Bearded Dragon

pogona vitticeps
  • Bearded dragons get their name from their ability to puff or flare out the skin under their throats, which darkens their skin to a black color resembling a beard. This is a defense mechanism, making them look more threatening to predators and other animals.
  • Bearded dragons can live more than 10 years with proper care.
  • Many bearded dragons develop unique behaviors such as “waving” or bobbing their heads. These behaviors are most often observed when they are being territorial or during mating season.
  • Bearded dragons are omnivores, consuming insects, vegetables and fruits.
  • Bearded dragons use their short tongues to capture and eat crickets and worms. As well as eating natural foods, bearded dragons can be provided commercially produced diets sold in stores. Conversion methods may initially be needed to entice bearded dragons to eat the commercially prepared food.
  • As omnivores, bearded dragons have a varied diet including, but not limited to, crickets, worms and vegetables. Adults can even eat small frozen, thawed rodents.
  • Bearded dragons are native to Australia. They were brought to the United States in the 1990s and have since become very popular family pets.
  • Bearded dragons make great pets because they are easy to care for and have sociable personalities.
  • Petco’s bearded dragons come from eggs that have been washed, which greatly reduces their chance of carrying germs that can cause illness in humans.
  • There are multiple types of bearded dragon. Of the eight species of bearded dragons, Pogona vitticeps, the inland or central bearded dragon, is the one most commonly kept as a household pet.
  • Bearded dragons can develop some distinctive behaviors. Besides the ability to puff out their beard, some bearded dragons exhibit a behavioral characteristic known as “arm waving”—wherein they lift up one arm slowly before placing it back down—sometimes combined with a slow head bob. Experts aren’t sure why bearded dragons do this, but one theory is that it’s an indication of submission when a more dominant animal has arrived on the scene. Bearded dragons explore their environment with their tongue, flicking or licking things they come in contact with.
  • Beardies are very social. Don't let their scaly exterior fool you—bearded dragons can be very friendly and curious, and their gentle nature makes them good options for older children who can handle the responsibility of a pet.

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