Mike’s Fish Tank – Bearded Dragons

I know I write about fish a lot but sometimes I like to talk about other popular pets in the pet industry. The bearded dragon is a very popular reptile. They are from the family Agamidae. Their characteristics include spiny scales arranged in rows and clusters. These are found on the throat, which can be expanded when threatened, and at the back of the head. These spiny scales are used to scare off predators, yet they are not very sharp. Beardeds also feature a hand-waving gesture; this is to show submission between dragons. They also have a head-bobbing act to show dominance. They have the ability to change color during rivalry challenges between males, and in response to temperature change, such as turning black to absorb heat.

Bearded dragons are popular among children, because of their friendly and calm nature, along with relative ease of caring for them. Adults reach from 16 to 24 inches from head to tail and weighing 10 to 20 oz.  A typical bearded dragon diet consist of mostly leafy greens, vegetables and non citrus fruits, supplemented regularly with insects. Crickets are the most popular feeder choice, but beardeds can also be fed other insects such as super worms, wax worms, silk worms, meal worms  and butter worms. Juvenile dragons require a significantly greater insect to plant matter ratio in their diets than adults.

A lot of people can’t decide between a bearded dragon or an Iguana as a pet. Keep in mind that bearded dragons do not get as big as iguanas do. However if you do not want to feed live insects then you should choose an iguana as they are strictly vegetarians.

Bearded dragons are most commonly found in arid and semi-arid woodlands and rocky deserts in Central Austrailia. They are adept climbers, spending time on branches and in bushes and near human habitation. Beardeds bask on rocks and exposed branches in the mornings and afternoons. Prices of young bearded dragons can range from $49.99 to as much as $99.99 depending on size, age, and color.

They do make excellent pets and are very easy to care for.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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