Choosing a Bearded Dragon

If you've made the decision to own a bearded dragon, your next big decision is which one to choose! It's important to choose a healthy dragon - and ideally one which will interact with you. Owning a beardie is a commitment, like any other pet, so here's a quick guide to making the right choice.

Which gender should I choose?

Both male and female bearded dragons make good pets. The biggest difference between the two that you might want to consider is that males tend to grow larger and often display more personality and character.

How many bearded dragons should I get?

This is entirely up to you! Two bearded dragons isn't necessarily double the effort than one - but there are extra considerations to owning more than one. Beardies are actually quite social creatures so, on their own, may be a little deprived of a companion. A similarly-sized pair of male and female bearded dragons is a great match. It's important not to keep two male dragons together - there's a very good chance they will get into some very aggressive fights!

What about personality?

Just like us, all bearded dragons have their own personalities. Some will be more inquisitive and personable than others, some will be a little more aggressive than others too. It's a bit of a lottery as to what kind of character a bearded dragon is - but generally they are all perfectly safe, friendly and love to be handled!

What to avoid

There are a few signs that a bearded dragon might not be 100% fit, happy or healthy. You can check for these when choosing your bearded dragon - after all, you'll want your beardie to be full of life and as trouble-free as possible!

When looking at prospective dragons, whether it be from a shop, breeder or friend, make sure the beardie isn't standing on the ground with it's eyes closed. This can mean that the dragon is feeling unwell. If you are looking at dragons in an enclosure and a few appear this way, there's a chance that there's an infection going around them - so it's best to steer clear.

Equally it's best to avoid choosing dragons that are too thin or ones with skinny tails. The same goes for ones which have dirty vents! Try and buy your new bearded dragon from a recognised, well-know source - and don't be afraid to ask questions. Unfortunately most sick looking bearded dragons are indeed unwell - you may be in for an early disappointment.

What are the signs of a healthy bearded dragon?

Try to pick a bearded dragon that has bright eyes, all of it's toes and a full tail!

The body of a healthy bearded dragon is generally well formed, with no skinny areas that show the shape of the skeleton's bones underneath. A bearded dragon that is active or basking with head raised is likely to be a healthy little fella! If you can examine the underside of the dragon - it's vent area should be smoothly in line with the body and should be clean of any dirtiness!

There's other thing you can do to help ensure the dragon you choose is healthy. Ask the owner to feed the dragon - they should eat their greens and crickets too. Have a good look at the creature's enclosure to make sure it's well kept and cleaned. A dragon's surroundings can have a great impact on their health.

Most importantly, use your common sense. It's vital that you make the right decision when choosing a bearded dragon - it will stand you in good stead for a happy and colourful life together!