Pet of the week: The Bearded Dragon
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Independent Minds
What on earth is THAT? Pogona vitticeps. A lizard about the size and shape of a short baguette (with legs) whose native country is Australia, hence, unsurprisingly, he is known as a "Beardie".
What does he eat? Largely omnivorous, though that does not mean you can chuck anything at him and he'll wallop it down. Insects (such as crickets, locust and all manner of plump, juicy worms) are a favourite, as are frozen mice, though if you keep mice as pets, you might have a problem with this. Cabbage, spinach, wintergreens, broccoli are all good munching foods for his teeth.
Teeth? Does he bite? No – he's a little softie. The bearded dragon is companionable and calm in nature, making him the ideal pet for young children, provided they aren't afraid of miniature dragons that is.
Where does he live? The desert, but failing that he likes nothing more than a big glass tank, about the dimensions of a bath. It must be warm (about 27-30C), and have a UV light for Vitamin D, and logs on which to bask in front of an infrared lamp, which is what bearded dragons are best at.
Why he deserves a home It's hard to tell whether they genuinely crave affection, or whether they are just looking to cosy up to you for body warmth, but bearded dragons love being held and finding laps to snuggle up on.
Why you might think twice The daily feeding routine is a little bit like a scene from Hellraiser.
Who would own a "Beardie"? Great for families, but good for City boys too, as he is a real talking point, invaluable when chat about collateralised loan obligations dries up. Quite good for Goths and Emos too.
Where can I get one? After you have thought long and hard about whether or not this is the right pet for you, then think again. Keeping any pet is a serious commitment. Exotic Pets in Cumbria (01228 595873) are selling baby bearded dragons for £55, or two for £100. They are a reputable, fully registered trader. For more general information about keeping reptiles, visit reptilekeeper.co.uk or contact the RSPCA.
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Comments
Maybe you should check your information next time before writing a load of crap, which could end up killing a dragon.
A tank set up must consist of; heat lamp, UVB strip light, Basking spot (Which gets to around 105 degrees fahrenheit) a warm end, around 90 degrees and a cool end, roughly 80 degrees. Also in the set up should be a food dish, a hide and suitable substrate. NOT SAND OR BARK, as this can cause impaction. Yesterdays News (recycled newspaper) is an ideal substrate as it breaks down if digested.
Bearded dragons can and will bite. Not all bearded dragons like being held. They need to be tamed from a young age.
Crickets are dirty, they eat their own faeces and cause coccidia in bearded dragons. Not all worms are safe for them either. Earthworms are NOT safe at all.
I'm really disappointed with the lack of research you have undergone to actually find out about this species.