Watch the Bearded Dragon

About the Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon originated in Australia! In the pet industry the most common species of the bearded dragon is called the Inland bearded dragon. Sometimes referred to as the yellow headed bearded dragon or the central bearded dragon.

The adult male grows to approximately 2 feet in length, this is including the tail! The colouring of the bearded dragon varies from tan to yellow. The term bearded is used to describe them due to the way they can flare out the skin in their throat area when they become threatened or fearful. Its body appears flat and they have spines on the sides of the head, throat and sides of the body. The head of the bearded dragon is in the shape of a wedge and they have a very long tail. To distinguish between males and females is rather difficult to do until the dragons are adults. In general, the males have larger heads and longer darker beards. The pores are another factor that distinquishes them from females.

Habitat

The original habitat of the inland bearded dragon is in the woodlands and deserts of central Australia. The dragons can be found in trees or bushes and like to rest under rocks. In hot conditions they may be found burrowing underground.

The bearded dragon as a pet, lives in an aquarium that must be upgraded in size as the dragon grows. When they become full grown adults they need an aquarium that is approximately 50-60 gallons in size. In the bottom of the aquarium there should be either newspaper, sand, or carpet for them. They also like rocks, a piece of driftwood, plastic plants that they can climb and bask on.

Lighting

This is of utmost importance for the dragons. Lighting provides heat for the dragons. A variety of fluorescent or incandescent lighting is acceptable. Incandescent lighting provides heat as well as visible white light. As well, bearded dragons need to be exposed to natural sunlight for overall good health. The dragons need UVB light in order to produce vitamin D. Artificial light is never as good as the natural sunlight so on a warm day when the temperature is 70 degrees F you should take your bearded dragon outside for some real sunshine.

In this photo you can see the light shining down in the aquarium.

The bearded dragon is an omnivore. In the woodlands or desert its diet consists of insects, tiny lizards, and small mammals, flowers and other plant material as well as fruits.

As a pet the dragons diet consists of live crickets, earth worms, pink mice, ( eeks, not in my house) lettuce and other leafy greens.

Here is Wilson chowing down on some lettuce!