There are times when you have the intense desire to keep a dragon as a pet. Although we don’t have pet dragons in real life, we have an animal that resembles a mini crawling dragon – a bearded dragon! The beloved reptile is one of the great reptile pets favored by many, and they are not as fussy as they look.
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Preparing for Buying a Bearded Dragon?
However, there are some aspects of bearded dragons you need to know before adopting one. Here are some things you need to understand and do to prepare for your beardie:
1. Bearded dragons are brumate
Brumate, not bromate. What is brumation? Brumate is another term when animals go into hibernation during winters. It’s what animals such as bears usually do. Surprisingly, bearded dragons also go through brumate. It’s probably because of their cold-blooded nature
During brumation, bearded dragons typically do not do lots of activities and eat very little. Before adopting a beardie, it’s best if you check the beardie’s brumate time in your country.
2. They love the sun
If you happen to live in Australia, the scenery of bearded dragon sunbathing is probably nothing new to you. Bearded dragons love to be under the sun because they’re cold-blooded. Because of this, they need an external factor that allows them to regulate their temperature since they cannot control their own body hear. Don’t be surprised if you see a beardie sunbathing; just think of them sunbathing on the beach.
Since they love the sun, you have to regularly soak then under the sunlight when it’s hot. You can do it when the temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Their nails need regular trimming
If you’re planning to adopt a beardie, expect to have another chore added to your list. The task is no other than trimming your beardie’s nails. Wild bearded dragons have no problems with their nails, thanks to their wildlife activities that keep their nails short. Unfortunately, bearded dragon pets cannot have the same experience since they live in a tank; there’s nothing that can help them shorten their nails. Except, of course, their owners!
Don’t worry, trimming bearded dragons are not as hard as it seems. You just need to get them accustomed to having their toes touched. You can do that by reaching their toes every time you play with them.
4. Their tanks need to be wide
Again, wild bearded dragons will have no trouble with their space, because the entire world is their space. The same cannot be said for pet beardies. They live in a limited area, but they still need their space. Because of that, it’s best to keep your beardies in large tanks. Baby beardies need at least a 20-gallon tank, while larger beardies need their tank’s space doubled. So make sure you have a large container before adopting a beardie first!
5. Supply they with the right food
Here’s another not-so-surprising fact not a lot of people know: bearded dragons actually eat vegetables! In fact, they are totally fine if they are regularly supplied with vegetables. Not that they cannot eat insects, of course. In fact, you should not forget to feed them with live protein. However, they are also fond of vegetables.
The hardest part when it comes to feeding bearded dragons is probably finding the right vegetables they like. Once you find it, however, it’s going to be a walk in the park for you.
6. Bearded dragons need regular baths
Although they don’t have to bathe as often as people, bearded dragons still need to take regular baths at least twice a week. Taking a bath is necessary to supply them with the proper moisture they need. Contrary to the myth, vegetables are not enough to keep them hydrated. That is why you must bathe them regularly.
It’s Worth the Effort
Keeping a pet is like taking care of another person. You have to take care of them by bathing them, feeding them, and so on. It might sound like a hassle, but once you’ve considered it as a regular routine, you’ll fall in love with your beardie in no time. What are you waiting for? Go and find the right bearded dragon for you!
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