Bathing your bearded dragon is important for several reasons. Hydration is one of the biggest ones. Many beardies don't like drinking from bowls, but will happily slurp up their bathwater. Baths are of course also important for hygiene.
As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.
Even baby bearded dragons can benefit from a nice soak every once in a while! As long as they're at least a couple months old, I recommend you start acclimating them young. There's actually no age a bearded dragon should be before having their first bath.
Use lukewarm water that's between 85 and 100 F (29.4 and 37.7 C). Water that's too hot could burn your dragon, but because he is cold blooded and relies on his surroundings for warmth, a bath that's too cold could also cause your dragon's body to shut down.
Drying. Let your beardie soak for about 15 – 20 minutes. Once bath time is over, gently pat your pet dry with a soft sowel. This is very important!
Bearded dragons do like to be pet, as long as they've been socialized and are in the right mood. As long as you pay attention to the body language and behavior of your beardie, you'll be able to enjoy some fun petting sessions!
Tap water may be too cold for bearded dragons, which require warm water for their baths. Tap water may contain bacteria that could cause infections in bearded dragons if they ingest it or if it enters their eyes or nose during their bath.
When bathing the bearded dragon never use any soaps or detergents. The bearded dragon will most likely take a few drinks of the water and you don't want it drinking any suds. Just using fresh tap water that has been dechlorinated will suffice. At this point, you can gently splash water on your bearded dragon.
If their terrarium is too cold, bearded dragons may attempt to regulate their body temperature by flattening out in order to absorb as much heat as possible. If you notice your dragon pancaking a lot in his tank, this is likely the cause.
When kept in captivity, bearded dragons need a clean, fresh water source. It is necessary to provide them fresh, clean water every day so they remain hydrated. Some leafy green vegetables such as kale and collards can provide a little moisture as well.
For young bearded dragons from age 4 to 18 months, expect them to poop at least every other day. As they age towards 18 months, they often decrease their poop schedules to just 2 to 3 times a week. What is this? Adult bearded dragons will poop anywhere from 1 to 7 times each week.
How often should I feed my bearded dragon? Most young bearded dragons should eat once or twice daily, while older lizards may only eat every 24-72 hours, depending upon each pet's individual appetite.
Bearded dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.
Since bearded dragons are naturally solitary creatures, they do not get lonely if placed alone in a cage or left for some time away from their keeper. They much prefer having their food and heat to themselves rather than sharing it with another bearded dragon.
Bearded Dragon Bites
Dragons rarely bite. When they do, it's rarely serious. A dragon bite may be painful because their teeth are sharp. If you are bitten, the site may swell and bleed.
Accordingly, it is important to avoid handling your bearded dragon (particularly if it is a young or small animal) around any of your other pets. This can also include other reptiles, who may also act aggressively or cause anxiety for your dragon.
You may even find your bearded dragon scratching at the glass from time to time. This behavior is generally associated with restlessness and boredom. As a bearded dragon owner you want to keep your reptile friend entertained and have fun with him as well.
Bearded dragons, or 'beardies', are one of the most popular lizards in captivity in the UK. Their lifespan is usually 10 to 15 years or more, so they're quite a commitment. It's important to replicate their natural habitat as best you can.