly, your pet can get injured/hurt with ease.
Let’s say you drop your bearded dragon by accident. This can hurt its tail or leave it incapable of moving. On the other hand, bearded dragons are also susceptible to bone diseases. You can prevent this by giving them adequate vitamin D or by creating an ideal enclosure.
If you’re not covered by insurance, you could get a massive bill if your beardie becomes sick or ill.
Space
A bearded dragon increases its size with time. As the pet ages, you will need to increase the size of its enclosure. Do you have enough space in your vicinity to make room for a big enclosure?
You might need to designate a special place for your beardie, so consider this before buying a bearded dragon.
Are Male Or Female Bearded Dragons Better?
It depends on the angle you’re looking from. Male bearded dragons have thicker tails and are bigger than female beardies.
While a female will have a smaller and pointy head, a male bearded dragon has a broad, large head.
Apart from their appearances, the sexes also have different personalities and temperaments.
You will experience a change in personality and behavior during the mating season. While females tend to be calmer and timider, a male bearded dragon will show aggression and intimidation. This is only natural, so don’t worry.
On the flip side, a female beardie also lays eggs, so if you want to steer clear of such an occurrence, you’d be better off buying a male bearded dragon.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that bearded dragons make great pets. However, while bearded dragons are lovely pets, one must consider the pros and cons of buying one.
Since they ask for a hefty investment of time, money, and attention, we want you to think this through before making the final call.
