Bearded Dragons or Pogona are semi-arboreal lizards, native to Australia. In the wild, bearded dragons prefer to live in arid, warm areas like desserts, savanna or subtropical woodlands.
In the last few decades, bearded dragons are some of the most popular choice for pet by millions of people around the world. They are docile creatures and relatively easy to take care of. Bearded dragons are not picky eaters, live a long life (around 7 to 12 years) and are fun to be around.
In order to know more about bearded dragons, here are 10 interesting facts that you should know before owning bearded dragons.
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How do bearded dragons communicate with each other?
Bearded dragons communicate with each other by a range of different physical gestures and postures. They can wave their hands to show submission.
Signs of them being uncomfortable or unhappy are:
- Bobbing their heads
- Hissing
- Puffing up the beard
- Open their mouth wide
- Biting (a clear sign that they are mad)
Do bearded dragons attract bugs?
Generally, bearded dragon do not attract bugs. If you notice flies or other bugs appear, it can be that their living environment is not clean.
Make sure to not leave out food that can attract flies and provide a good hygiene habitat for bearded dragons.
Where do bearded dragon mites come from?
Though not common, bearded dragons can get mite infestation. It is important to prevent that from happening as treatments can be hard and stress your pets out.
Bearded dragon mites can come from different sources. It can be that your bearded dragon is already infected or the habitat that it lives in have mites. Pet shop, a friend’s house that you visit can also have mites and bring it to the bearded dragons.
If you notice small red, brown or black dots on your bearded dragons, chances are they have mites. It can be a few to hundreds little dots depends on the severity level of infection.
Mite infestation causes skin discomfort and lead to dangerous consequences if not treated properly. Book an appointment with a vet and treat it as soon as possible.
Do bearded dragons blink?
The short answer is yes, they can blink. Normally, it is just their way of relax. Sometimes, they open only one eye to focus on a particular object.
However, if your bearded dragons close both eyes for a long time, it is a sign that they are sick. You should monitor and take care of them if that happen.
Do bearded dragons have good hearing?
Bearded dragons have internal ears and a good hearing. They need to rely on their excellent eyesight and sound to spot preys and escape predators.
At home, just like dogs and cats, bearded dragons can hear their owners and some will respond to its name.
Remember to talk with your bearded dragons often, that is a great way to form trust and bonding. One of the most wonderful feeling is when you call your bearded dragon’s name and it runs to you for a cuddle.
Do bearded dragons keep food in their mouth?
They can keep food in their beard/throat to eat later on. But it is not a safe place for long term. Normally, beard dragons will stop eating when they feel full.
Bearded dragons eat a wide range of food; from fruit, vegetable to insects, snails or small lizards.
Owners should care more about the quality and varieties of food to make sure that their beardies get the needed nutrients.
How do bearded dragons digest food?
The gastrointestinal tract of a bearded dragons include a stomach, an esophagus, a duodenal bulb, a cecum, a short small intestine and a colon (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
For proper digestion, bearded dragons need a warm environment. Turn the UVB light on and let them basking for 1 to 2 hours right after eating.
Bearded dragons do not chew food. They can choke on food that are too big (for example, large crickets). Make sure you cut all food to small bite sizes and monitor them when they eat when possible.
Why do bearded dragons freeze?
When the bearded dragons freeze, it can be that their cages are too cold. You need to warm them up gradually.
It is important to provide and maintain a proper temperature for bearded dragons. That way they will be healthy and comfortable.
Why do bearded dragons get pimples?
Bearded dragons have femoral pores, locate under their hind legs. Based on that, we can identify their species and know whether they are male or female.
The pore’s secretions can mark territory, determine age or establish individual identity. They can also release pheromones to attract mates. Throughout mating season, femoral pores can increase in size and appear protruding.
Depend on the specific reptile species, substance inside their pores differ. It can be keratin or lipid secretions.
How to bath a bearded dragon?
Bathing ensure good hygiene and can help with bearded dragons’ overall health. Follow these simple steps to properly bath bearded dragons:
- Choose a suitable size tub or container for your bearded dragons. It should be clean, designated only for the bearded dragon, and not shared with human.
- Fill the container, one to three inches ( 2.54 – 7.62 centimetres) with warm water. The water temperature should be between 90 to 100 degree F (approximately 32 to 37.5 degree C).
The water should not exceed your bearded dragon’s shoulder joints. Monitor them while they bath to avoid drowning.
Do not add in soap or any type of detergents. Bearded dragons can drink the water while they bath and you do not want them to drink anything harmful.
- Gently place bearded dragon into the bath. If it defecates, remove the feces right away.
- Let them play in the water for 15 to 30 minutes. They can swim around but make sure their heads are not submerged under the water.
Use a thermometer to check the water temperature. Take some cold water out and add more warm water if it gets too cold.
- When bath time is completed, take your beardies out. Gently pat them dry using a clean and soft towel.
- Warm the bearded dragon under its basking light after bathing.