Pet Spotlight: Bearded Dragon

As published in Northwest Pet Magazine, Spokane/Couer d'Alene's Ultimate Guide for Pet Lovers

Intrigued by this beautiful, thorny creature from Australia? Learn a bit about him before bringing him home!

Origin: Bearded dragons originate and currently live in the deserts and woodland of Central Australia. Bearded dragons originate and currently live in the deserts and woodland of Central Australia

Life Span: The Bearded Dragon’s lifespan ranges from 5-8 years however some have been known to live up to 12 years.

Size: Adults typically are 19-23 inches and weight at least 3/4 of a pound

Temperament: Bearded Dragons make excellent reptile pets. With one of the best temperaments of all lizards, Beardies are often docile and enjoy being handled. While their spikes make them look like dinosaurs they are actually quite tame and easy to handle. Bearded Dragons can make a good pet for children, if properly supervised. Their relatively small size also makes caring for them manageable.

Habits: Bearded Dragons are diurnal (awake during the day and asleep at night), which means you can will be able to enjoy interacting with them during the day. Beardies will watch your every move sometimes pacing their tank as if begging for attention and to be fed. As with all species, Bearded Dragons vary in personality, some being more personable and responsive than others.

Feeding: A typical captive bearded dragon's diet consists mostly of leafy greens and vegetables, supplemented regularly with insects. Crickets are the most popular feeder choice, but bearded dragons can also be fed other insects such as superworms, waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, phoenix worms, and even certain varieties of roaches

Cages: Bearded Dragons need a large enough habitat to allow them to move to and from their heat source. A glass aquarium is ideal for security, ease of maintenance, and pet viewing.  White melamine is a material that will keep the cage very bright, an essential element for stimulating a dragon's appetite.

Northwest Pet Magazine offers in-depth articles that inform, entertain and inspire those who love four-legged friends. Our goal is to provide tips and information concerning pets: health, food, comfort, toys, treats, containment, training and much more!

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