Bearded Dragons for Sale
Bearded dragons, or Inland bearded dragons, are one of the most common domesticated exotic lizards. The species is formally called Pogona vitticeps, after formerly having been known as the Amphibolurus vitticeps. Often, this reptile is called the Yellow-Headed or Central bearded dragon.
Appearance
The head of the bearded dragon has a triangular shape, which has rows of spike-like protrusions. Below their jaw, bearded dragons will have rows of spiked scales that look like a beard when puffed up, hence its name. The dragon has short, stout legs and its body is flat and low to the ground. It has two long rows of spiked scales down each side of its abdomen, and its tail is usually half the length of its body. Unlike other common and exotic lizards, the bearded dragon’s tail does not fall off and regenerate when the reptile is threatened.
Lifespan
Bearded dragons live several years, but typically those bred and raised in captivity do not exceed 12-14 years of age.
Diet
Bearded dragons eat live insects. They can subsist off a wide range of different types, including crickets, kingworms, and mealworms. They also eat some fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, apples, peaches, bell peppers, and leafy greens like kale and collard greens. In captivity, the bearded dragon’s diet should replicate what it would eat in the wild.
Temperament
Bearded dragons are among the most docile of all exotic lizards. They enjoy being touched or handled, unlike other reptiles who typically don’t indicate any sort of preference for human interaction. Because they are diurnal, meaning they sleep at night and are awake during the day, they’re easy pets to enjoy.
Caring for a Bearded Dragon
If you choose to have a bearded dragon as a pet, it’s important to understand how to care for them. They’ll need a safe, healthy, and engaging environment to thrive.
Caging
Typically, bearded dragons can be housed in large terrariums. PVC and melamine cages are also popular options. Cages or tanks should be the minimum size needed for the age and size of the reptile. For example, a 20-gallon terrarium is suitable for a baby bearded dragon, while a fully grown, 24″ adult should have a 120-gallon terrarium. Ensure the tank is outfitted with a vented but secure top, like a screened, hinged top with a lock.
Lighting
Like all reptiles, bearded dragons need light that mimics the natural sun and heat lamps to help them regulate their internal body temperature. Two different types of lights are necessary: a long fluorescent UVA/UVB tube light and a basking bulb. Without the UVA/UVB light, your bearded dragon may develop metabolic bone disease, and without a basking bulb, they can easily become too cold and fall ill.
Temperature and Humidity
Bearded dragons like to stay relatively warm. Because reptiles need to move about to regulate their body temperature, it’s important that your terrarium have a cool side and a warm side. The cool side should still be quite warm at about 85 degrees, and the warm side under the basking bulb should be between 95 and 110 degrees. Bearded dragons can survive in temperatures as low as 65 degrees at night, however, this is not recommended and 70-75 degrees at night is much more comfortable for the reptile.
Substrate
You’ll need to put something in the bottom of your dragon’s terrarium to help make them more comfortable. Most often, reptile owners use newspaper, butcher paper, and paper towels. Reptile carpet is also available and highly recommended. Do not use loose substrates such as sand, soil, gravel, or wood chips.
Feeding
Crickets can be fed leftover fruits and vegetables prior to feeding them to your bearded dragon. Some owners choose to feed crickets a vitamin mixture or dusting them with a calcium supplement before placing them in the terrarium with their dragon. Dragons can also be fed mice similar to snakes, and often do very well on whole food options.
Handling
Avoid handling your bearded dragon when it is resting or ill. To pick up your reptile, move one hand slowly under its belly. Keep your fingers under its chin and allow the tail to rest along the length of your forearm. Never grab a dragon by its tail or limbs and do not squeeze it if it tries to escape; simply let it go back into the terrarium. Hold the reptile close to your body and low to the ground; if it attempts to jump out of your hands, it could become injured upon impact.
Keeping a Bearded Dragon Healthy
Just like any pet, it’s important to keep a bearded dragon healthy and happy. Owners should be aware of basic hygiene practices, health issues that commonly plague this breed of reptile, and how to find a veterinarian that has experience working with exotic lizards.
Hygiene
Daily care of a bearded dragon should include cleaning the terrarium of any droppings and uneaten food, cleaning out food and water bowls, and replacing fresh food and water. Every couple of weeks, your reptile’s terrarium will need to be fully taken apart and cleaned with a reptile-safe disinfecting solution. Bearded dragons typically don’t require baths, but do enjoy one from time to time. Make sure the water is warm but not hot, and do not allow the water to come up past the reptile’s knee joints. Sinks are best for small dragons, while larger dragons can be bathed in the bathtub.
Veterinary Care
While many veterinarians treat exotic lizards, not all will. Before you bring your dragon home, make sure you have access to a veterinarian who has experience working with reptiles and ideally, bearded dragons specifically. Don’t wait until you need to seek emergency veterinary care for your dragon to try to find a doctor who can help.
Signs of a Healthy Bearded Dragon
Before you purchase or adopt a bearded dragon, it’s important to ensure it’s healthy. Look for the following signs:
- Alertness during the day
- Resting at night
- A robust appetite, especially for moving prey like live crickets or cockroaches
- A desire to bask for most of the day
- Sitting upright, with well-toned muscles and good bone structure
- A rounded belly
- No signs of excretions, dirt, or sores from the eyes, nose, or mouth
- No signs of a dirty vent to indicate diarrhea
- No signs of swellings on the tail or toes to indicate shedding problems
Interesting Facts About the Bearded Dragon
- Bearded dragons are named for their spiny throat. When threatened by a predator, a dragon will enlarge its throat, which resembles a “beard.”
- To submit to a dominant male or to greet a group of other dragons, a bearded dragon will stand on three legs while waving the fourth leg in the air.
- Bearded dragons can regulate their body temperature by changing the shade of their skin from dark to light and vice versa.
- Although other types of lizards can regenerate their tails if cast off to get away from a predator, bearded dragons cannot. If a dragon loses their tail, they will remain without a tail for the remainder of their life.
- Unlike other reptiles, dragons can mate at any time during the year and are not restricted to specific mating seasons.
- Bearded dragons prefer to be sedentary rather than active, however, they can run up to 9 mph when needed.
- Bearded dragons can be trained to walk on a leash and wear clothing, much like a small dog.
- To attract a mate, dragons will “nod” at each other. Females nod slowly, while males nod more quickly.
- A bearded dragon might nap for a couple weeks at a time, particularly in the fall. This often scares new owners into thinking their dragon has died, but in reality, it’s just in pseudo-hibernation mode, better known as brummation.
- Bearded dragons are exceptionally intelligent and sociable reptiles. They often seem to enjoy being petted or handled, and may respond to specific sounds such as a treat bag opening or their name.
- Females are able to store sperm to fertilize eggs later when they become available. This makes them very easy to breed!
- When threatened in the wild, a bearded dragon will often raise up on its hind legs and run away, much like a human would.
- A sick bearded dragon can be identified by legs that have turned yellow in color and a back that has darkened or become black.
- Dragons like to swim, and many owners will purchase kiddie pools for their dragons to play outside when the weather is nice.
- A bearded dragon’s behavior is genuine; it doesn’t mimic the actions of others around them.
- Owners may see their dragon digging at the bottom of their enclosure; if female, she may be looking for a place to lay eggs. If male, he may be trying to create a more comfortable basking spot.
- Another way bearded dragons regulate their body temperature is by opening and closing their mouths. A frequently open mouth, however, can also be a sign of respiratory illness.
- Dragons are very docile creatures, but if upset or threatened, they might hiss or bite. A bearded dragon is not venomous.
- These reptiles are among the most sociable; they may form a bond with their owners and enjoy cuddling or displaying other small indicators of affection.
- Some bearded dragons will twitch their tails, much like a cat does when hunting or when they are annoyed.
Pet Stores
Many pet stores offer bearded dragons for sale. However, few pet store employees truly understand how to properly provide for the wide variety of reptiles and other animals in their care. For example, ball pythons and bearded dragons are both reptiles, but they require radically different environments: dragons like arid, hot, and bright conditions, while ball pythons refer darker, much more humid conditions. Many bearded dragons purchased from pet stores are injured or ill, unbeknownst to the beginner reptile enthusiast.
Online Breeders
You can also choose to purchase or adopt your bearded dragon online. Ideally, you’re looking for listings nearby so you can travel to pick up your dragon and take it home. However, you may be able to purchase your dragon from a reputable breeder and have it safely shipped to your location. Overnight shipping is typically required to ensure the dragon arrives healthy and intact.
DISCOVER BEARDED DRAGONS FOR SALE AT THE REPTILE SUPER SHOW
Interested in finding a unique and enchanting pet bearded dragon for sale near you? One of the best places to get a bearded dragon is from a reptile show. Often, breeders attend shows with their best reptiles on display, and they can be purchased right there on the spot, often with their terrarium included. Reptile shows allow you to meet breeders face-to-face and ask questions about the dragon you’re interested in as well as caring for bearded dragons in general. Breeders should be professional, friendly, and ready to answer your questions. If you meet hostile breeders or breeders who don’t seem to be interested in addressing your questions, don’t make a purchase and keep looking for a breeder who truly has a passion for the industry.
Reptile Super Show is the world’s largest reptile show and sale. Come visit us in California and browse the largest collection of snakes, reptiles, and exotic lizards for sale under one roof!
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