Dear VetBabble,
Can I give my Bearded Dragon a bath when he gets older? What do they prefer to eat? What activities do they like most?
No worries! We’re here to help answer your questions about Bearded Dragon care, diet, and activities. It’s great that you want to provide the best possible life for your scaly companion!
Bathing Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragons, even when they get older, can certainly have regular soaks, and they might appreciate it, especially during shedding times. When preparing a bath for your Bearded Dragon, use warm water and fill a container no higher than your pet’s shoulder. This will ensure they feel safe and comfortable while getting clean. It’s also crucial to never leave your Bearded Dragon unsupervised while they are bathing, as accidents can happen.
Dietary Preferences
Bearded Dragons are omnivorous and enjoy a mix of both plant and animal matter in their diet. In general, about 20% of their diet should be greens and veggies, which can include carrots, green beans, squash, mustard greens, collard greens, and dandelion greens. Offering a variety of these foods can help provide your Bearded Dragon with all the nutrients they need.
As for animal matter, prey should be of an appropriate size for your Bearded Dragon to digest easily. This can include crickets, locusts, or dubia roaches. Wax worms make great treats too! However, never feed your pet insects caught indoors or from your yard, as they can carry pesticides and other harmful substances. It’s best to raise your own insects, purchase them online, or buy them from a reputable pet store.
Activities and Socializing
Bearded Dragons enjoy being held once they get used to it, and they are very curious about their environment. Establish trust and regular handling can help build a stronger bond between you and your Bearded Dragon. Giving your pet some supervised time to explore outside their enclosure or providing them with an environment that encourages climbing and other activities can help keep them active and happy.
To learn more about how to care for a Bearded Dragon, have a look at our care guide for more tips and information. If you’re interested in the care of other reptile species, we also have general care guides for snakes, iguanas, and even frogs!
We hope this information helps you provide the best possible care for your Bearded Dragon and wish you a wonderful journey with your scaly friend! If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
