1|10|26 - Learn About Bearded Dragons: A Pet Reptile Adventure!
Hello, reptile explorer! Have you ever met a lizard with a friendly face, spiky “beard,” and a calm personality? Say hello to the bearded dragon—one of the coolest pet reptiles around! Today we’re going on a hands-on adventure to learn what makes these scaly friends so special and how to care for them.
What Is a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons are lizards that come from the warm deserts of Australia. They get their name from the spiky skin under their chin, called a “beard.” When they feel excited or surprised, they can puff it up to look bigger—no fire breathing required!
They’re known for being:
Friendly and gentle
Curious and calm
Easy to handle with adult help
Where Do They Come From?
In the wild, bearded dragons live in hot, dry places with lots of rocks and sunshine. They love to bask (warm up) under the sun and climb on logs and stones. When kept as pets, they need a home that feels like their desert habitat.
A Bearded Dragon’s Home
A bearded dragon’s tank is like a mini desert playground!
Inside you’ll find:
🌞 Heat and light (to keep them warm and healthy)
🪵 Rocks and branches for climbing and basking
🥣 Food and water dishes
🏜️ Sand or reptile carpet on the floor
With the right setup, your dragon can explore, rest, and feel right at home!
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and insects.
Their menu can include:
🥬 Leafy greens (like collard or mustard greens)
🥕 Veggies (like squash or bell peppers)
🦗 Insects (like crickets or mealworms—yummy!)
Always ask an adult to help with feeding and to make sure foods are safe!
Bearded Dragon Behaviors to Watch
Bearded dragons have fun ways to “talk” with their bodies:
▶️ Arm waving means “Hello!” or “I’m friendly.”
▶️ Head bobbing can mean excitement or showing confidence.
▶️ Basking under the light helps them digest food and stay healthy.
Watching these behaviors is like learning a new language!
Pet Reptile Adventure Activities
Dragon Journal - Draw your bearded dragon and write what it did today—did it eat, bask, or explore?
Habitat Designer - Sketch or build a model of the perfect bearded dragon tank with rocks, lights, and plants.
Food Sort Game - Cut out pictures of foods and sort them into “dragon eats” and “dragon does not eat.”
Reptile Observation Time - Sit quietly and watch your dragon for 10 minutes. What movements do you notice?
Name Your Dragon - Create a cool name like Spike, Sunny, or Ember—and design a name badge!
Fun Bearded Dragon Facts
Bearded dragons can recognize their owners.
They use sunlight (or special lights) to stay healthy.
Baby dragons are called hatchlings.
They can live 10 years or more with good care.
Their “beard” turns darker when they’re excited or curious!
📚 Recommended Children’s Books About Bearded Dragons
1. I Want a Bearded Dragon — Tristan Pulsifer & Jacquelyn Elnor Johnson
A lively chapter book all about what it’s like to have a pet bearded dragon, how to care for one, where they come from, what they eat, and how to keep them healthy and happy. Written for kids ages about 8–12 with photos and easy explanations.
2. Bearded Dragon for Kids: Learn to Care for, Feed, and Enjoy Your New Reptile Friend
Educational and engaging, this book teaches young readers about bearded dragon behavior, diet, habitat setup, and daily care. Colorful photos and simple explanations make it great for kids curious about pet reptiles.
3. Bearded Dragons — Elizabeth Raum
A nonfiction book designed for ages 8–10 featuring bearded dragon facts including what they look like, where they live, and how they act. A good choice for elementary readers who want a factual introduction.
4. Bearded Dragons (Our Weird Pets) — Marco Andres
A short, kid-oriented book that explains how bearded dragons live and how to care for them, with useful illustrations and straightforward information.
Bearded dragons are amazing pets that teach us responsibility, patience, and respect for animals. Whether you’re caring for one or just learning about them, you’re on a true pet reptile adventure!
