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Who Said Dragons Don’t Exist? Part 1—Bearded Dragons

portrait of a bearded dragon

So many fairy tales feature a fire-breathing, scaly villain out to roast and crunch innocent victims. However, these dragons need rescuing from the changing world around them. Modern-day dragons might not be capable of breathing out flames, but they can certainly melt hearts.

Bearded Dragons are among the most commonly owned pet lizards. They are relatively easy pets once you get the critical basics correct.

Multiple species of lizards make excellent pets. Some look more dragon-like than others, but all possess unique charms and appealing qualities. There is a lizard species to fit the fancy of any prospective reptile owner. However, a few species are the most popular for obvious reasons.


The first one is the Bearded Dragon. These guys are so named based on their prehistoric and dragon-like appearance. They have a spiky beard that they expand whenever they feel threatened or ill. They also have the so-called third eye on top of their heads. This “eye” is called the parietal eye, a photosensitive organ that helps regulate hormones.

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Bearded Dragons are among the most commonly owned pet lizards. They are relatively easy pets once you get the critical basics correct. They need the largest enclosure possible; the minimum size is 120 gallons, 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet wide. However, if possible, they could use an enclosure that provides more vertical space as they are semi-arboreal creatures. They are often found at least three feet up on fence posts and other scalable surfaces in their native Australian homeland.

close up of a bearded dragon

They are also from semi-arid habitats where they enjoy high basking temperatures and low humidity. They also require quality UVB and UVA lights. So, a proper tank set-up ensures that they have a strip light with an output of between 10 and 12% UVB; they also need a basking spotlight that will provide a basking temp of around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. If their room is cool at night, they will benefit from a deep heat or projector or a ceramic heat emitter overnight. They need a temperature gradient across their enclosure to self-regulate as needed. It is recommended that the cool side be around 80 degrees and the hot side be at the 95-105 mark.


Beardies also have specific dietary requirements. Young dragons eat more insects and about 20 percent greens, while adults need about 80 percent greens and 20 percent insects. Ensuring the dragon receives the needed calcium and vitamin D supplements is also essential.


Though it might sound complicated, once the owner figures out the best care practices and routines for their pet, the rest all falls into place. The best thing owners can do is research their pet’s specific needs.


As every pet owner knows, another critical piece of their pet’s needs is ensuring they have reliable and knowledgeable pet care services whenever they need to be away from home. That’s where Oh, Fur Pet’s Sake comes in. We have a professional, experienced, and reptile-loving staff who would be delighted to provide the vital care that your Beardie and other babies need whenever you have other things that require your time and attention.

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