The bearded dragon as a pet

Bearded dragons are somewhat reminiscent of miniature dinosaurs – a fascinating species of reptile. These interesting lizards can become very attached to their owners and form close bonds with them.

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How to recognize a bearded dragon How to keep a bearded dragon What else is important?
How to recognize a bearded dragon

Bearded dragons originally come from Australia. Depending on the species, they live in bushes, trees, or even in the grass of semi-deserts. All animals found in this country are bred in captivity, as export from Australia is prohibited. These animals come in different breeds. The most common is Pogona vitticeps, which grows up to 60 centimeters long, with its tail making up about half of that.

The distinctive feature of bearded dragons are their spines, which extend across their torso, legs, and belly. They also have rows of spines on their flanks, head, and lower jaw, which extend down to their throat like a beard. Bearded dragons are usually gray-brown, but new breeds now also come in other colors.

petsXL Bearded dragon
How to keep a bearded dragon

Bearded dragons like it warm. The temperature in the terrarium should be kept at a constant 30 degrees Celsius. It is also important that the bearded dragon can find places to sunbathe in its home, which should ideally be equipped with a spotlight and a UV lamp. Bearded dragons hibernate, and you should allow them to do so.

These little "dinosaurs" are quite uncomplicated when it comes to food. They are optimally nourished with meadow herbs, supplemented with grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, and larvae. Your pet should also be given fresh water every day. Make sure you do not overfeed your bearded dragon.

Bearded dragons are generally pretty easygoing. If your lizard is acting weird or looks different than usual, be sure to check with a vet who knows about these animals.

You can keep bearded dragons individually and enjoy their trusting, friendly, and affectionate nature. However, it is also possible to keep them in groups—of course, you will then need to adapt the equipment for the animals accordingly and make sure there is enough space for all of them.

What else is important?

If you decide to buy a bearded dragon, it is best to seek advice from a specialist retailer. Many terrarium animals are protected species. For this reason, their sale is regulated by law in some cases. Before buying, find out about the relevant regulations and the origin of your new pet.