General Questions
Below are common questions about bearded dragon biology, behavior, etc.
Can bearded dragons hear?
Yes, bearded dragons can hear - and they can hear very well. They are also extremely sensitive to vibrations and will usually be able to detect someone's movement.
Can bearded dragons see color?
Yes, bearded dragons have very useful vision to hunt for food. They can see full color, however their depth perception is bad since their eyes are on the sides of their head (causing them to run into things).
Can bearded dragons swim?
Yes, bearded dragons can swim. Some dragons are actually very good swimmers. However, it is a life/death scenario for your dragon so always monitor it when he/she is swimming and don't purposefully force your dragon to swim.
Do bearded dragons bite?
Yes, bearded dragons can bite whenever they feel threatened or are in a bad mood. Be careful because their bites can hurt and can sometimes draw blood.
Do bearded dragons carry salmonella?
Yes, all lizards carry salmonella. Keep in mind though, you have a higher risk of getting salmonella from handling eggs at the supermarket than you do from your bearded dragon. However, it is still considered smart to wash your hands before and after handling a bearded dragon. You should also resist the urge to kiss your beardie.
Do bearded dragons climb?
Yes, bearded dragons are avid climbers and often climb rocks and trees in nature. You should make sure your dragon has a place to climb inside of his/her tank.
Do bearded dragons have teeth?
Yes, bearded dragon have teeth. Their front teeth are used for biting and tearing their prey and will fall out regularly. Their side teeth are used for eating plants and are permanent.
Do bearded dragons hibernate?
Yes, in the wild bearded dragons will go through brumation which is a semi-hibernation phase. As pets, most bearded dragons will go through a brumation cycle, but some may not. It is mostly dependent on the hormones within your dragon and the environment he/she is in.
Do bearded dragons lose their tails?
No, it is not common for bearded dragons to lose their tails. They are unable to re-grow any part of their body, so if they lose their tail, it is not coming back.
Do bearded dragons shed?
Yes, bearded dragons will occasionally shed their skin. Young dragons will frequently shed their skin as they grow, while adult dragons will shed a couple times per year.
Do bearded dragons smell?
Generally bearded dragons do not smell if they are kept clean. However, if they are not properly maintained then they can begin to develop an unpleasant odor.
Do bearded dragons have predators?
Yes, some predators of bearded dragons include birds, large snakes, larger lizards, and dogs.