Before deciding on whether or not to own a bearded dragon, you need to take note of the pros and cons associated with keeping a bearded dragon as a pet, as this would go a long way in helping you make a decision.
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What is a bearded dragon as a pet like?
A bearded dragon is a lizard that is native to Australia. They are usually found in woodlands, semi-deserts, and rocky outcrops. In the wild, they grow up to 2 feet long, but when kept as pets, they only grow up to 18 inches. They get their name from the spines or “beard” that they have on their throat, which they can puff up when they are threatened or angry. Male bearded dragons are usually larger than females and have bigger beards.
Bearded dragons make great pets because they are friendly, docile, and easy to care for. They are also entertaining to watch as they go about their daily activities.
10 Pros of Owning a Bearded Dragon
1. Bearded dragons are low-maintenance pets.
You do not need to put in a lot of effort to take care of a bearded dragon. They are relatively easy to care for compared to other pets like dogs and cats. As long as you provide them with the basic necessities, they will be fine.
2. Bearded dragons are affordable pets.
Bearded dragons are not expensive to buy or maintain. When compared to other pets, they are quite affordable. You do not need to spend a lot of money on their food or housing.
3. Bearded dragons are easy to care for.
As mentioned earlier, bearded dragons are low maintenance pets. They do not require a lot of care and attention. As long as you provide them with the basic necessities, they will be fine.
4. Bearded dragons are entertaining to watch.
Bearded dragons are very active and always on the move. They are also very curious creatures. This makes them entertaining to watch as they go about their daily activities.
5. Bearded dragons are friendly creatures.
Bearded dragons are generally docile and calm animals. They are not aggressive by nature and can get along well with other pets and animals.
6.Long lifespan:
On average, bearded dragons live between 10 to 15 years. With proper care, some have been known to live up to 20 years. These are a lot of years to develop a bond and enjoy a long time with your pet.
7.It is intelligent and has capacity to know you:
They can distinguish their owners and develop bonds with them. They will know when you are happy or sad and feel empathy for you, similar to how a dog would.
8.Can be taken outside:
Unlike other pets such as snakes which need a specialized environment, bearded dragons can go outside with you on hikes or even to the beach. All you need is to get them a portable tank, and they’re good to go!
9.Ease of handling:
They are not delicate like some reptiles and can be held without too much worry. You will quickly get used to their presence and feel comfortable having them around.
10.Availability of food:
They are not picky eaters and their food is easy to find. In the wild, they mainly eat insects but in captivity, they can be given a variety of vegetables and fruits.
11 Cons of Owning a Bearded Dragon
1. Bearded dragons require a lot of space.
Bearded dragons need a lot of space to move around and exercise. They cannot be kept in small cages or tanks. If you do not have enough space for a bearded dragon, then you should consider getting another pet. An adult beardie needs a 40 to 60-gallon tank which costs upwards of $300. They need this space as its habitat needs various specialized spaces for basking, hiding, and exercising. If you do not provide them with enough space, they will become stressed and unhappy.
2. Bearded dragons require special care and attention.
Bearded dragons need to be taken care of properly in order to stay healthy and happy. This means that you need to be prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for a bearded dragon. You will need to research their care requirements and be prepared to commit to taking care of them properly.
3. Bearded dragons can be expensive to buy.
Bearded dragons can be expensive to buy depending on where you get them from. If you want a healthy and well-cared-for bearded dragon, you should expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300. This price range is for a healthy juvenile or adult dragon. If you want a baby dragon, you should expect to pay even more. Other factors that affect pricing include the morp, locality, and breeder.
A starter kit for bearded dragons which comes with a tank and all its habitat essentials costs upwards of $300 which is considerably high.
4. Bearded dragons require live food.
Bearded dragons require live food such as insects in order to stay healthy. This can be a problem for some people who are squeamish about dealing with live insects. If you cannot stomach the thought of feeding your beardie live food, then you should not get one.
5. Bearded dragons can be aggressive.
Bearded dragons can be aggressive, especially when they are not well-socialized. If you do not socialize your beardie from a young age, they may become aggressive as they get older. This is something to keep in mind if you have small children or other pets that your bearded dragon may view as prey.
6. Bearded dragons can be escape artists.
Bearded dragons are known for being escape artists. They are very good at finding ways to escape from their enclosure. This can be a problem if you do not have a secure cage or tank. If your beardie escapes, they could get lost or hurt.
7. Bearded dragons can be noisy.
Bearded dragons can be noisy, especially when they are hungry. They will make a loud barking noise when they are looking for food. This can be annoying to some people who are not used to it.
8. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella.
Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella, which is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans. This is something to be aware of if you have young children or are immunocompromised. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your beardie or their food.
9. Bearded dragons can be carriers of parasites.
Bearded dragons can be carriers of parasites, which are small creatures that live off of the blood or tissue of their host. These parasites can cause health problems for your beardie and may even be passed on to you or other members of your family. It is important to have your bearded dragon checked for parasites regularly by a veterinarian.
10. Bearded dragons can be difficult to find a home for if you can no longer care for them.
Bearded dragons can be difficult to find a home for if you can no longer care for them. This is because they have special care requirements that not everyone is aware of or prepared to take on. If you cannot find a home for your beardie, you may have to surrender them to a rescue organization or shelter.
11. Bearded dragons may not be allowed in your city or state.
Bearded dragons are not legal in all cities and states. Before you get a beardie, you should check your local laws to see if they are allowed where you live. If they are not legal, you may have to give them up or risk getting in trouble with the law.
What I have learned as a beardie owner in terms of advantages and disadvantages of owning one:
Personally, I have found that there are more advantages to owning a bearded dragon than there are disadvantages. Some of the advantages include that they are relatively low maintenance, they are not too expensive to care for, and they make great pets. Some of the disadvantages include that they require live food, they can be aggressive if not socialized properly, and they can be escape artists. Overall, I think that the pros outweigh the cons and that owning a bearded dragon can be a very rewarding experience.
Deciding if a beardie is right for you:
Bearded dragon is a great pet if you are looking for a pet that fulfil the following requirments:
1. You are looking for a pet that is low maintenance
2. You are looking for a pet that is not too expensive to care for
3. You are looking for a pet that is relatively easy to take care of
4. You are looking for a pet that can be great companion
5. You do not mind if your pet is a little noisy
6. You are willing to take proper care of your pet to ensure their health and safety
7. You are aware of the legalities surrounding owning a beardie in your city or state
8. You are prepared to find a new home for your pet if you can no longer care for them
If you can answer yes to all of the above, then a beardie may be the perfect pet for you!
A beardie may not be good for you if:
- Lizards or reptiles scare you
- You are not prepared to handle your pet or their food
- You have small children or are immunocompromised and cannot risk exposure to Salmonella
- You mind if your pet makes some noise
- You are not willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a living creature
- You are allergic to reptiles.