Bearded Dragons Rock – Bearded Dragon Care & Information

Bearded Dragons Rock is the one stop website for all your bearded dragon care information. We use the latest research combined with our years of experience to bring you the most up to date bearded dragon care information.

The most common question we get is ‘Is My Bearded Dragon Dying?’ or ‘What are the signs your bearded dragon is dying?’ so if that’s your question today, click one of the links to see how we can help.

Who Are We?

We are Claire and Steve and we’ve kept our own bearded dragons since 2007 – that’s over 15 years. We also have science degrees which help us separate the good evidence from the anecdotal. We’re passionate about our bearded dragons – so we’re not just here to cash in on a new pet fad like some of the other sites out there. The information on this site is based on our own experience as well as research we’ve looked at and discovered during our more than 15 years of keeping bearded dragons.

We’ll separate the fact from the myth and break down why things are the way they are. It’s our goal to give you all you need to know about the best ways to look after your bearded dragon and what to do if things go wrong.

We’ve organised Bearded Dragons Rock into various categories relating to bearded dragons, such as bearded dragon diet, bearded dragon health, bearded dragon habitat and other categories of bearded dragon care. You can find links to these categories down below, or you can use the menu at the top of any page.

You can also search our site for any information you might need using the box below;

12 Facts About Bearded Dragons You May Not Have Known

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that have captured the hearts of many pet owners. From their Australian origins to their signature ‘beards’, longevity in captivity, and endearing behaviors like arm-waving, bearded dragons have unique traits that make them stand out in the reptile world. Though often confused with chameleons, they are actually more closely related to other agamid lizards.

While their care requires some specialized knowledge, bearded dragons can make for rewarding pets with their docile personalities.

Read on for 12 intriguing facts you may not have known about these charismatic lizards!

Fact 1 – Bearded Dragons Come From Australia

The bearded dragon is native to Australia. They live in the arid scrubland, woodlands, and desert areas across most of the continent. Bearded dragons are found in central Australia and can survive in extreme heat.

Fact 2 – They Don’t Have Actual Beards

Bearded dragons get their name from the spiny, ‘beard-like’ protrusions that can be found under their throat. When threatened, they will puff out their throat to appear larger and more intimidating to predators. Despite the name, they do not actually grow hair or fur.

Fact 3 – Beardies Can Climb

While they spend much of their time on the ground, bearded dragons are very good climbers. In the wild, they will climb trees and rocks to survey their territory, bask in the sun, and search for food. Their sharp claws help them grip surfaces.

Fact 4 – Bearded Dragons Can Wave At You

Bearded dragons are known to ‘wave’ one of their front legs when interacting with their owners or when confronted by their own reflection. Scientists believe this arm waving may be a sign of submission, though some think it’s a defense mechanism. Either way, it’s an endearing behavior.

Fact 5 – Bearded Dragons Bask in the Sun

As cold-blooded reptiles, bearded dragons need heat from external sources to stay warm and active. Basking under sun or UVB heat lamps allows them to raise their body temperature and digest food after eating. Basking also aids vitamin D3 synthesis, which promotes calcium absorption.

Fact 6 – Don’t Dress Them Up!

While bearded dragons are docile creatures, they should not be treated like dolls. Dressing them in costumes can cause injury or distress. Let your bearded dragon show its natural behaviors and movements instead of trying to turn it into a fashion statement.

Fact 7 – Bearded Dragons are not Chameleons – But They Can Change Color

Bearded dragons are often confused with chameleons since both are exotic lizards. But bearded dragons do not change color for camouflage like chameleons. Instead, their colors indicate mood, temperature, and social status. Darker skin usually signals aggression or stress.

Fact 8 – If it Moves They’ll Eat It

Bearded dragons are omnivores with big appetites. They’ll eat just about anything appropriately sized that moves in front of them including insects, rodents, small birds and even other lizards. Their diet in the wild is extremely varied. But pet bearded dragons do well on a balanced diet of insects and leafy greens.

Fact 9 – Bearded Dragons Can Live a Long Time

With proper care, bearded dragons can live 10-14 years. Some may even exceed 15 years. To help your bearded dragon reach its full lifespan, provide proper heating and full spectrum lighting, closely monitor diet, and schedule regular veterinary checkups. Proper husbandry is key.

Fact 10 – Bearded Dragons Lay Eggs

Female bearded dragons can lay clutches of up to 50 eggs even without mating. The eggs are soft, leathery, and pliable when first laid but will harden over several hours/days once exposed to air. Unfertilized eggs will remain yellow while fertilized eggs may darken over time before hatching.

Fact 11 – Beardies Can’t See Well (But They Do Have a Third Eye)

Bearded dragons have poor eyesight compared to humans. But they make up for it with a ‘third eye’ on top of their head that senses changes in light and alerts them to overhead threats. This parietal eye connects to the pineal gland which regulates biological rhythms.

Fact 12 – They’re Not Really Dragons

While imposing and spiky in appearance, bearded dragons are not actually dragons but members of the lizard family. They belong to the genus Pogona and are more closely related to other Australian agamid lizards than mythical dragons. Don’t worry though, ‘bearded dragon’ is an official common name.

Bonus Fact – They’re Not Hard To Look After But You Need To Know How

When cared for properly, bearded dragons are relatively easy reptiles for first-time owners. But their heating, lighting, and dietary needs are complex. Without the right information, they can develop health issues. So read up on how to care for a bearded dragon before bringing one home! With commitment, they make great pets.

Of course, if you don’t know then you don’t know. And you can’t rely on pet shops to give you advice because most of them are hopelessly wrong. That’s what Bearded Dragons Rock is created for and is here so that you can care for your bearded dragon in the best way possible.