Bearded dragons are one of the more popular reptile pets that families get. These gentle lizards make for the best first-time reptile pet for beginners. While we know that bearded dragons make for great first-time reptile pets, we understand you may not know about them.
That’s why we wanted to feature some of the fun facts about bearded dragons. These are some things you should know about them before opting to get them as a pet.
Bearded dragons were first introduced in the United States around the year 1990. They originally came from the deserts of Australia.
Most bearded dragon owners call their pet lizards, beardies, but their scientific name is Pogona.
Bearded dragons are both meat and vegetable eaters. While their diet is mostly vegetables, they do enjoy crickets, mealworms, and roaches as part of their regular diet.
Did you know that bearded dragons will wave to each other? It’s said that this is a submissive act, letting a larger lizard know that they’re not going to fight them, but it’s adorable to witness.
These pet lizards can run up to 9 miles per hour and can run on two feet when necessary. You will rarely see your pet bearded dragon do this, as they tend to be pretty laid back in nature overall.
Male beardies have thick, long tails that are typically as long as their body. Female bearded dragons will have thinner tails.
On average a pet bearded dragon will go to be 16-24 inches in length and weigh about 10 to 20 ounces. They may grow long, but they’re not very heavy, and they’re super fun to have walking around the home with you while they perch on your shoulder.
With the right care, your pet bearded dragon can live for 10 years! This means you’ll need to be sure about your commitment to adopt a new beardie as it will be a part of your life for a long time.
You’ll spend a bit of money in the first part of your adventure in being a pet bearded dragon owner. Their cage and accessories are a bit pricey. After your initial investment, they won’t cost as much and require minimal maintenance.
These are just some of the things to know about bearded dragons before or after you own one. These reptiles make great pets because they’re more docile than other reptiles, they are perfect for the beginner, and you can enjoy them as part of your family for many years to come!