By: Sharonda McPhee
Imagine roaming through the hot, steamy grounds of Australia in search of crunchy insects and crisp vegetables to eat. You may find a nice, big rock or low branch to climb onto and bask in the sun for the rest of the day. Sound like a simple life? It’s the life of the bearded dragon.
Not Dragons At All
Despite their name, bearded dragons are not dragons. They belong to the lizard family. The name “bearded dragon” comes from a flap of loose skin under the throat called a dewlap. When they feel threatened they'll expand it; making them look bigger and scarier. When petting a bearded dragon, you may want to watch out! Their scales are spiky around this part of their head.
Appearance and Background
 A bearded dragon’s head is triangular. It has a round body, short legs and a strong tail. They have scaly and rough skin that has colorful patterns. The colors range from brown to tan with red or gold highlights.
The bearded dragon’s background is traced back to Australia. They live in the desert-like or arid weather. A few years ago, these feisty lizards were introduced to America as a pet. In order to keep a bearded dragon (dragon for short) as a pet, you should keep them in an enclosure.
Basic Needs
A dragon can grow to be 18 to 22 inches and can live 10 years or more when their basic needs are met. To do this, you should choose an enclosure that’s big enough and design it like their natural environment. A 75 to 120 gallon tank will hold them. Put a screen top on the tank so the lizard can breathe.
Sand, newspaper, carpeting and potting soil can be placed at the bottom of the enclosure.
Heat Dwellers
Just like with all other reptiles, dragons need to have light shining on them all day. Placing a light in the enclosure will keep the lizard warm. If it is cold, it may have health problems and won’t want to move.
Feeling At Home
Bearded dragons want to live in a place that looks familiar. Put basking rocks and branches closest to the light so he can get most of the heat. Include hiding places for the dragon to sleep or hide in. Placing plants that are from the Australian desert inside the tank also makes the lizard feel more at home.
 On The Lunch Menu Today...
Bearded dragons are omnivores. They eat vegetables, fruit and meat. Vegetables and fruit are found everywhere in the wild. They usually eat greens, turnips, berries, peas, etc. Fill their bowl with lots of these. They must be chopped into little pieces for the dragon to be able to eat it.
As for meat, bearded dragons eat roaches, mealworms, mice and crickets. These don't have to be chopped up. They should be fed to the dragon while they’re still alive. Since these aren’t found very often, bearded dragons should not be fed them on a regular basis.
You wouldn’t find an ocean in the desert so when you give them water, use a water dish and only put a low amount of water in it.
No Need to Break the Bank
Generally, these lizards do best in an enclosure with lots of heat. They don’t have to go to the groomer and don’t need vet check-ups often so they are pretty inexpensive pets. Bearded dragons are friendly and when their basic needs are met, they can make wonderful pets.
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