Choosing the right pet for you and your family can be a complicated task. From size to dietary needs, several factors should be considered when deciding what type of pet to bring home.
If you have ruled out cats and dogs, there are certain types of reptiles that can be an excellent fit for your family, and bearded dragons are widely known for making the perfect companion and pet.
When considering bringing a new pet into your home, whether a puppy, a kitten or a bearded dragon, ample research is a top priority. Making a responsible choice when getting a new pet means ensuring you’re a good match and can give the new member of your family the love and care it needs.
Looking into the pros and cons of owning a certain type of animal is the best way to ensure that you’re prepared for all of the possibilities and ready to give your new best friend the best possible life.
Here are five things to consider if you are thinking about getting a bearded dragon as a pet
1. Bearded dragons are generally calm and docile
In contrast to other reptiles, bearded dragons normally enjoy interacting with people. Your reptile friend will be happy to sit on your shoulder while you work or relax by your side after a long day. Bearded dragons need to be handled often; take them out of their terrarium and let them roam around the house, or bring them along with you on an outdoor adventure.
Their peaceful nature and easy-going personality make them ideal pets for families with small children. Beardies can help children get acquainted with animals and learn to interact with them safely.
It is essential to consider that even though bearded dragons are friendly creatures, they are also territorial. They are not likely to snap or hurt you, but beardies may exhibit certain tells of aggression if they feel threatened or scared. Like any other animal, handling them with care and kindness is important, and they will give you the same.
2. They’re extremely intelligent and can even be trained
Research has shown that bearded dragons can recognize their owners and develop complex relationships with them like cats and dogs. In addition, these reptiles recognize your voice and can be trained to respond to basic commands. They can even get used to walking on a leash!
Bearded dragons have been known to learn quickly through training and imitation, which points to incredible problem-solving abilities and high intelligence. Like cats or dogs, bearded dragons can easily remember training patterns and adapt to routines.
3. They can show affection toward their owners
As mentioned above, bearded dragons generally enjoy interactions with people and form strong bonds with their owners. This is just one of the reasons that make bearded dragons such popular pets and sets them apart from other reptiles.
While beardies don’t show affection the same way that dogs or cats do, they certainly have their way of letting you know that they love and appreciate you. These lizards often look for warmth and comfort in their owners, making them snuggly and playful companions.
For a first-time reptile owner, it may be hard to imagine a bearded dragon snuggled into your neck, but once you get a sense of your pet’s personality and begin to bond with them, you might be in for a surprise!
4. They’re great for beginner reptile owners
Bringing a bearded dragon into your home can be a little scary if you have never owned or cared for a reptile before.
Since the bearded dragon is a friendly and docile creature, it can be an excellent option for beginner reptile owners to start getting accustomed to handling and caring for reptiles. Their size is another factor that makes them a great choice for beginners and pet owners. Bearded dragons usually only grow to about 16 to 24 inches in length.
5. Their diet and ideal environment can be complicated to maintain
Even though bearded dragons can be relatively easy to care for, they need regular and consistent meals and attentive care. These sweet reptiles are not usually picky when it comes to feeding time, but following a strict schedule and monitoring their diet is essential for their wellbeing.
In addition, bearded dragons have different dietary needs in various stages of their life, so staying in the know regarding your pet’s needs and development is essential. Younger lizards need more protein, while fully grown adult beardies thrive on a more plant-based diet.
The healthy diet of a bearded dragon mostly consists of live insects and vegetables. Since variety is crucial in a beardie’s diet, it is important to make sure that you have access to varied food options for them, such as crickets, worms, cockroaches, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Providing and maintaining the right habitat and environment for your beardie can also be tricky. These reptiles need to be kept in a size-appropriate enclosure with very specific light and temperature conditions that are closely and constantly monitored.
The bottom line
Bearded dragons can make excellent pets for great owners. If your lifestyle aligns with the abovementioned characteristics and you are confident you can meet its needs, a bearded dragon may be exactly what you’re looking for!
These adorable creatures also have a really good life expectancy. Pet beardies can live about 10 to 15 years on average if you’re committed to their wellbeing. Once you have considered all the pros and cons of owning a bearded dragon, you are ready to make a responsible choice.
With the right care, proper housing, a balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups, your beardie can have a long, happy, and healthy life by your side!