The largest known recorded bearded dragon was discovered in Queensland, Australia in January 2020. The massive reptile reportedly weighed in at over 2. 1kgs, and measured 86 cm from the tip of its head to the end of its tail.
This would make it the longest bearded dragon ever recorded. Additional records show that the lizard had a very thick base to its neck which made it appear even larger than it already was.
Bearded dragons are among some of the most popular lizards in the pet trade. Their average lifespan is 8-10 years and they can grow up to 24-26 inches. They can also be found in the wild in Australia, as well as in other parts of the world.
They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal material.
It is uncertain if the record holder was kept as a pet, or found in the wild. However, the discovery of this incredibly large reptile is definitely noteworthy. It is a remarkable reminder of the amazing variety of life on our planet, and should serve as a reminder to respect and appreciate all living things.
How big is a giant bearded dragon?
A giant bearded dragon can range in size from 16 – 24 inches in total length, with males typically averaging larger than females. As they can be very active, with a life span of between 8 – 10 years, they require larger enclosures than most other reptiles.
Adult beardies typically need an enclosure that is at least 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall. That is roughly 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 1. 5 feet tall. Along with a spacious enclosure, giant bearded dragons also require plenty of UVB and thermal gradients.
So, while they may not be the biggest of lizards, they are certainly much larger than their smaller family members.
Why does my bearded dragon turn black?
Your bearded dragon may turn black as a result of a condition called “black beard. ” This is an instinctive defense mechanism in which the dragon darkens its color to blend in with its environment in order to protect itself from predators or to communicate with other members of its species.
Black beard is triggered by fear or stress, so it’s important to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and environment to make sure it is not feeling threatened or stressed. Additionally, some bearded dragons may naturally turn black as they age, so you may want to consult a veterinarian to rule out any other medical concerns.
How do I tell the age of my bearded dragon?
Figuring out the age of your bearded dragon can be a tricky task, but there are a few guidelines you can use to get an estimate. One of the most reliable methods is to look at the size of your bearded dragon.
Generally, hatchling bearded dragons measure between 4 and 6 inches, whereas a full-grown bearded dragon is usually between 18 and 24 inches. Additionally, you can use the age of a beardie’s frill and tail to estimate its age.
A baby beardie’s frill is typically smooth and unmarked, whereas an adult’s frill will be bumpy, slightly darker in color and filled with wrinkles. The same is true for the tail. A baby’s tail is thin and well-proportioned, while an adult’s tail is wider and sometimes not as long as it was when they were younger.
Finally, if you can see your bearded dragon’s claws, they can be a helpful indicator of the dragon’s age – adults tend to have thicker claws than younger ones. Ultimately, the size and features of your bearded dragon will give you the best estimate of their age.
Is it OK to buy bearded dragons from PetSmart?
It depends on your preferences, as PetSmart does sell bearded dragons. Purchasing from PetSmart can be beneficial because a knowledgeable employee is often present to answer questions about the beardie’s health, diet, and general care.
It’s also convenient to purchase from PetSmart as the store is easily accessible, and you could potentially pick up any supplies you need at the same time.
However, it is important to note that PetSmart sells animals sourced from wholesalers or breeders, the quality of which may vary. Buying from PetSmart carries the risk of buying a beardie that may not have been properly cared for, and which may also have hidden health issues.
It also may not be welfare-friendly, as PetSmart sources animals from puppy mills or other large, industrial-like facilities. Additionally, PetSmart typically has limited genetic diversity, so you may not get the perfect lizard for you.
Considering the potential risks and drawbacks, it is generally best to buy from a reputable, trusted breeder or a rescue organization. This helps to ensure that the beardie has been well-cared for, and that its health and genetics are of a higher quality.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase from PetSmart, or any other store for that matter, should be based on your individual preferences and needs.
Is 120 degrees to hot for bearded dragon?
No, 120 degrees is not too hot for a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons need a basking spot temperature of 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit, so 120 degrees is well within the range of acceptability. It is important to keep in mind, however, that temperatures in the upper end of a reptile’s preferred range can cause them to become overheated and stressed.
This could have an adverse effect on their health and well-being. Therefore, if you are providing an area with a temperature of 120 degrees for a bearded dragon, you should ensure that they have shady spots to move to that offer lower temperatures, and that they do not remain exposed to the warmer temperatures for too long.
In addition, you should monitor your bearded dragon carefully to ensure that they do not behave in a way that suggests they are becoming distressed or uncomfortable. In this way, you can ensure that your bearded dragon remains healthy and happy in temperatures up to 120 degrees.
What happens if bearded dragon gets too hot?
If a bearded dragon gets too hot, it can become dehydrated and be at risk of suffering from heatstroke. This can have serious and potentially fatal consequences, so it’s important that the terrarium or enclosure where the bearded dragon is kept is regulated for the correct temperature.
When temperatures go over the ideal levels for a bearded dragon, it is important to take immediate action to cool it down. This could involve increasing ventilation, changing the substrate if an artificial one is used, and lowering the basking temperature of the enclosure using lamps, misting, and other cooling methods to reduce the heat.
It is important to regularly monitor the temperatures in an enclosure to ensure the bearded dragon is not at risk of becoming too hot, as this could lead to other illnesses or health issues.
How hot can a bearded dragon live in?
Bearded dragons, also known as Pogona, can live in warm temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C). It is essential to maintain temperature levels that are comfortable for your dragon throughout its living space.
Hot spots in their habitat should have temperatures between 95°F to 105°F (35°C to 40°C) during the daytime. For night time temperatures, you should try to maintain the temperature at 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
It is recommended that you provide a temperature gradient for your pet by providing different temperature zones in your dragon’s habitat. This will help him to regulate his body temperature better. Additionally, you should never use hot rocks or heating pads as they can cause burns or other injuries.
It is also important to remember to always monitor temperature levels in your dragon’s habitat as extreme temperatures can be harmful to their health.
Can bearded dragons feel love?
Bearded dragons are inquisitive and intelligent animals that possess a range of emotions and capabilities. So, yes, bearded dragons can feel love. It is believed that they develop close connections with their owners and even recognize individual faces.
Like any other pet, bearded dragons can form attachments to their owners due to the regular interaction they receive and their emotional needs being met. Signs that a bearded dragon loves its owner can include: following the owner around the enclosure, sitting close to or facing its owner, lying down when being touched, and responding to its name being called.
Although bearded dragons cannot express their emotions in the same way as other pets, it is clear that they form emotional bonds with their human companions. With patience and regular handling, your bearded dragon can form a strong bond with you, built on trust and feel love.
Do female Beardies live longer?
On average, female Beardies have a slightly longer lifespan than their male companions. Average life expectancy for a Bearded Dragon is 8-12 years, with some select specimens living as long as 15-20 years.
Male Beardies tend to live slightly shorter lives due to their more active lifestyle and slightly more aggressive nature. Female Beardies, on the other hand, have a slightly more docile nature and tend not to take as many risks, resulting in a longer lifespan overall.
Some owners swear that female Beardies live the longest due to meticulous care, diet and environmental management, while others believe the slight difference in life expectancy is due to the female Beardie’s more relaxed lifestyle.
Ultimately, the life expectancy of any Beardie all depends on its individual genetics, as well as its owner’s ability to properly care for and look after their pet.