Interesting Facts About Bearded Dragons

Did you realize how popular bearded dragons have grown in recent years? While reptiles have always had a small core of loyal followers, they are significantly less popular than Fluffy and Fido. However, this adorable reptile may be gaining on our canine and feline pals. Beardies can actually make excellent pets … for the right person! Continue reading to learn more intriguing facts about them from a local Brooklyn, NY veterinarian.

They’re Officially Australian, Mate!

Let’s start with the basics. The bearded dragon is native to Australia, where it can be found in hot, arid environments such as deserts, forests, savannas, and scrub. They typically grow to be 18 to 22 inches long.

They Are Illegal to Keep As Pets In Hawaii

Bearded dragons are permitted across the continental United States, but it is illegal to have them in Hawaii. The climate is friendly to them, perhaps a bit too much so. Escaped pet dragons can procreate, potentially threatening native wildlife populations.

Beardies Have Very Unique Body Language

It’s always intriguing to learn more about our animal companions and how they interact with one another. Beardies communicate with some pretty interesting unique nonverbal cues. A threatened beardie might raise its chin, puff out its beard, or open its mouth. They may occasionally hiss. Head bobs could indicate intent or attitude. For instance, a slow bob may suggest a dragon’s docility, while a quick one may show hostility or dominance.

They Change The Color Of Their Beard

You may have heard that turkeys’ wattles change color depending on their mood. Beardies also do this!

There Are Several Different Types

There are actually eight types of beardies. Pogona vitticeps is the one most commonly kept as a pet, and it is also the one we are discussing here. It is also known as the inland or central bearded dragon.

There Are Many Morphs

In addition to the distinct species, there are several different mutations, often known as morphs. The many morphs are still all Pogona Vitticeps, just with varied colors and patterns. Some may also have unique nail colors, spikes, scales, sizes, and head forms. In fact, beardies can exhibit traits from more than one morph.

They Survive Longer In Captivity Than In The Wild

Bearded dragons normally live for four to ten years in the wild. However, pet beardies have a longer lifespan than their wild counterparts. The average lifespan of a pet beardie is 7 to 15 years.

They’re Super Friendly (For Reptiles)

Beardies are quite friendly. Unlike other lizards, they are usually fairly calm and relaxed. They also develop strong attachments to their humans, which is unusual for a reptile. Many even want to cuddle!

They Were Illegal To Transport

In the 1960s, Australia made the export of beardies illegal. However, breeders have been active in the United States for decades, so there is not much of a need for wild ones. One advantage of the many morphs is that they do not occur naturally. This helps reduce the capture and trading of wild beardies.

They’re Coldblooded

This is probably not a surprise. Beardies, like other reptiles, are cold-blooded, which means they control their body temperature by shifting from warm to cold places. They frequently like to soak up the sun. Like most reptiles, they do need specific habitat conditions to thrive.

They Are Poisonous (But Only A Little)

Bearded dragons can produce poison. However, do not panic. Bearded dragon venom is not potent enough to harm humans. If you are bitten by one, you will most likely only have transient irritation around the bite.

They Made It Into The Guinness Book Of World Records

In terms of longevity, one remarkable beardie defied all expectations. Sebastian, the charming lizard, survived for over 19 years. Sebastian, a reptile citizen of the United Kingdom, made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for his longevity.

Their Spikes Stiffen When They Are Stressed

Beardie spikes are typically more decorative than functional. Most of the time, they feel soft and rubbery. However, if the animal is stressed, the spikes stiffen.

They Can Taste Different Scents

Beardies, like snakes, can gather fragrance molecules with their tongues. Their brain processes information as aroma rather than taste.

They Eat Varied Diets

If you’re wondering why more people don’t own bearded dragons, their diet could be to blame. Beardies eat primarily live insects, supplemented with some fresh produce. You will need to dust the bugs with nutritious powder, a process known as gut loading. Needless to say, if you’re afraid of creepy crawlies, you might want to consider another pet.

Beardie diets do change over time: juveniles need more bugs, while adults can eat a higher percentage of produce. Ask your Brooklyn, NY vet for specific advice.

Fireflies Are Toxic To Them  …

This is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing bear facts. Fireflies’ bodies contain a steroid called lucibufagins, which is highly toxic to many reptiles and insects. In fact, ingesting even half of a firefly can kill an adult beardie.

… As Are Many Other Things

Fireflies are not their only kryptonite. Avocado is likewise harmful to them, due to a toxin called persin. Milk, chocolate, onions, chives, mushrooms, garlic, rhubarb, avocados, and eggplants are some other foods that should never be given to a beardie.

Beardies are also sensitive to acidic foods like oranges, tomatoes, lemons, limes, and pineapples. You should also avoid offering your beardie any insects that you catch in the wild, as they may contain parasites or sickness.

Again, check with your vet for customized advice.

They Have Interesting Reproductive Habits

Males often put on a show when attempting to attract a mate. This is not unique in the animal realm; numerous animals demonstrate similar behavior.

What is a little less common? Females appear to be capable of storing sperm, allowing them to produce many clutches from a single mating session.

They Have Large Clutches

Speaking about clutches, beardies have quite huge ones. They can lay as many as 30 eggs at once! They will lay even if the eggs are not fertilized.

They’re Fast Runners

Beardies can move fast when they want to. These amazing lizards can sprint up to nine miles per hour! That’s pretty quick. However, they will not be able to keep up that pace for long.

They Can Run On Two Legs

Bearded dragons are not only fast runners, but can even run on their back legs! You are unlikely to see your pet doing this, though, as it is typically only done when they are scared and attempting to flee from a predator.

They Can Have Two Heads

While it is uncommon, there are bearded dragons out there with two heads. Fountain Valley, CA’s Reptile Zoo has one!

We’ve focused on entertaining information in this article, but if you’re thinking of adopting a beardie, you should also learn about not-so-fun facts like indications of sickness, frequent illnesses and diseases, and general do’s and don’ts of beardie care. Remember, we’re here to help! For further information, please contact your Brooklyn, NY animal clinic.

Book An Appointment At Our Brooklyn, NY Pet Clinic

Do you have any queries about bearded dragon care? Are you looking for an excellent vet who works with reptiles? Contact us, your Brooklyn, NY pet hospital, at any time!