If you are considering owning a lizard as a pet, you definitely want to consider a baby bearded dragon. Baby bearded dragons, or “beardies” as they are commonly know as, make wonderful pets, because they are very easy going and tame. They have become a very popular pet for beginners and children who are looking for an exotic lizard, because of their generally calm nature and interesting, spiked look.
Baby bearded dragons have a very specific and distinct look. Their heads are wide and quite triangular in shape and they have what looks to be spikes running along the bottom of their chin, down the sides of their bodies all the way down to their tails. These spikes are not harmful, or even painful, to children or adults alike. They just look exotic and interesting.
When a baby bearded dragon feels scared he may puff out the pouch under his chin in order to look larger and intimidate the treat. Puffing out this pouch is why they are called, “Bearded” dragons. It is very rare that a baby bearded dragon will bite humans, even in this agitated stage.
You will need to house your baby bearded dragon in a 20 gallon tank, which should be plenty of room to move about, explore, and even dig.
They are native to very warm and dry habitats that are surrounded by sparse vegetation. Because of this, you will need to have proper lighting and a heat lamp to make sure your baby “beardie” stays warm and gets the correct amount of light. 
Your baby bearded dragon will need a UAB light and should receive between 12 to 14 hours of this special UVB light each day to prevent the development of Metabolic Bone Disease and other diseases.
Bearded dragons need heat to be able to digest their food, so you will also need to keep the temperature inside the take, using a heat lamp, between 100-110 degrees fahrenheit for you baby. When your baby bearded dragon becomes an adult you can set it to 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bearded dragons are not fussy eaters and can eat fruits and vegetables as well as insects, which is why they are called omnivores. Baby bearded dragons need more vegetables then insects until they get older.
Baby Bearded Dragon’s can eat:
- Kale
- Red Leif Lettuce
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Cabbage
- Carrots (cut up VERY small)
- Parsley
- Turnip greens
The type of substrate you use for your baby bearded dragon is very important, because they can be very sloppy eaters and can ingest pieces of that substrate. It is best to use a carpet for the container, which is more safe for your baby bearded dragon and still easy to clean up after them.
Baby bearded dragons are very social lizards and must be taken out of their cage at least once per day to explore their surroundings and be around you and the family. You also will want to soak them several times a week as well as give them a light misting several times a day to make sure that they stay hydrated.
Bearded dragons can live for up to fifteen years and require a long term commitment to giving them the correct amount of care and dedication, so please consider this before making a final decision on owning these special and sweet exotic pets.
