Did you know that bearded dragons have gained popularity in recent years? While reptiles have always had a small loyal fan base, their popularity lags well behind Fluffy and Fido. However, this charming reptile may be changing that. Beardies can make wonderful pets! Continue reading as a local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian shares some fun facts about them.

They’re (Slightly) Poisonous

Bearded dragons do create poison, however. However, if this one confuses you, don’t worry. The venom of the bearded dragon is ineffective against humans. If you are bitten by one, you will most likely experience some brief irritation around the bite site.

They Have Broken Records

In terms of longevity, one exceptional bearded dragon outperformed all expectations. Sebastian, the lovely lizard, survived over 19 years! Sebastian, a reptile from the United Kingdom, has entered the Guinness Book of World Records.

They Taste Smells

Beardies, like snakes, can gather fragrance molecules using their mouths. Their brain interprets the information as fragrance rather than taste.

They are Aussies, Mate!

Let’s start with the fundamentals. The bearded dragon is native to Australia, where it lives in hot, arid environments such as deserts, forests, savannas, and scrub. They usually grow to be between 18 and 22 inches long.

Pet Ones Live Longer Than Wild Ones

Wild Bearded dragons have an average lifespan of four to ten years. That’s a rather excellent run for a natural lizard; while some larger lizards have longer lifespans, many smaller ones only live for a few years. However, pet beardies tend to live longer than their wild counterparts. A pet beardie has an average lifespan of 7 to 15 years.

They’re Really Friendly

Beardies have grown in popularity for a reason: they are really friendly! Unlike other lizards, they are usually rather calm and relaxed. They can also become highly attached to their humans, which is unusual for a reptile. Many enjoy cuddling!

There Are Different Types

There are eight different types of beardies. Pogona vitticeps is the most commonly maintained as a pet, and we are referring to it here. It is often referred to as the inland or central bearded dragon.

There Are Also Many Morphs

This is when things may become complicated. In addition to the unique species, there are several mutations, often known as morphs. The various morphs of Pogona Vitticeps remain the same, but their colors and patterns alter. Some may also have distinct nail colors, spikes, scales, sizes, and even head shapes. Some common morphs include Gunner, Silverback, Wero, and albino, to name a few.  Beardies can display traits of multiple morphs.

They Were Outlawed

In the 1960s, Australia declared it illegal to export beardies. However, breeders have been active in the United States for decades, so there is currently little need to collect wild ones.  This is a good thing, actually. One advantage of the many morphs is that they do not exist in nature. This contributes to reducing the capture and trade of wild Bearded dragons.

They Are Cold-Blooded

This is probably not surprising. Beardies, like other reptiles, have cold blood, which means they control their body temperature by migrating from warm to cool locations. They frequently relax in the sun.

They Eat Bugs

If you’re wondering why more people don’t own bearded dragons, their diet could be the culprit. Beardies eat largely live insects, with occasional fresh food added. Gut loading is the process of dusting the bugs with a nutritional powder. Needless to say, if you’re terrified of creepy crawlies, you might want to look at other pets.

Fireflies Are Deadly To Them

This is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating facts about Bearded dragons. Fireflies’ bodies contain lucibufagins, a very toxic steroid to many reptiles and insects. Even swallowing half of a firefly can kill an adult beardie.

They Have Large Clutches

Beardies have fairly huge clutches. They can produce up to 30 eggs at once! They will lay eggs even if they are not fertilized.

They Run Pretty Fast

Beardies can move very quickly when they want to. These guys can sprint up to nine mph! That was pretty quick. However, they won’t be able to maintain that pace for long.

Bearded dragons are not only fast runners, but they are also very unusual. They can run on their rear legs! 

They Can Have Two Heads

While it is uncommon, there are Bearded dragons that have two heads. One can be found in the Fountain Valley Reptile Zoo in California!

They Are Illegal To Keep In Hawaii

Bearded dragons are lawful across the continental United States, but keeping them in Hawaii is against the law. This is due to the cordial climate, which might be overly welcoming. Escaped pet dragons have the ability to procreate, potentially decimating local wildlife populations.

They Change the Color of Their Beards

You may have heard that turkeys change the color of their wattles depending on their mood. Beardies also do this!

We’ve focused on entertaining information in this article, but if you’re thinking of adopting a beardie, you should also be aware of the not-so-fun facts, such as signs of illness, frequent illnesses and diseases, and basic do’s and don’ts of beardie care. Remember, we are here to assist! For further information, please contact your Fort Myers, FL veterinary clinic.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Fort Myers, FL Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions about caring for a bearded dragon? Are you looking for a fantastic reptile vet? Please contact your Fort Myers, FL pet hospital at any moment!