Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that have captured the hearts of reptile enthusiasts worldwide. These docile and friendly reptiles are popular pets due to their unique personalities, ease of care, and striking appearance.
In this article, we will explore seven of the weirdest bearded dragon questions and provide answers to help pet owners better understand these amazing creatures.
Some of these may be questions you have had on your mind countless times, while others may sound terribly stupid – but still intriguing. Read on and learn something new about your favorite beardie!
#1: Can Bearded Dragons drink too much water?
Yes, bearded dragons can drink too much water, which can lead to a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia. This happens when the bearded dragon consumes too much water in a short period of time, causing an imbalance in their electrolyte levels.
Symptoms of water intoxication in bearded dragons include lethargy, lack of coordination, and even seizures. In severe cases, too much water can be fatal for a bearded dragon.
To prevent water intoxication, bearded dragon owners should ensure that their pets have access to clean water at all times, but they should also monitor their drinking habits. It’s recommended to mist their enclosure with water instead of giving them a large bowl of water to drink from. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that their diet is high in calcium and other electrolytes, as this can help regulate their fluid intake.
If you suspect that your bearded dragon is suffering from water intoxication, you should seek veterinary attention immediately. Treatment may include fluid therapy to restore electrolyte balance and supportive care to manage symptoms.
#2: Can Bearded Dragons live without Live Food?
While bearded dragons can survive without insects, it’s not recommended to keep them on a diet without live food. In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. They require a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources, including insects, to meet their nutritional needs.
In captivity, it’s common to feed bearded dragons a diet of commercially available pellets or fresh vegetables, but this should not be the only source of their diet. Commercial reptile pet food diets are often deficient in some essential nutrients that can only be found in live insects.
Additionally, live insects provide enrichment and mental stimulation for bearded dragons, as they are natural hunters and enjoy chasing and catching their prey.
Feeding live insects also helps keep bearded dragons active and can prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems. However, it’s essential to ensure that the insects are appropriately sized for your bearded dragon and that they are gut-loaded with nutritious food before feeding.
In summary, while bearded dragons may be able to survive without live food, it’s not recommended for their overall health and well-being. A balanced diet that includes live insects, along with fresh vegetables and commercial pellets, is essential for maintaining their health and happiness.
#3: Can Bearded Dragons be Vegetarian?
Bearded dragons are omnivores and in the wild, they consume both plant and animal matter to meet their nutritional needs. While bearded dragons can consume a vegetarian diet, it is not recommended to keep them on a strictly vegetarian diet as they require a balance of nutrients that are difficult to obtain from plant sources alone.
Since Bearded Dragons can’t eat traditional vegetarian protein sources, keeping a Bearded Dragon on a vegetarian diet will lead to deficiencies and will eventually lead to sicknesses and early death.
Protein is an essential nutrient for bearded dragons, and while some plant-based protein sources such as legumes and soy can be incorporated into their diet, they should not be the sole source of protein. Additionally, bearded dragons require calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals, which are primarily found in animal-based foods such as insects.
Feeding a strictly vegetarian diet to bearded dragons can result in nutrient deficiencies and health problems, such as metabolic bone disease. This disease can occur due to a lack of calcium in the diet, leading to weakened bones, and can be fatal if left untreated.
#4: Can Bearded Dragons get Sunburned?
Yes, bearded dragons can get sunburned, just like humans and other animals. Sunburn in bearded dragons is caused by overexposure to UVB radiation, which can damage their skin and eyes.
Bearded dragons require exposure to UVB radiation to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. However, too much exposure to UVB radiation can cause sunburn and other health problems. Symptoms of sunburn in bearded dragons include red, inflamed skin, blistering, and peeling.
To prevent sunburn in bearded dragons, it’s essential to provide them with a basking spot that is properly regulated with a UVB bulb. The bulb should be replaced every six months as the amount of UVB radiation decreases over time. It’s also important to provide a shaded area in their enclosure where they can cool off if they get too hot.
Only a single, limited area in your beardie’s cage should have a UVB lamp. This allows your reptile to self-regulate, which they need to be able to do as cold-blooded creatures.
Additionally, it’s recommended to mist bearded dragons with water regularly to keep their skin hydrated and prevent dryness, which can make them more susceptible to sunburn.
If you suspect that your bearded dragon has sunburn, it’s important to provide them with appropriate care and seek veterinary attention if the symptoms persist or worsen. Treatment may include medication to alleviate pain and inflammation, along with supportive care such as hydration and adjusting their enclosure to prevent further damage.
#5: Can Bearded Dragons drown/drown themselves?
Yes, bearded dragons can drown, and they can also drown themselves if they are not provided with appropriate water sources or if they are placed in water that is too deep.
Bearded dragons are not strong swimmers and can quickly become exhausted if they are forced to swim for an extended period. Additionally, if they are unable to reach the surface to breathe, they can drown.
To prevent drowning, it’s essential to provide bearded dragons with shallow water sources, such as a small bowl, that they can easily climb in and out of. It’s also recommended to supervise them while they are in or near water and never leave them unattended.
Bearded dragons may also be at risk of drowning themselves if they are housed in an enclosure with a deep water source, such as a large pool. They may accidentally fall into the water and be unable to climb out, leading to drowning. It’s important to ensure that any water sources in their enclosure are appropriately sized and have an escape route to prevent accidents.
#6: Can Bearded Dragons Cry?
No, bearded dragons cannot cry in the way that humans do. Crying involves the production of tears from the tear ducts, which is a biological function unique to mammals.
However, bearded dragons can produce liquid from their eyes that may be mistaken for tears. This liquid is usually associated with stress or illness and is not related to emotional distress or sadness.
When bearded dragons are stressed or feel threatened, they may produce a liquid from their eyes that helps protect their eyes and remove any irritants. This liquid is often clear and can sometimes be mistaken for tears.
If you notice liquid coming from your bearded dragon’s eyes, it’s important to monitor their behavior and health closely. If the liquid is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lethargy or a lack of appetite, it’s recommended to seek veterinary attention to rule out any underlying health problems.
#7: Can Bearded Dragons Sneeze?
Yes, bearded dragons can sneeze, and it is normal behavior for them. Like humans and other animals, sneezing is a reflex that helps clear the respiratory system of irritants or foreign particles.
Bearded dragons may sneeze occasionally as a way to expel dust, debris, or other irritants that they have inhaled. This is a natural response and not typically a cause for concern unless it is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or nasal discharge.
However, if you notice that your bearded dragon is sneezing frequently or seems to be having difficulty breathing, it’s important to monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if the symptoms persist or worsen.
In some cases, frequent sneezing can be a sign of an underlying health problem such as a respiratory infection, which requires prompt treatment to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Some of these bearded dragon questions are critical to understand, while others are more like fun facts. However, most of the questions are lesser-known facts that bearded dragon owners should know about. If you have friends with beardies, make sure to send them this article – they are guaranteed to learn a few things!
Leave your own favorite fun facts about bearded dragons in the comments!