Did you know that bearded dragons have become extremely popular in recent years? While reptiles have always had a modest loyal fan base, they are well behind Fluffy and Fido in popularity. However, this adorable reptile may be closing the gap. Beardies can make excellent pets! Continue reading to learn some intriguing facts about them from a local Burleson, TX vet.

They’re Quite Friendly

Beardies are friendly creatures, which is why they have grown so popular! Unlike other lizards, they are often calm and peaceful. They also have a strong attachment to their people, which is unusual for a reptile. Many like cuddling!

There Are Various Types

There are eight types of beardies. Pogona vitticeps is the most commonly kept as a pet and the one we’re talking about here. It is also known as the middle or inland bearded dragon.

There Are Also Many Morphs

In addition to the diverse species, there are a variety of mutations known as morphs. These are still Pogona Vitticeps, but their colors and patterns vary. Some may have unique nail colors, spikes, scales, sizes, and even head shapes. Another fascinating aspect of morphs? Beardies can exhibit traits of multiple morphs. 

Listed below are some of the most common:

• German Giant
• Hypomelanistic
• Silkback
• Wero
• Translucent
• Hypo
• Dunner
• Leatherback
• Paradox
• Silverback

They’re from Australia, Mate

The bearded dragon is native to Australia, where it thrives in hot, arid environments such as deserts and forests, as well as savannas and scrub. They usually grow to be between 18 and 22 inches in length.

They Live Longer In Captivity

Wild bearded dragons often live from four to ten years. That’s a respectable life expectancy for a wild lizard! While some larger lizards live longer, many smaller ones only live a few years. However, pet beardies tend to have longer lives than their wild counterparts. A pet beardie’s usual lifespan ranges from 7 to 15 years.

It Was Illegal To Export Them

In the 1960s, Australia banned the export of beardies. However, breeders have been active in the United States for decades, so fortunately, there is no immediate need to capture wild ones. This is one advantage of the many designer morphs: they are not found in the wild. This helps to prevent the capture and trading of wild beardies.

They’ve Broken Records!

In terms of longevity, one exceptional beardie defied all expectations. Sebastian, one charming lizard, survived for nearly 19 years. A reptile citizen of the United Kingdom, Sebatian entered the Guinness Book of World Records!

Their Spikes Become Stiff When They Are Stressed

Beardie spikes are usually more about flair than substance. They typically have a soft, almost rubbery texture. However, if the animal is stressed, the spikes will harden.

They Are Cold-Blooded

This one is probably not surprising. Beardies, like other reptiles, are cold-blooded. This means they control their body temperature by traveling from warm to cool environments. They frequently bask in the sun.

They’re Poisonous (But Not That Much)

Bearded dragons produce poison. Don’t be too concerned, though: Bearded dragon venom is ineffective against humans. If you get bitten by one, you’ll typically only feel some irritation around the bite.

They Taste Odors

Beardies, like snakes, use their tongues to capture fragrance molecules. Their brain perceives the information as fragrance rather than taste.

They Eat Varied Diets

Bearded dragons eat both insects and produce. The proportions will change over time, though. Young bearded dragons need more protein for their growing bodies, so they need more bugs than adults, who can have more produce and fewer bugs. For instance, a juvenile may eat 60 crickets daily, but adults may only need whatever they can eat in about 15 minutes.

Fireflies Are Poisonous For Them

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

Fireflies Aren’t Their Only Weakness

Avocado is likewise hazardous to these guys, but this time it’s because of a molecule called persin. Milk, chocolate, onions, chives, mushrooms, garlic, rhubarb, avocados, and eggplants are all foods that should never be given to a beardie. Beardies also don’t do well with acidic fruits, including oranges, tomatoes, lemons, limes, and pineapples. Furthermore, you should avoid giving your beardie any insects you catch in the wild because they may contain parasites or sickness. 

They Have Some Interesting Reproductive Habits

When attempting to attract a mate, males frequently put on a show. This is not uncommon in the animal realm; numerous animals engage in this activity. What is more unusual is the fact that females appear to be able to retain sperm, allowing them to produce multiple clutches from a single mating session.

They Have Big Clutches

Beardies have huge clutches. They can lay up to thirty eggs at once! They will lay even if the eggs aren’t fertilized.

They Are Fast Runners

Beardies can move quickly when they wish. They can sprint as fast as nine miles per hour! That’s quite fast. However, they will ultimately be unable to maintain that pace for long.

They Can Run Standing Up

Bearded dragons are not only fast runners, but they can run on their hind legs! This helps them stay cool because of the air flow. They also gain a little more speed this way. You are unlikely to see your pet doing this, though, as it is typically something they do when they are scared and trying to flee from a predator.

They Sometimes Have Two Heads

While it is unusual, there are beardies with two heads. One can be found at the Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley, California!

They Are Illegal To Keep In Hawaii

Bearded dragons are legal in the continental United States, but keeping them is illegal in Hawaii. This is due to the accommodating climate. Escaped pet dragons can thrive and multiply, causing populations to devastate nearby fauna.

Beardies Have A Distinct Body Language

It’s always fascinating to discover more about our animal companions and how they communicate with one another. Beardies use some unique nonverbal cues. A threatened beardie may raise its chin, swell its beard, or open its lips. They may also hiss. Head bobs could convey intent or attitude: A slow bob may imply that a dragon is placid, but a fast one may show anger or dominance.

They Change The Color Of Their Beards

You may have heard that turkeys’ wattles change color based on their emotions. Beardies do this as well!

We’ve focused on entertaining facts in this article, but if you’re thinking of adopting a beardie, you should also know about the not-so-fun facts, such as signs of sickness, frequent illnesses and diseases, and general do’s and don’ts of beardie care. Remember that we are here to help! For further information, please contact us at your local Burleson, TX animal clinic.

Make An Appointment At Our Burleson, TX Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions about caring for bearded dragons? Are you looking for a great vet who specializes in reptile care? Contact your Burleson, TX pet hospital at any moment!