If you are weighing up getting one, or just curious, this guide has all the facts on them you need.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Bearded Dragon?<\/span>The Bearded Dragon\u2019s scientific name is Pogona vitticeps.<\/span> They are also known as the Inland Bearded Dragon.<\/span><\/span> They get the name bearded dragon from the way they puff up their throat when they become excited or angry.<\/span><\/span> This gives them a bearded look.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nThere are so many things to consider when researching this lizard, their behaviour, lifespan, housing, diet and much more, read on to get this info.<\/span><\/p>\nBasic Facts<\/span><\/u><\/h2>\nThere are other species within this group, such as the Coastal Bearded Dragon, the Western Bearded Dragon, the Black-soil Bearded Dragon, the Kimberly Bearded Dragon, the Nullabor’s Bearded Dragon, and the Dwarf Bearded Dragon.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Coastal and Black-soil Bearded Dragon are sometimes found in pet stores in the United States, but the most common Bearded Dragon kept as a pet is the Inland variety.<\/span><\/p>\nBarded Dragon Behavior<\/span><\/h3>\nEach Bearded Dragon, like any other creature, has his own personality.<\/span>In general, however, the Bearded Dragon has a calm, passive temperament.<\/span><\/span>He is content to spend most of his time in his tank, looks forward to interacting with his humans, particularly at mealtimes, and is typically easy to get along with.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bearded Dragon has a few distinctive behaviors that give you some insight into how he is feeling.<\/span>If your Beardie is young, you may notice him “waving” at you with one arm.<\/span><\/span>:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis slow sweep is his way of saying he is nervous and does not pose a threat.<\/span> The opposite of this behavior is the head bob.<\/span><\/span> They head bob to show dominance.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTheir most common behavior is when they puff up and darken their throat, creating the appearance they have a beard.<\/span> Your Beardie may do this if he is ill, feels threatened, or to impress females.<\/span><\/span> The Bearded Dragon can also change his overall body color, not just the area around his throat.<\/span><\/span> He may darken if he is ill or stressed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nOne behavior you want to watch for that means something is wrong is glass surfing.<\/span> <\/p>\nIf your Bearded Dragon starts to run along the side of his tank, or stands on his back legs and tries to run up the side, he is probably experiencing stress.<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\nYou may not realize this is a stress-related behavior, in fact, it can actually look amusing.<\/span> However, it means something is wrong.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIf he seems otherwise healthy, there are some things you should consider.<\/span> He may need a larger tank or more time outside his enclosure, as glass surfing is often a sign of boredom.<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n<\/p>\nIt is important to realize that glass surfing is an indicator that something is wrong in your Beardie’s environment.<\/span><\/p>\nHow big are Bearded Dragons?<\/span><\/h3>\nBearded dragons can range from 12 to 24 inches long.<\/span> Their size depends on their gender, species, the type of diet they eat and their living environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nLifespan<\/span><\/h3>\nBearded dragons can typically live into their early teens with proper care.<\/span> You can typically find Bearded Dragons at pet stores that are between three and four months old.<\/span><\/span> Getting a young Bearded Dragon allows you years to bond with and enjoy your pet.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBearded Dragon Care<\/span><\/h2>\nWhat is the best size housing tank?<\/span><\/strong> The size of the Bearded Dragon determines the size of the cage.<\/span><\/span> If the Bearded Dragon is not in a large enough tank his growth will be stunted.<\/span><\/span> A young Bearded Dragon will be fine in a 20-gallon tank, but as he matures, plan on sizing up to a 100-gallon tank.<\/span><\/span> The general rule is to provide 1.<\/span><\/span>5 to 2 square feet of space for an adult Bearded Dragon.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n