Bearded Dragon Lizard is a popular pet choice for reptile lovers. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Bearded Dragon Lizard- Facts

1. Description:

   A bearded dragon is known for its ability to puff out the skin in the throat area when it feels threatened, or is defending itself.

2. Varieties:

   Some varieties of bearded dragon are the Common, the Inland, the Black Soil, and the Dwarf. The Inland Bearded Dragon is the most common pet.

3. History:

   The majority of bearded dragons come from Australia. They are members of the genus Pogona.

4. Physical Traits:

   Bearded dragons are tan or yellowish in color. They have spines covering much of the body, and the tail is almost as long as the body.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   Bearded dragons have wedge-shaped heads, and the body has a generally flattened appearance.

6. Habitat:

   Bearded dragons spend much of their time in bushes and trees, or basking on rocks. They will burrow underground to keep cool when it is very hot. Bearded dragons eat insects, plants, and other small lizards and mammals.

Bearded Dragon Lizard - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Bearded dragons are rather gentle and docile, and can be very entertaining. They generally make good pets.

2. Liabilities:

   Bearded dragons love to explore, so they must be kept in a locked enclosure unless they are being handled.

3. Health Issues:

   Bearded dragons are prone to mites and parasites, as well as a natural deficiency of calcium. They should be exposed to sunlight and supplemented with vitamin D3.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Bearded dragons should have plenty of room to move. They should have a UV light for warmth on one side of the tank, a cool (non-heated) side of the aquarium and a shallow water bowl. They should be provided with a variety of insects, meal worms, and leafy vegetables.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Bearded dragons are a good choice for families with small children, as the reptiles love attention. However, children should be supervised when handling the pet. Dogs or cats should be kept away from the reptile, as they may try to eat them.

6. Special Household Needs:

   A bearded dragon should be kept in a tank with a lockable lid, so that it does not escape, and cannot be accessed by other household pets or children.

Bearded Dragon Lizard - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   A bearded dragon should be alert, and should watch you with interest. Be sure that there are no sores or external parasites. Choose a reptile over six inches in length, as smaller ones may be more easily stressed or become ill.

2. Supplies:

   Paper towels, newspaper, or carpet make a good substrate for bearded dragons. You should have a special fluorescent bulb for the reptile to bask under, as well as a rock, and some sort of branch to climb on.

3. Expense:

   The price of a bearded dragon depends on sex, size, color and age, but can cost anywhere from $20 to upwards of $800.